As a veterinarian, nothing is more frustrating than having to euthanize a beloved pet because of financial constraints. Medical care for both humans and animals is expensive due to the cost of supplies, staff wages and the high cost of veterinary/medical college. Most clinics offer Care Credit which allows a family to make payments over time. But what if the pet guardian does not qualify for this service? Is there anything else available? The answer is maybe.
In the last few years, I have seen some animal charities help financially strapped families pay for their pet’s medical treatments. Most require an extensive application that includes copies of the pet’s medical record as well as verification of the owner’s finances. Due to the overwhelming number of requests, most charities have specific criteria such as dogs with heart disease, cats with treatable cancer or they may be breed specific. Some charities are regional, requiring proof of residence in a specific geographic area for assistance. The links below provide lists of charitable organizations offering assistance for pet health care.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3549and http://speakingforspot.com/index.php?p=Financial-Assistance-for-Veterinary-Care.