Other Organizations
Formerly known as United Animal Nations, RedRover is an organization that works towards strengthening the bond between people and animals, as well as ensuring that sick animals get veterinary care. They grant financial assistance and relief grants to low-income pet owners. Check their website to see if you qualify.
The Pet Fund is another great organization, providing vital information on available insurance programs and preventive care, as well as financial assistance to people with domestic animals in need of medical care. It’s important to note that emergency funding is not available, and you MUST contact Pet Fund by phone at 916-443-6007 before you apply for any funding.
Charities
Several charities out there may be able to help you get the health care that your companion animal needs. The Humane Society has a list of charities well worth examining further. For more information, check out their website.
Assistance Dog Resources
If you have an assistance dog but find yourself unable to pay for expensive veterinary care, three major options are available to you. The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), The California Department of Social Services Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA), and The Assistance Dog United Campaign all help people with disabilities obtain financial assistance to cover medical costs. The third one even gives funding to purchase a service dog!
You can contact ADSA over the phone at 916-657-2628, while you can reach The Assistance Dog United Campaign at 800-284-3647. For more information on how to apply, you can also head over to their respective websites.
Disease-Specific Dog Resources
Cancer
The Magic Bullet Fund provides financial assistance for tumor removal and certain types of dog chemotherapy.
Based in Alberta, Canada, The Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society dedicates its efforts towards helping to obtain affordable, modern veterinary cancer treatment.
Lymphoma
If you cannot afford treatment, or if your pet is in a clinical program, Frankie’s Friends can provide heavily discounted (and even free) medical care for your dog.
Final Word
Before you breathe a sigh of relief over your newfound veterinary care options, you should keep this in mind: Very few (potentially no) assistance organizations will provide financial support for ongoing or extended medication. On the same note, it’s also highly unlikely that any one program or organization will cover the entire cost of an expensive procedure. Contact multiple sources of financial aid as several grants can add up to pay the bill.
There is hope on the horizon for you and your animal companion. The trick is in knowing where to look for it. With a can-do attitude and knowledge of the right resources, you have every reason to believe that together, you and your pet can survive and even thrive when your family is under financial pressure.
Resource Links:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Insurance Resources
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Care Resources
PetFinder.com
Care Credit
RedRover
The Pet Fund
The Humane Society
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
California Department of Social Services Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA)
Assistance Dog United Campaign
The Magic Bullet Fund
The Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society
Frankie’s Friends
The Second Chance Fund
