Pawsitively Affordable: A Guide to Free and Low-Cost Pet Care

By Daniel Adair

A comprehensive guide to affordable emergency pet care options, including offerers of grants and discounted services, that can help you save money while still providing your pet with the care they need. Whether your pet is experiencing a minor injury or a life-threatening condition, this book will help you find affordable options to get them the care they need without breaking the bank.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teal Goat
• Release date: May 17, 2023

Book preview

Daniel Adair

Pawsitively Affordable

A Guide to Free and Lost-Cost Pet Care

First published by Teal Goat 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Daniel Adair

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Daniel Adair has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

Third edition

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Contents

Foreword

National Grants & Assistant Organizations

National Programs

State-Specific Programs

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut:

Delaware:

Florida

Georgia:

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa:

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Credit & Fundraising

CareCredit

Borrowing or Raising Money in a Pinch

Crowdfunding with Waggle.org

Closing Remarks

Foreword

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. We want to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. But what happens when an emergency strikes and we are left with unexpected medical bills? What if we can’t afford the expensive treatments and procedures that our pets need to recover?

This is where our book comes in. We understand the financial strain that emergency pet care can have on pet owners, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on ways to obtain low-cost emergency pet care, including spaying and neutering, and various ways to raise money if necessary.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering are essential procedures that not only prevent unwanted litters but also have many health benefits for your pets. Spaying your female pet reduces the risk of uterine infections, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer, while neutering your male pet decreases the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems. Moreover, fixed pets are often better-behaved, less aggressive, and more focused on their human companions.

Unfortunately, these procedures can come at a high cost, especially for low-income families. That’s why we’ve included detailed information on low-cost spay and neuter clinics and programs that can make these vital procedures more accessible and affordable.

Emergency Pet Care

Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time, and when they do, it’s crucial to act fast. But what if you can’t afford the emergency vet bills? This is where our book can help. We’ve included tips on how to prepare for emergencies and how to find affordable options for emergency care, such as low-cost clinics, pet insurance, and financial assistance programs.

Our book on low-cost emergency pet care is a must-read for any pet owner, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that every pet deserves access to quality medical care, and with the information in this book, you can ensure that your furry friend is always well-cared-for. Whether you’re facing a financial emergency or just looking to save money on routine care, our book has the resources and advice you need to make informed decisions about your pet’s health.

National Grants & Assistant Organizations

Below are several organizations and services that could be helpful for you and your pet in trying times. While the support of these organizations can be invaluable, there are several important things to note that will generally be the case for any of them:

Very few support programs will pay for ongoing expenses related to your pet’s condition, such as medication they need to take for an extended period (including for the rest of their life)

Most programs do not pay for procedures in full, but rather contribute a specific amount toward the procedure directly to the performing veterinarian. You will likely need to cover the difference or receive help from multiple sources.

Your own veterinarian is probably the best place to start seeking help. Many vets offer special discounts, grant programs, and favorable financing terms to their customers that are not widely publicized elsewhere. Check with multiple vets in your area for better rates or other available programs, as well.

Make sure you contact sources of aid before most care is provided. While you must provide short-term lifesaving care immediately as part of the terms of most grants, they will be unable to reimburse you for any care already provided or procedures already performed.

Most programs discussed only take applications via online forms or submissions via email. If you need to, get help from a computer-savvy family member to make sure your applications are filled out correctly and in full to give yourself the best possible chance of receiving assistance.

The inclusion of organizations, services, grants, or programs here does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. We do not and cannot vouch for any specific program listed, and highly recommend you research them yourself before contacting them seeking aid.

National Programs

Pet Rx Chop Card

https://rxchop.com/pet-rx-savings-card

You may be familiar with prescription discount cards for human medication. The Pet Rx Chop Card is the same, but for your pet, and hinges on the fact that most pet prescriptions are generics of human medication. To use it, print out the card or save it to your phone. Ask your vet for a written prescription when medication is required, then take it to a participating pharmacy (including most major chains like CVS and Walgreens). Present the card on each visit to receive the discount.

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation

https://www.bowwowbuddies.com/

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers grants of up to $2,500 to help dogs suffering from sickness or injury. Individuals may apply on behalf of one dog per year for financial assistance to treat issues such as broken limbs, intestinal blockage, or required amputations. Preventative, dental, or ongoing care are not covered in these grants. Be prepared with an estimated cost of treatment from the vet who will be providing care, as well as photos of your dog.

Frankie’s Friends

https://www.frankiesfriends.org/programs

Frankie’s Friends is one of the leading names in pet care assistance for those in need. In addition to specialty assistance for active duty and retired K9 officer dogs, wildlife veterinary care, and research grants to advance veterinary medicine, they offer three programs most likely to be directly applicable to a household pet owner.

The flagship Frankie’s Friends Fund exists to help family-owned pets who require lifesaving or specialized care when their owners are unable to afford treatment. The primary goal is to reduce euthanasia or rehoming as a result of being unable to pay veterinarian bills. Grants may cover up to $2,000 per pet and require an estimate from the veterinarian who will be performing the service and a good prognosis for the dog. Diagnostic care is not covered, so be sure you and your vet have a clear understanding of the problem before applying.

Bond’s Fund helps families with the cost for specialty eye care when the owners cannot cover the cost of treatment on their own. Assistance is limited specifically to ophthalmic treatments and not ongoing care, diagnoses, or medications. Applying requires your pet to have seen a veterinary ophthalmologist and an existing diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation helps owners of family pets with cancer diagnoses cover the costs of care. The Foundation requires that the pet’s care be overseen by a board-certified veterinary oncologist who believes the pet has a good prognosis if care is provided.

