11 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Vet Care Near Me! - MoneyPantry (2023)

When your pet gets sick you want to do everything you can to care for them and restore their health.

But vet care can be very costly, and if you’re unemployed, living on a low income, or just going through a tough phase financially, affording it can be difficult, if not impossible.

Sure, there are ways you can save money on vet bills, but there are also many wonderful organizations and charities that offer low cost and even no-cost veterinary services for dogs, cats and other pets.

Getting completely free veterinary care for your pet can be tough, but there are a few organizations out there that offer financial assistance, including:

PAWS is an organization that helps people to pay for vet care.

Need Easy Extra $300+/Month for Free?
Panel Payday: Earn up to $75 per survey. They also pay up to $50/hr for mystery shopping. Join Now!
Panda Research: Join Panda Research and make more money for doing surveys and offers. Earn up to $50 per survey!
InboxDollars: Paid over $57 Million to members to watch videos, take surveys, shop and more. Get $5 instantly!
Daily Goodie Box: Want free stuff? DGB will send you a box of free goodies (Free Shipping - No Credit Card). Get your box now!
First Opinion: Wanna get paid for every single survey with cash or direct deposit? This is for you! Learn More!
Mobile Expression: Install the free app and earn $5 Amazon gift card in one week. Keep using it and earn more! Get $5 Amazon Gift Card
Swagbucks: Get paid to watch videos, shop online, take surveys and more.

It also offers a variety of no-cost veterinary services, like vaccinations and microchipping. PAWS offers this free veterinary care to pet owners that are living on a low income.

If you want to get help from PAWs, visit the link below.

2. AVMF’s Veterinary Care Charitable Fund

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) offers a program called the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund.

It helps veterinarians to provide low cost and free veterinary care for low-income pet owners, disabled veterans, and victims of domestic violence.

You can learn more about the fund on their site.

The program is open to current clients of AVMA member veterinarians who are enrolled with the AVMF.

Ask your personal veterinarian if they are enrolled. If not, your veterinarian can contact AVMF for more information on participating in the program.

3. Prince Chunk Emergency Veterinary Care Assistance Program

The Prince Chunk Emergency Veterinary Care Assistance Program provides free emergency vet care to pet owners that are struggling financially.

What’s great about this program is that you can pre-apply for it. So, even if your pet is healthy now, you can apply for funding for future emergency care, should your pet need it.

Then, if an emergency does occur, the program will pre-approve your application and keep it on file, and then your pet can get care as quickly as possible.

Advertisements

(Video) How To Make Money With MoneyPantry (2022) | Best Make Money Online Website

So, whether you’re living on a low income or are looking for free vet care for unemployed pet owners, you should definitely take a look at the Emergency Veterinary Care Assistance Program

You can find out if you are eligible for the program, by reading the “Maximum Family Income Eligibility” Document. All the documents you need, contact numbers and more information about the program can all be found on the page below.

4. First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP)

FCNMHP is an organization that offers free, discounted and low-cost veterinary services. It offers free services in certain areas, like spaying/neutering. If you want to learn about which free vet services are available, then visit the “Free, Discounted, and Low-Cost Veterinary Services” (link below) page of the FCNMHP website.

The organization also provides a plethora of low-cost vet services. Since 2009, the FCNMHP has provided more than 60,000 pets with state-of-the-art medical care at 40 percent less than the cost of most veterinary clinics.

5. Local clinics near you

A lot of local clinics offer free veterinary care. At these clinics, you can get treatments and medical care for your pet.

These clinics generally provide free or low-cost spaying/neutering, but sometimes they offer other basic services.

If you’re wondering how can I find free vet clinics near me?”, then you should check out the links below.

On the pages linked below, you can search for clinics in your area:

How to Find Low Cost Vet Care Near Me!

Unfortunately, there aren’t that many organizations and animal hospitals out there that provide completely free veterinary care, but there are many that offer low-cost vet care.

This can be really helpful if you’re struggling financially.

Here are a few organizations and resources you should check out.

6. SpayUSA

The aim of SpayUSA is to provide low-cost spaying and neutering services to pet owners. It acts as a referral service that connects pet owners in need of financial assistance to over 1,500 low-cost clinics and sterilization programs.

For more information on the program, visit SpayUSA.org.

