Many pet owners consider their pets family, so when they are sick or in need their family members want to do all they can to help. But the cost of veterinary care, especially for urgent or emergency veterinary care, can be significant and may be outside the reach of some pet owners.
Although the Connecticut Humane Society’s Fox Memorial Clinic does not provide emergency vet care, it does offer reduced-fee veterinary care for non-emergency medical cases. The Connecticut Humane Society also runs a free Pet Food Pantry to assist pet owners in need.
In addition to the resources noted above, pet owners should check out other programs below. CHS is not affiliated with any of these organizations. You will need to contact them directly to find out if you qualify for services.
Pet owners can visit the PetHelpFinder site to search for financially friendly pet resources. Through this site, you may be able to find lists of veterinary hospitals, food pantry/supplies, and boarding services.
Owners local to Connecticut can visit the state Department of Agriculture site and consider applying for a spay/neuter voucher through the Animal Population Control Program. Vouchers help cover some of the cost of spaying/neutering, and some vaccines for cats and dogs.
Use GoFundMe.com or Waggle.org to set up a crowdfunding page to fundraise for your pet’s medical expenses.
Visit the CareCredit and ScratchPay websites to look into financing options for medical/veterinary bills and for lists of hospitals that accept these payment options. (The Fox Memorial Clinic does not accept CareCredit or ScratchPay.)
Speak to your bank and credit card companies about a loan or a temporary credit line increase.
Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF)
The CVMF may have grant funding and vouchers available to pet owners who receive some form of public assistance.
Provides veterinary assistance for those who are in financial hardship or victims of domestic abuse. Grants are awarded based on need, qualifications, and urgency.
Dogology, 860-352-2352
A pet food pantry in Canton, CT, that offers pet food at no charge and is open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Call for more information.
Pets of the Homeless
Provides connections to free supplies, food, and clinic services in the area to care for pet companions of the homeless.
The Pet Fund
Provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need non-urgent, non-basic veterinary care and cannot afford expensive surgeries or medical treatments.
MyPetChild.com
Provides one-time grants up to $200 to pet owners in financial need. This funding can only be applied to veterinary treatment that is non-routine and non-emergency.
Bow Wow Buddies Foundation
Provides grants of up to $2,500 for certain serious conditions and emergency services.
Frankie’s Friends
Provides grants of up to $1,500 for owned pets in need of lifesaving emergency or specialty veterinary care.
Paws 4 a Cure
Provides grants of up to $500 for veterinary care for illnesses and injury treatment which also includes medication, insulin, Heartworm positive treatment and medical equipment such as wheelchairs.
STARelief and Pet Assistance
Provides grants of $100-$500 for emergency medical care and end-of-life services.
Hope Mending Hearts
Provides grants of $100-$200 for animals who need immediate veterinary care.
The Mosby Foundation
Provides grants for non-emergency, non-routine medical care.
The Magic Bullet Fund
Assists with fundraising for non-emergency cancer treatment for pets.
Visit this link for a listing of low-fee spay/neuter clinics and programs in CT.
Pet owners may also want to consider contacting 211 to find out what other support, services or referrals may be available to them.
PAWS, another rescue in CT, also has a financial aid page which may include additional resources not included on this list.