We understand that you may need support with the cost of your dog’s vet care even if you’re not experiencing homelessness. Here are some services that may be able to support you.
- PDSA
The PDSA offerfree treatments and medicationsfor 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:
- Housing benefit (means tested)
- Council tax support (means tested)
- Universal Credit with housing element
The PDSA offerlow-cost treatments and medicationsfor 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
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Child tax and working tax credits
- ESA Employment Support Allowance
- Disability living allowance / personal independence payment (PIP)
- State retired pensioners who are householders living in council tax bands A-D
You can check if you’re eligible for any support from the PDSAhere.
- Blue Cross
The Blue Cross providefree vet treatmentfor people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their animal hospitals and receive any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (no reduction in payment due to work, other income or savings)
- Income support
- Jobseekers’ Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and support allowance (income-related)
- Pension Credit
The Blue Cross providelow-cost vet treatmentfor people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their animal hospitals and receive any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (with a reduction in payment due to work, other income or savings)
- Working tax credit
- Child tax credit
- Housing benefit with no other benefit
- Council tax reduction with no other benefit
You can check if you’re eligible for any support from the Blue Crosshere.
- RSPCA
The RSPCA can provideveterinary financial assistanceat some of their local animal hospitals. You can find your nearest RSPCA hospitalhereand check if it offers vet financial assistance. Please contact your local hospital to make sure you are eligible before you travel. - Local charities and organisations
There may be local charities or groups that can support you with the cost of vet care for your dog. Speak to your vet practice about any local organisations that may be able to support you.
It’s very important tonever give your dog human medicationif they’re unwell and you’re struggling to access vet care for them. Many types of human medication are highly toxic to dogs. Even drugs that can be used in dogs need a dose carefully calculated by a vet and may not be suitable for all dogs, if they have underlying health conditions you may not be aware of.
It’s always best to speak to a vet and they will be able to advise on the best way forward for your dog. If you think your dog may have ingested human medication, contact your local vet practice immediately.