7. Shakespeare Animal Fund

The Shakespeare Animal Fund provides financial assistance to pet owners who can’t afford to pay for veterinary care.

It assists pet owners who have a fixed income or earn below $35,000 per year. The organization offers one-time grants.

You can learn more about eligibility requirements and how the organization can help you by visiting ShakespeareAnimalFund.org.

8. Visit a veterinary school or college near you

Many veterinary schools offer the same services that veterinary clinics do, but at a much lower cost.

All of the procedures and treatments performed by students are supervised by a vet too.

(Video) 5 Best Gigs On MoneyPantry To Make Money With In 2023 (For Beginners)

If you want to find an accredited veterinary college near you, then check out the Accredited Veterinary Colleges list from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

9. Local animal welfare groups and charities

A lot of local animal shelters, animal welfare organizations and rescue groups provide low cost vet care. They usually offer routine care and services like spaying/neutering.

If you want to find a welfare group, charity or organization in your area, then check out this list from Petfinder.com or this list from The Humane Society.

10. Compare prices for prescriptions

Pet medication can be pricey. And as far as I know, there aren’t any prescription discount cards or programs like there are for humans, for animal prescriptions. That said, if you do a little research, you might be able to find it at a lower cost.

Take the time to compare the prices of medication from places like:

You might find that the prices at your vet’s are cheaper or more expensive, but it’s always good to do a bit of comparison shopping.

Always be careful when you’re buying medications for your pet. Only buy from reputable, well-reviewed sites. You don’t want to put your pet’s health at risk.

There’s a useful guide from the USFDA that offers advice and safety tips for buying pet meds online. Check it out here.

11. Check out our list of organizations that help with vet bills

We recently published an in-depth post that lists more than20 organizations that help with vet bills.

You should definitely check it out for more resources.

How to Save Money on Veterinary Bills (Without Compromising Your Pet’s Health)

If you’re wondering how to save money on vet bills, check out our handy guide. It will help you to lessen the financial impact of being a pet owner.

1. Keep your pet at a healthy weight

If you want to lower vet bills, then make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your pet. Many of the health problems that affect pets, like cats and dogs, are caused by them being overweight or even obese.

Dogs, cats, and other pets that are on the heavier side are at a higher risk of issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

So, make sure that you don’t overfeed your pet and that they get plenty of exercise – this will not only save you money on vet bills, but also on food!

Ask your vet for advice on how much your pet should be eating.

You can also find a lot of info online about how much to feed certain pets.

Here are a few great resources:

2. Take your pet for checkups regularly

While it might seem pricey up front to take your pet for regular checkups, it can actually save you money in the long run.

(Video) Make $4,000 Per Post Using Money Pantry / GET PAID TO WRITE!

When you take your pet for a physical examination, the vet can detect issues early on, before they turn into a more complicated and expensive problem – essentially, you can save yourself a ton on medical bills just by taking your pet for checkups.

Dogs and cats, depending on their age and breed, require a checkup once to twice per year – ask your vet how often your pet requires a checkup.

3. Use the right supplements

Using nutritional supplements can have a really positive impact on your furry friends’ health.

Many of them can help boost your pet’s immune system, and improve their overall health. But, be careful not to get caught up in the marketing hype when choosing supplements – many supplements are unnecessary.

Instead, ask your vet about which ones your pet would actually benefit from.

When you give your pet supplements, itkeeps them healthy and prevents future trips to the vet.

Here are a few resources for you to check out:

4. Look around for the best deal

Did you know that fees for treatments and procedures can vary significantly from one vet to the next?

Really!

One vet might charge significantly less than another for checkups.

Or you might find that one facility charges much more for an ultrasound than another one does.

So, take the time to shop around for services and call to get a few quotes – when you do this, you can often save yourself a lot of money on vet bills.

5. Consider veterinary colleges

Veterinary colleges are one of the best places to find cheap pet care services.

At vet colleges, students looking for practical experience offer services like checkups and vaccinations. Some also offer basic procedures too.

And, most of these services and procedures are overseen by an experienced vet.

So, if you’re really struggling, then it’s definitely worth contacting a local vet college.

Check out this page to find accredited veterinary colleges.

6. Pick up medications and treatments elsewhere

Some vets markup treatments and medications they prescribe, meaning you can end up paying more than you really need to.

