11 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Vet Care Near Me! - MoneyPantry (2024)

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?
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!
RewardFish: Earn FREE gift cards for things you already do, shop, quizzes, surveys, etc. Join RewardFish
First Opinion: Wanna get paid for every single survey with cash or direct deposit? This is for you! Learn More!
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.

Advertisem*nts

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.

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.

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.

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.

11 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Vet Care Near Me! - MoneyPantry (2024)

FAQs

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

Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”

What happens if I can't afford my vet bill? ›

Speak with your vet

If you do not qualify for help with your veterinary bills from a registered animal charity, speak to your vet because they may let you pay in instalments to spread the cost. Whether you can do this will depend on your veterinary practice and the total cost of the treatment your pet needs.

Can I get help with vet bills if I'm on benefits? ›

Several animal charities offer help with vet bills to pet owners who receive benefits. Among the best known are PDSA and Blue Cross, which both run a number of pet hospitals around the country.

How much do you 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. What pets can I register?

Can anyone go to PDSA? ›

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

Can you just turn up at PDSA? ›

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

Can I get my cat microchipped for free? ›

The cost of having your pet microchipped varies – most vets will charge a small fee for the cost of the chip, their time and expertise. Some charities/events offer microchipping at a reduced cost or for free.

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.

How fresh do stool samples need to be for the vet? ›

A stool specimen should be less than 24 hours old and be kept refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) until submitted. It is best to have at least a teaspoon of feces for submission to the lab. It does not matter if leaves, debris or litter is mixed in with the sample.

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.

Do all vets charge the same price? ›

Two vets may be charging around the same amount for any given treatment. But pet owners have to rely on their vets being honest about what treatments are actually required. An unscrupulous vet could recommend all sorts of expensive procedures and tests.

What over the counter medicine will put a dog to sleep? ›

Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, and is sometimes used to treat certain hair disorders, cognitive dysfunction and separation anxiety in dogs, as well as sleep cycle disorders in dogs and cats. Generally, it is very safe, with lethargy and stomach upset being a potential issue in cases of overdose.

What does PDSA stand for? ›

PDSA, or Plan-Do-Study-Act, is an iterative, four-stage problem-solving model used for improving a process or carrying out change. When using the PDSA cycle, it's important to include internal and external customers; they can provide feedback about what works and what doesn't.

What is housing element? ›

Three basic conditions must be met to get the housing element: payment; liability; and occupation conditions. This means that a claimant must be liable for payments in respect of accommodation they occupy as their home, they must pay the costs and they must occupy the home.

Can I get financial help to neuter my dog? ›

Woodgreen The Pets Charity is there not only to provide for pets in our care but also to help people be the best owners they can be. To support pet owners are services are listed below and assessed on an individual basis: Financial support towards neutering – for dogs, cats and rabbits - postcode dependent.

Do you have to be on benefits to use PDSA? ›

Benefit documents you can use to register for our FREE service are: Universal credit with housing element. Housing benefit (means-tested help with your rent) Council tax support/reduction scheme (means-tested help with your council tax liability)

Are PDSA vets paid? ›

Average PDSA Veterinary Surgeon yearly pay in the United Kingdom is approximately £31,132, which is 33% below the national average.

Are PDSA staff paid? ›

The average PDSA salary ranges from approximately £10,814 per year for Warehouse Worker to £56,310 per year for Customer Relations Representative. Average PDSA hourly pay ranges from approximately £8.86 per hour for Cleaner to £10.35 per hour for Locator.

Can a vet refuse to put a dog down UK? ›

Owners may be encouraged to re-house an animal; however, if they will not take this option a vet should not be afraid to refuse to euthanase.

How long does it take to register with PDSA? ›

We aim to process all applications within 3 working days. Please note: Your registration is not active until your application has been approved. If we can't confirm your eligibility, we will contact you via email.

