A collection of resources for pet parents in crisis
Every year, one in three pets needs emergency treatment, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $10,000. Insurance can be a valuable lifeline in such a crisis, but the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reports that only 1.7% of American pets are insured. Even then, pet parents usually have to pay the full bill upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
This leaves a lot of pet parents in a precarious position, faced with losing their beloved pet if they can’t conjure up impossible amounts of money at a moment’s notice. In fact, our founder Rebecca Perry-Torres started the Life Long Paws Foundation after witnessing this very scenario.
Perhaps you’re in that position right now, panicking about how you’ll get your fur baby the vital care they need. Or perhaps you’re simply researching your options should you ever need them. In either case, we hope you’ll find the information you need in this comprehensive collection of emergency resources.
Options in an emergency
If your pet has a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment, consider the following options for quick assistance.
Negotiate
Just like human healthcare, the cost of veterinary treatment can often be negotiated. For example, your vet may be able to offer you a discount for cash payment. If that’s not an option, you can ask them to break down the individual elements of treatment. In some situations, it may be possible to forgo some of the less critical aspects of treatment if it means that lifesaving care can be provided.
Remember: your vet wants to see your fur baby pull through, too! So always make them aware of your circumstances and ask what they can do to make the treatment more affordable.
Ask about payment options
Many vets are very sympathetic to pet parents in crisis and some have policies in place to help. Ask your vet if they offer alternative payment options for your pet’s treatment, such as:
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Affordable payment plans with monthly or weekly installments.
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Accepting payment directly from your insurance provider.
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Financing through a preferred credit provider.
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Sliding-scale fees based on income.
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Reduced fees for seniors, veterans, etc.
If you’re able to offer a down payment or partial payment, this may open up more options.
You can also check resources like Pawlicy Advisor and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance for guidance on pet care costs.
Ask about funds, foundations, or charities
Some vet clinics have in-house funds to cover treatment for those in financial hardship, while larger vet clinics and hospital groups are often associated with foundations or charities. Banfield and VCA Hospitals both offer the HOPE Fund to provide immediate lifesaving care.
Search Pet Help Finder
Pet Help Finder is a search tool to connect pet parents with financially friendly resources. You can use their veterinary care tool to find providers in your area who meet certain criteria like:
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Lower prices than average in their community.
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Affordable payment options and billing services.
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Sliding-scale prices for people on low incomes.
Contact a veterinary college
Some veterinary colleges run treatment clinics to give their students the opportunity to gain clinical experience. The low-cost treatment is supervised by qualified and experienced clinicians, so you can rest assured your fur baby is in good hands.
Contact local shelters and humane societies
Your local shelter or humane society could be a good place to turn in a crisis. Some use donations to create hardship funds or affordable care programs, and some even offer low-cost treatment in certain situations. Even if your local organization is unable to help you themselves, they are likely to be knowledgeable about other resources in your area and may have relationships with low-cost providers.
Scratchpay
Scratchpay is an online payment plan designed especially for vet costs. Provided your vet is registered with Scratchpay, it pays the vet upfront, and then you pay Scratchpay back in installments. You can choose to pay over five, 12 or 24 installments, and interest is built in. There’s also an interest-free option if you’re able to pay 20% upfront and then pay the remaining balance within 60 days.
Scratchpay doesn’t require a credit check so you’re more likely to be approved even if you’re in a tight spot financially. However, make sure you fully understand the interest, repayment terms, and penalties for late payment before committing.
Apply for a CareCard
CareCard is a type of credit card designed to be used for vet costs. Unlike a standard credit card, you can apply for it at your pet’s appointment and, if approved, use it instantly to pay for their care.
You’ll usually have an interest-free period at the start, so aim to pay off the balance during that time if you can. Keep in mind that if you miss a payment, interest can be applied retroactively to the whole balance.
More options in urgent situations
In a non-emergency situation, there are additional resources you may be able to access to help with treatment costs.
1. Apply for hardship funds or grants
For those experiencing financial hardship, there are many national and state nonprofits that may be able to offer funding towards vet care. See Dogster’s list of organizations for examples.
These typically require an application process, diagnosis, and treatment plan, which is why they’re not ideal for emergencies. However, they can be helpful if you’re able to wait.
2. Crowdfund
Consider reaching out to friends and family with a crowdfunding appeal. In addition to GoFundMe, there are dedicated pet crowdfunding sites like Waggle. Waggle pays the vet directly, promotes your pet’s page, and even partners with celebrities, influencers, and nonprofits.
Other crowdfunding sites include:
You can review GoFundMe’s tax guidance or consult a professional if needed.
3. Shop around
Ask for quotes at different clinics to compare costs or payment terms. If you can travel, you may find more affordable options in nearby towns.
For medication, check Chewy Pharmacy or GoodRx Pets to save money — Chewy currently offers 20% off your first order.
4. Consider a 0% APR loan or credit card
Going into debt should never be taken lightly, but in desperate times, it can be a lifeline. A 0% APR credit card or loan is among the better options.
With a 0% APR credit line, you won’t pay interest for a pre-agreed period. After that, the standard rate applies. Choose a card with a long interest-free period and low standard APR afterward.
If you can’t access 0% APR credit, look for specialist loan providers for pet care, as these often offer lower interest rates than general-use cards.
Planning for future care
Being unable to help your fur baby in a crisis is every pet parent’s worst fear. Reach out to vets, fellow pet parents, and local organizations to learn about available resources.
Although it’s not possible for everyone, pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial support. Check our article Pet Insurance: Are There Any Good Options? for advice on maximizing your policy’s value.
Please note that we’re not affiliated with Scratchpay, CareCard, or any other third party mentioned in this article. We’ve provided these resources solely for informational purposes, but we encourage you to research them before using them to make sure they’re the right choice for you and your pet.