(Video) Get Paid $1,750 PER DAY To Write Articles 2022! (Make Money Writing Articles 2022)

So, if your pet is prescribed a particular medication, then don’t automatically buy it from your vet.

Instead, ask for a written prescription and then call and ask around for the price of that medication at other vet facilities – you might find that you can get the prescription filled for less elsewhere or you’ll find that your vet does, in fact, offer the best price.

7. Stay up to date with vaccinations and treatments

Staying up to date with vaccinations and treatments can save you a lot of money on vet bills in the long run.

When you stay up to date with your pet’s treatments and vaccinations, it prevents them from developing health issues that are more expensive to treat.

For example, treating heartworms is much more expensive, than simply preventing them.

So, ask your vet for advice on what vaccines and treatments your pet needs.

8. Reach out to organizations that help with vet bills

There are many organizations out there, like the ASPCA and The Humane Society, that want to ensure that low-cost pet care is available to everyone. So, these organizations often provide discounted services.

They often hold events throughout the year where they provide vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures and other treatments and services. So, contact them and ask about any discounted services and other resources in your area.

Also, if you’re really struggling, as your pet needs a treatment that you can’t afford, then consider contacting an animal welfare charity.

Take a look at this page for animal charities.

9. Ask about a payment plan

Did you know that some vets give you the option to set up a payment plan, rather than paying for treatments and procedures upfront?

If there’s a particularly expensive treatment or procedure that your pet needs, then ask your vet if you can set up a payment plan and pay it off slowly over time.

10. Consider Pet Insurance

Getting pet insurance can be a good option financially – particularly when it comes to expensive or unexpected treatments and procedures.

It can save you thousands on vet bills.

So, it’s definitely worth considering. Just make sure that you shop around to get the best deal.

To get a quick estimate on how much ensuring your pet will cost, use ASPCA’s Pet Insurance quote tool.

If you don’t want to get pet insurance, then consider setting up a savings account for your pet – each month you can deposit money into the account. Then, if your pet ever does need an expensive procedure, then you’ll have the money there.

The Bottom Line

Paying for your pet’s care can be tough when you’re already struggling financially. Whether you’re unemployed, living on a low income or are just going through a tough financial phase right now, these free and/or low cost vet care services can be tremendously helpful.

(Video) Earn $2,000 In 24HRS With This DONE FOR YOU ARTICLES TRICK! Make Money Online

FAQs

What can I do for a sick dog with no money? ›

How Can I Help My Sick Dog if I Have No Money?
  1. Ask for a payment plan. Talk with your vet frankly about your economic situation. ...
  2. Find a free or low-cost clinic. ...
  3. Look for a veterinary teaching college. ...
  4. Financial and natural disaster assistance. ...
  5. Cancer assistance.
27 Jul 2022

What do you need to qualify for free PDSA treatment? ›

To qualify for free treatments and medications, you must live within the postcode catchment area of one of our Pet Hospitals and be receiving at least one of the following benefits: Housing benefit (means tested) Council tax support (means tested) Universal credit with housing element.

Can you get free vet care on Universal credit? ›

You could receive low-cost vet treatment at your local PDSA if you: In receipt of certain benefits such as Child Tax, Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit (without housing element)

Can I get help with vet bills on benefits? ›

Blue Cross

These offer free veterinary treatment for pets whose owners are on a low income or get certain means-tested benefits. Visit the Blue Cross website to check if you live in an area covered by the Blue Cross, and whether you qualify for free veterinary care.

Can I take my cat to the vet if I have no money? ›

If your pet needs services that are beyond your financial means and you have exhausted all options, speak with your veterinarian. They may have a pet fund available. Hospitals have created these funds to help owners experiencing financial difficulty.

Can the vet keep my cat if I can't pay? ›

IF THE AMOUNT DUE FOR VETERINARY SERVICES HAS NOT BEEN PAID WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE PAYMENT HAS BECOME DUE, A VETERINARIAN MAY KEEP AN ANIMAL AFTER TREATMENT AND THE ANIMAL IS THEN CONSIDERED LIENED. A LIEN IS THE RIGHT TO HOLD ANOTHER'S PROPERTY UNTIL THE DEBT ON IT IS PAID.

