When we say pets are our children, we aren’t just talking about our never-ending love for our four-legged family members. We’re also talking about how much pet expenses can cost, especially for unforeseen circumstances. There is no doubt in this world that our love for our pets is priceless. But, money doesn’t grow on trees. That’s why we decided to put together a guide to financial help for pet owners!
We never know when our pets may get sick or injured. Fortunately, there are some amazing organizations out there helping pet owners afford their pets, keeping them happy and healthy.
Continue reading to discover all the kinds of financial help for pet owners out there!
The Pet Fund
This nonprofit organization is an essential resource for pet owners who are struggling to afford care for their animals suffering from severe conditions.
The Pet Fund will help pet owners pay for any non-urgent and non-basic services. These services include all treatments, except anything that is routine (like a check-up) or requires emergency assistance (like a broken leg.)
There is often a waitlist for the Pet Fund, but that shouldn’t discourage you from applying! To get started, you’ll need to email the Pet Fund directly for approval before submitting your application.
Live Like Roo
Dedicated to helping pets sick with cancer, Live Like Roo is an awesome national non-profit organization based in Chicago. This organization helps pet owners find support after receiving their pets’ cancer diagnoses. Live Like Roo has a financial assistance program that offers grants from $500 to $1500 to help ease the costs of cancer treatment. Applications are open now.
Waggle
Sort of like the GoFundMefor pets, Waggle is a crowdfunding platform that allows pet owners to create campaigns for their sick four-legged friends. This platform has saved many pets from abandonment or, worse, euthanasia.
What is unique about Waggle is that it transfers the collected funds directly to veterinarians, assuring that donors’ dollars go straight to treatment costs. Also, Waggle has a large network of donors, from everyday folks to celebrities. A single campaign on Waggle could lead to a sponsorship from a huge donor, saving your pet’s life.
Diabetic Cats in Need
Feline diabetes is a common cat condition that comes with costs that not every pet owner can afford. Diabetic Cats in Need eases this struggle, through its assistance programs. These programs support cat owners in accessing insulin, test kits, and other necessary supplies for their diabetic kitties.
Paws 4 A Cure
This all-volunteer organization is devoted to helping pet owners afford the steep costs of veterinary bills for their sick pets. Keri began Paws 4 A Cure after watching her Chow Chow Nikko battle cancer and go to doggy heaven. Her goal is to help ease an already stressful time by reducing the financial burden that severe diseases bring.
Today, Paws 4 A Cure is a donation-based fund that is actively accepting applications from individuals and families with pets facing serious illnesses or injuries. Paws 4 A Cure does not provide funds for routine treatment, neutering/spaying, or any basic services.
The Humane Society
The Humane Society is a national organization that is a great resource hub. The site has great pet care resources, such as finding affordable spay and neutering services.
CareCredit
CareCredit simplifies financing your pet’s care, no matter if it’s routine checkups or surgery. It works just like a credit card, but can only be used to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses at the vet (no pet toy shopping sprees happening with this card!)
One cool benefit of CareCredit is that its pre-qualification process will not harm your credit score as a normal credit card application would. This way, you can at least see if CareCredit is an option for you without making any serious commitments.
If you opt for CareCredit, it’s important to check if your vet accepts CareCredit. Over 200,000 do, but it is always better to double-check.
GoFundMe
Crowdfunding campaigns are one of the best ways to raise funds for your pet’s treatment. GoFundMe has become the top online fundraising platform for various initiatives. It is a great opportunity to secure funds for your pet, as GoFundMe’s platforms let you illustrate your pet’s reality through photos and writing your pet’s story.
GoFundMe campaigns are also very easy to share. Your campaign can be public, making it visible to anyone who has the link. You can easily share your GoFundMe campaign through social media, email, or text.
Keeping our pets happy and healthy isn’t always the most affordable thing. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed to look for assistance – financial help for pet owners exists because many pet owners, just like you, cannot afford the exorbitant costs of veterinary care.
We hope these financial resources for pet owners help you and your four-legged friend live your best lives, together!