What is classed as an emergency vet appointment? ›

Possible causes include foreign objects in the airway, stings or allergic reactions around the throat and airways, feline asthma, pneumonia, and chest injuries. If a major artery is cut, a dog or cat can bleed to death in minutes. If the blood is spurting, it's an emergency, because it means that an artery is open!

Can PDSA do home visits? ›

PDSA aren't typically able to offer home visits for our clients. However, all our Pet Hospital staff understand how difficult this time is and will treat both you and your pet with sensitivity and care.

Can dogs have paracetamol? ›

Paracetamol, while safe for humans, can be extremely toxic for your dog (particularly if the wrong dosage is given), and can result in serious liver damage or problems with their red blood cells.

Can you scan a cat microchip with your phone? ›

Unfortunately, no. A smart phone can not and will not ever be able to read a pet's microchip. There are no apps for iphone or android that do this and there never will be. There will never be an iphone, android- google, samsung or otherwise that will ever have that capability.

Does chipping a cat hurt? ›

It hurts about as much as having blood drawn. The chips are usually inserted without incident in awake animals, even in the tiniest kitten. Although the needle is large, it is sharp so that most animals do not even flinch when the chip is inserted.

How do you tell if a cat is microchipped without a scanner? ›

How can you tell if a cat has been microchipped? Unless the cat has a collar on, with a brightly-coloured band that says “microchip”, you can't tell without a scanner. If you've found a stray cat, take it to the nearest vet or shelter to have it scanned.

What does the SPCA do with sick animals? ›

We can assist with the sterilising of cats and dog, with the medical treatment of sick or injured animals and with the vaccination and deworming of cats and dogs (Please note – only animals that have already been sterilised will be vaccinated at the Boksburg SPCA).

Can SPCA take my dog? ›

The SPCA is willing to accept ALL unwanted animals of any size and species. We wish to assure the public that they should not be afraid to surrender pets for whatever reason.

How much is vet consultation fee? ›

Typical consultation R350 to R550 – depending on what part of South Africa you're in. Blood tests will be around R700-900. X-rays costs about R700 and subsequent x-rays cost about R400. The number of x-rays you need depends on the area of the body being examined.

What is a crush cage? ›

A crush cage is a special carrier (or cage) with an internal moveable panel that can be pulled toward one side restricting the space available to the cat and rendering it unable to move. It's held in this position for a short period to give the treatment.

How long is the life of a cat? ›

How long will a cat wait to eat you? ›

Without their owners around to fill their bowls, the pets often go unfed. In cases where these people owned dogs, their pets would usually go several days without resorting to eating the owner's body. However, a cat would only wait a day or two. The phenomenon is called "postmortem predation."

What kind of worms can you see in dog poop? ›

The four main worms found in dog poop are hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and tapeworms. Hookworms are tiny, thin worms with hook-like mouth parts. Whipworms look like tiny pieces of thread that are enlarged on one end. Roundworms look like spaghetti and may be several inches long.

How much does a vet charge for a stool sample? ›

The cost for a fecal test can vary from $20 to $50, depending on location and your veterinarian. Pet insurance will usually cover this type of test when a veterinarian considers it medically necessary.

Why would a puppy have blood in its poop? ›

Common reasons for a dog pooping blood include food allergies, constipation, eating something unsuitable, bacterial or viral infection, colitis, or injury.

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

Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”

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.

Do you get free pet care on universal credit? ›

Your pet will be eligible for free of charge veterinary treatment in most cases (we will ask for a voluntary donation) if you live within our catchment area and receive any of the following benefits: Universal credit where there has not been a reduction in payment due to work or other income such as savings.

Why do vets ask if you have insurance? ›

Animal insurance may enable relevant veterinary investigations or treatment to be carried out in circ*mstances where fees might otherwise be unaffordable for the animal owner. A veterinary surgeon should, however, ensure that the investigation or treatment is appropriate and is in the animal's best interests.

Do vets charge extra on weekends? ›

Out-of-hours veterinary fees are typically higher than daytime fees. This is due to the increased costs of providing a dedicated team — who work at nights, on weekends and bank holidays — trained and skilled in dealing with accidents and emergencies.