How much do you have to pay at PDSA? ›

How much does PDSA Pet Care cost? There is a monthly fee of £4.50 to join the PDSA Pet Care scheme by Direct Debit. Alternatively, you can pay the annual fee of £54 at the point of registration.

Can you just walk into the PDSA? ›

You must be registered at a PDSA Pet Hospital to arrange an appointment.

Can anyone go to PDSA? ›

You must be 16 or over to register for our services.

How do I get proof of benefit letter? ›

Get a proof of benefit letter online

If you're claiming Universal Credit and have an online account, you can request proof of your claim through your journal. You can get a proof of benefit letter online if you are currently getting: Employment and Support Allowance. Income Support.

Can you pay vet bills monthly? ›

Some vets offer payment plans through a credit company if you need help spreading the cost. Not every vet can offer this, but it's worth asking if this is an option.

Can I get my cat chipped for free? ›

Microchipping your pet is vital as thousands of cats and dogs are lost each year in the UK. At Mayhew, we offer free microchipping at our Community Vet Clinic for eligible pet owners. Microchipping helps to reunite more animals with their owners.

Can a vet refuse to treat an animal? ›

Veterinary surgeons should not unreasonably refuse to provide an animal with first aid and pain relief (Part 1C of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct), but may charge the client – the person presenting the animal – for that first aid and pain relief.

What benefits do you need for PDSA? ›

You should qualify for PDSA Pet Care if you are on any of the following benefits: Housing Benefit. Council Tax Benefit. Universal Credit (with housing element)

Do Vets 4 pets do payment plans? ›

Interest Free Payment Plan

Not only do our Plans give you reassurance that your pet will be provided with the best care, it also means you can spread the cost of your pet's treatment.

What do you do when you have no money? ›

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do
  1. Enroll in a hardship program. ...
  2. Make a budget and prioritize your expenses. ...
  3. Cut your spending. ...
  4. Manage credit cards wisely while unemployed. ...
  5. Apply for government assistance. ...
  6. Think before withdrawing money from your 401(k) ...
  7. Take out a home equity loan to pay off debt.
21 Jul 2022

Does SPCA treat animals for free? ›

We assist animals that come from indigent areas, who need dipping, de-worming, mange treatment and rabies vaccinations, at our kennels free of charge.

What to do if I cant take my cat to the vet? ›

If you do feel like your cat is having a crisis that cannot wait until your normal vet is available again, then call the emergency vet right away. They will give you instructions for bringing your cat in and will let you know what to expect when you arrive.

What if I have no money and I take my dog to the vet? ›

Check for state-specific financial assistance programs for pet healthcare. If there's no fund designed for your specific situation, RedRover's Urgent Care Grants might help. RedRover provides almost 700 grants every year for pets whose owners can't afford treatment, with an average grant amount of $200.

What is home remedy for sick dog? ›

You should hold back giving water to a sick dog for two hours and food until 6-8 hours after their last episode of vomiting. Once this period is over reintroduce small, bland meals such as white chicken or rice gradually. If everything is ok the next day your dog can gradually return to their normal diet.

What home remedy can I give my dog for pain? ›

Natural Pain Relief for Dogs
  • Hot and Cold Therapy.
  • ​Ginger.
  • Turmeric.
  • Boswellia.
  • Devil's Claw.
  • CBD Oil.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Fish Oil.

What medicine can I give my dog if he's sick? ›

Current FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs include:
  • Carprofen (Rimadyl, Vetprofen)
  • Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
  • Firocoxib (Previcox)
  • Grapiprant (Galliprant)
  • Meloxicam.
5 Apr 2022

Videos

1. Does homesteading REALLY save you money? - Pantry Chat
(Homesteading Family)
2. DOES HOMESTEADING SAVE YOU MONEY? - PANTRY CHAT #41
(Homesteading Family)
3. How To Make Money Online Writing Articles! Work From Home!
(Living Delightful Freedom)
4. Earn $7 / Signup | The Easiest Way To Make Money Online [2021]
(H-EDUCATE)
5. 60+ Ways to Make Money on The Side
(Ericka Williams Classy Climb Smartphone Money)
6. Earn $3000 in 10 Minutes For Free Writing Articles(6 Simple Ways)|How To Make Money Writing Articles
(Be An Entrepreneur - Taresh Singhania)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated: 2023/03/25

Views: 6121

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.