How to Pay for Emergency Vet Bills

Tips to Afford Unexpected Veterinary Care that's Out of Your Budget

Sep 23, 2008

Dogs, cats, birds and other pets can suddenly get injured or sick, requiring expensive emergency veterinary care. Here's some ideas to pay for unexpected vet bills.

Veterinary bills can reach into the thousands of dollars as the result of a dog's injury, or a cat's illness. Life isn't predictable and financial situations can change, but this shouldn't prevent a pet from receiving life-saving emergency veterinary care.

In some cases, the veterinary costs associated with emergency care to treat a pet's disease, illness or injury are prohibitive. This can lead to pain and suffering for pets, and in some cases, it's even necessary to put a pet to sleep because an owner cannot afford to pay the emergency vet bills. But fortunately, there are strategies that pet owners can employ to receive financial assistance to help them afford necessary emergency veterinary care and to avoid a worst-case scenario.

Pet Care Funds

Many veterinary clinics offer financial assistance through pet care funds that are available to help pet owners to pay for emergency veterinary care that's otherwise unaffordable and out of reach.

Pet owners whose veterinary clinic does not offer financial assistance through a pet care fund should consider speaking with the owner of the veterinary practice about starting such a fund. Offer to create donation canisters for the vet clinic's front counter or offer to make the first donation, even if it's only $10 or $20 - every little bit counts.

Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics

Low-cost veterinary clinics are offered by many animal rescue organizations, large animal shelters and SPCA-type organizations. These clinics typically offer veterinary care at a cost that's on a sliding scale that allows pet owners to pay what they can afford. Financial assistance is often available at these clinics as well.

Pet owners should be aware that low-cost veterinary clinics usually have limited hours of operation and appointments may not be available for a week or more, so they're not ideal for all emergency veterinary care situations, but it never hurts to call and inquire.

Locate a local low-cost veterinary clinic on Google or by contacting a large SPCA or other animal shelter or animal welfare organization - if they don't offer a low-cost veterinary clinic, staff can usually point pet owners in the right direction.

Charitable Organizations

Many charitable organizations exist to offer financial assistance that helps pet owners pay for life-saving emergency veterinary care that's otherwise out of reach and beyond what they can afford. A quick Google search will reveal dozens of charitable organizations and funds that offer financial assistance to a pet owner in need.

Notably, these charitable organizations that provide financial assistance usually rely solely on donations. So pet owners who do receive financial assistance from a pet charity are encouraged to make a donation at a later time, when they can financially afford to do so. This will ensure that other pet owners in need of financial assistance in the future will have money available to them.

Care Credit for Veterinary Care

Care Credit offers loans and financial assistance to pet owners who are seeking a way to fund a pet's emergency veterinary care. Pet owners can apply for a line of credit through Care Credit at many veterinary clinics and they'll have a decision on the credit application within minutes. Visit the Care Credit website to learn more.

Pet Health Insurance

Companies like VPI Pet Insurance and the ASPCA offer pet insurance policies that are available for less than $20 per month in many cases. Pet insurance policies can literally save a pet's life, allowing for high-quality veterinary care in the event of an emergency surgery, an injury or wound, or a chronic disease like cancer.

Personal Pet Care Funds

Sometimes, budget limitations do not allow for the purchase of a pet insurance policy. For these pet owners, a personal pet care fund is a great alternative. Open an account that's designated for pet care funds, but be sure to get an ATM card or checks for the account, so the funds are available at all times. Contribute whatever amount is within budget, but be sure to contribute on a regular basis - even if it's only $5 or $10 a week.

Pet owners can also start a pet care fund with tax return money, with money from working overtime, or with money earned working odd jobs, like babysitting or yard work.