Why do vets overcharge for medication? ›

Your vet has no place to store bulk amounts of medications and has to purchase smaller quantities. Hence, he or she doesn't get the bulk rate discount, forcing them to overcharge. Plus, there's an overhead cost for keeping the medication in stock and a loss risk if it expires while sitting on its shelf.

How much benadryl do I give a dog to put down? ›

According to this scientific paper, the lethal dose for diphenhydramine in dogs ranges between 24 to 30 mg per kilogram of body weight by IV administration. For a 40-pound dog, this would equate to about 430 to 540 mg, or 9-10 tablets (for tablets with 50mg diphenhydramine – note that some tablets are 25mg only).

What drug is used to put dogs down? ›

The euthanasia medication most vets use is pentobarbital, a seizure medication. In large doses, it quickly renders the pet unconscious. It shuts down their heart and brain functions usually within one or two minutes.

How do I make my dog go to sleep fast? ›

How to make a dog fall asleep fast
  1. Give the dog plenty of exercise.
  2. Make sure your dog has been to the toilet.
  3. Make their sleeping area fantastic.
  4. Establish a routine.
  5. Give them their own, unique space.
  6. Keep disruptions to a minimum.
  7. Check for any health issues.
  8. Use dog sleep music.

What benefits do I need to qualify for PDSA? ›

Owners need to be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits to access the service:
  • Child Tax and Working Tax Credits.
  • Universal Credit (without housing element)
  • Pension Credit.
  • Income Support.
  • Job Seeker's Allowance.
  • ESA – (Income Based Only) Employment Support Allowance.

Can anyone go to PDSA? ›

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

Can you just turn up at PDSA? ›

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

Can I use PDSA if im on universal credit? ›

The PDSA offer low-cost treatments and medications for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their pet hospitals and who receive at least one of the following state benefits: Jobseekers' Allowance. Universal Credit without housing element.

How does PDSA lottery work? ›

How it works: For only £1 per week, you will receive a unique 6-digit lottery number which remains yours for the duration of your membership. Entries can be purchased through a recurring Direct Debit of £4.34 per month, per number up to a maximum of 10 numbers per draw.

What does PDSA mean? ›

Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles and the model for improvement.

Can a vet refuse to put a dog down UK? ›

Owners may be encouraged to re-house an animal; however, if they will not take this option a vet should not be afraid to refuse to euthanase.

How long does it take to register with PDSA? ›

We aim to process all applications within 3 working days. Please note: Your registration is not active until your application has been approved. If we can't confirm your eligibility, we will contact you via email.

How can I get help with vet bills UK? ›

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.
...
Credit-based payment plans
  1. The Money Advice Service.
  2. Citizens Advice.
  3. Step Change.
  4. National Debtline.

What is classed as an emergency vet appointment? ›

Possible causes include foreign objects in the airway, stings or allergic reactions around the throat and airways, feline asthma, pneumonia, and chest injuries. If a major artery is cut, a dog or cat can bleed to death in minutes. If the blood is spurting, it's an emergency, because it means that an artery is open!

Can you get your dog neutered for free UK? ›

Blue Cross animal hospitals

We offer free neutering to pet owners who are eligible for our veterinary care.

Can I register my dog with more than one vet? ›

Yes, this is allowed, but there are cons to utilising different practices and switching between vets: If your pet is receiving treatment from different practices, this can make insurance claims even more complicated. And you may be faced with having to pay multiple excess fees.

What does Universal Credit without housing element mean? ›

When the Universal Credit Housing Costs element is not payable. If you're not responsible for paying housing costs and don't make any other payments to live in the property, you won't get the Universal Credit Housing Costs element.

Are pet health plans worth it UK? ›

If you take advantage of all the benefits of a Pet Health Plan, they can work out very good value and save you money. In comparison to if you were paying individually for vaccinations and veterinary licensed flea and worming treatments. Or having regular visits for nail clips and anal gland expressions.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 5489

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.