Handicapped Pets Foundation

https://hpets.org/

The Handicapped Pets Foundation is a non-profit that provides wheelchairs to pets in need of them due to old age, injury, or disability. There is no financial assistance included; if selected, you will receive a new or refurbished wheelchair to suit your dog’s needs. It is best to have discussed with your vet exactly the type of mobility assistance that would benefit your pet before applying, as clear and accurate information will improve your chances of being selected.

Help-A-Pet

https://www.help-a-pet.org/apply.html

Help-A-Pet provides grants for veterinary services, medication, or supplies to help sick or injured pets. They have specific income requirements to be considered: less than $20,000 per year for an individual or $40,000 for a family household. You must provide a copy of your federal tax return as part of the application process, and the application needs to be sent by mail rather than an online submission form.

Land of Pure Gold Foundation

http://landofpuregold.com/grants/index.htm

Land of Pure Gold offers up to $1,000 for cancer-related treatment exclusively for working dogs. Working dogs for disabled individuals as well as career-related dogs such as those in law enforcement or search and rescue are included. Therapy and emotional support dogs are not eligible for assistance. Applications must be submitted by mail and accompanied by an email describing your working dog and its situation.

CareCredit

https://www.carecredit.com/

CareCredit is not a grant or other direct financial assistance, but a specialty credit card that offers substantially reduced interest and special financing terms for qualifying medical procedures, including veterinarian costs for your pet. Like all lines of credit, it is subject to approval based on your specific financial situation, but it could be a great help for pet owners faced with significant unexpected costs to get their pets the care they need.

Magic Bullet Fund

https://themagicbulletfund.org/

Magic Bullet Fund will assist you in fundraising for your pet’s cancer-related surgery or chemotherapy treatments. Rather than a grant, if your application is approved, they will work with you to fundraise for your pet’s treatment. Your most recent federal tax return, most recent bank statements, and other evidence of need is included in the application, as well as word from your vet confirming the diagnosis and estimated cost of treatment.

The Mosby Foundation

https://themosbyfoundation.org/apply-for-aid/

The Mosby Foundation provides financial assistance for injured, critically ill, neglected, and abused dogs. They cannot provide assistance for diagnostic care such as x-rays or blood tests. They also require that your dog be neutered or spayed before being considered for assistance.

The Onyx & Breezy Foundation

https://www.onyxandbreezy.org/

The Onyx & Breezy Foundation offers grant packages for all types of pet care and animal support programs, including covering medical costs for individuals suffering from financial hardship. The application process does require a prior application to CareCredit, a credit account intended for medical bills, with either proof of denial or the available balance. Be prepared with a diagnosis and prognosis from your vet when completing the application.

The Pet Fund

https://thepetfund.com/for-pet-owners

The Pet Fund provides assistance for non-routine, non-urgent care. This includes treatments for conditions like cancer, heart, or kidney disease, but not things like broken bones, dental care, or vaccinations. The Pet Fund requires a phone call pre-screening your and your pet’s situation before you formally fill out the application for assistance.

RedRover Relief

https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/

RedRover provides grants to pet owners who make less than $60,000 per year and whose dog is in need of urgent care for a life-threatening illness or injury. RedRover does not cover any kind of support for ongoing care, including chemotherapy or treatments for chronic diseases. Before applying, you will require a diagnosis and treatment plan from your veterinarian, and your pet must have a favorable chance of a good quality of life after treatment.

https://redrover.org/relief-dv/dv-safe-escape-grants/

RedRover also offers grants to help victims of domestic violence find safety for their pets as well as their families. The grants are primarily provided to assist with the cost of pet boarding

Friends & Vets Helping Pets

https://friendsandvetshelpingpets.org/need-assitance/

Friends & Vets Helping Pets offers grants for curable diseases and injuries such as broken bones or expensive necessary medications. Its grants do not cover routine, ongoing, or diagnostic care. The application process is multi-stage, including an initial questionnaire, formal questionnaire, and final review after discussion with your veterinarian.

Hope Mending Hearts

http://www.hopemendinghearts.net/

Hope Mending Hearts provides financial assistance for pets who need urgent care while their owner is struggling with financial hardship. Applications are submitted online and applicants are usually contacted with a decision within one or two days. The average grant value is between $100 and $200. Animals must be spayed or neutered to be considered for this grant, and the grant is not usable for continuous care such as for cancer or diabetes, nor for diagnostic work.

Violet’s Friends in Need

https://oscarnewman.com/pages/violet-s-friends-in-need-fund

Violet’s Friends in Need seeks to aid pet owners who are faced with euthanizing or surrendering their pet solely due to inability to pay for required care. Funded by sales from the parent company Oscar Newman, Violet’s Friends considers grants for all types of urgent ailments and required care, including surgery, wheelchairs, medications, and more. Grants are considered and awarded every quarter. The owner must demonstrate that they practiced reasonable preventative care for their pet, provided any prompt care to stabilize them as a result of their illness or injury but cannot afford more permanent solutions, and that the prognosis if such care is provided is good.

Pets of the Homeless

https://petsofthehomeless.org/

Pets of the Homeless maintains a large list of resources to help homeless men and women feed and care for their pets, including pet-friend shelters, sources of free and heavily discounted pet food, and assistance with