No Money For Vet Care? How To Find Help And Save Your Cat’s Life

Veterinary care for your cat can be very expensive, with bills running in the hundreds and sometimes even the thousands of dollars.

Owners are usually prepared for the predictable annual costs of routine checkups and vaccinations, but what do you do when your cat has a medical emergency or comes down with a serious illness?

We've prepared a comprehensive list of organizations that may be able to help you, but first, let's review how you can help your cat on your own.

Close up vet doctor is making a check up of a cute kitten with stethoscope at clinic, No Money For Vet Care? How To Find Help And Save Your Cat’s Life

Plan Ahead: Emergencies WILL Happen

Hopefully, you're reading this article while your cat is healthy, and you're just being a responsible owner who's learning about cat care.

If that is the case, now is the time to start planning because emergencies will happen.

Even cats that live indoors can be injured or become sick, and the older the pet, the more likely you are to encounter a situation that could necessitate expensive—and sudden—medical care.

Start An Emergency Fund In Savings

Discuss the options with your veterinarian and familiarize yourself with the scope of funds you may need down the road.

You can also learn more about payment options your vet may offer regular customers. Most importantly, start saving up.

If you put aside just $10 every week for two Starbucks frappuccinos, you will save over $500 a year.

You can have enough to cover most medical procedures within a year or two.

Even if you come across a procedure that's more expensive than what you managed to save by that point, you are far more likely to get help from others if you can at least pay most of the bill on your own.

Investigate Pet Insurance

Cropped image of handsome male doctor veterinarian with stethoscope is holding cute grey cat on hands at vet clinic and smiling.

If you're having trouble saving on your own, or if you think you may have to deal with big vet bills sooner rather than later (for example, if your cat is a senior cat), you should look into pet insurance.

Many insurance companies offer plans for pets but be sure to read the fine print and see what kind of coverage they offer and whether they'll work with the vet of your choice.

When Faced With An Expensive Medical Bill That You Can't Afford

Unfortunately, many cat owners fail to save up in advance, and when emergency strikes, in the form of an injury or a sudden onset of disease, they have no way to cover the costs.

A tragic reality must be acknowledged: Too many pets are euthanized simply because their owners cannot afford treatment.

Don't give up just yet!

1. Look at a low-cost clinic

You will find low-cost clinics listed below, organized by state. Even if the list doesn't include one near where you live, it's always a good idea to contact a local animal rescue organization and see if they can recommend a low-cost vet.

Many veterinary schools offer medical services at discounted rates, so if you live near a university or college, contact them and see if they have such a program.

2. Try working with your veterinarian on payment plans

Persian cat with veterinarian doctor at vet clinic

Many veterinarians can offer payment plans, especially if you're a regular and trusted client.

3. See if you can get a credit line for the payments

Many loan companies offer loans to help cover medical emergencies, including those of your pet.

CareCredit is a company that offers veterinary financing, which may be a viable option for you (TheCatSite.com is not affiliated with CareCredit or any other organization mentioned in this article, nor do we endorse using their services.

Please check and see what may be a good fit for you).

4. Seek help from family members and friends

Asian veterinarian examine cat during appointment in veterinary clinic. Professional vet doctor woman stand on examination table with stethoscope work and check on little animal kitten in pet hospital

People are more likely to help those whom they know and love. It's always best to look closely before asking strangers.

5. Consider selling some of your belongings on eBay or Craigslist

6. Start a GoFundMe or a similar online fundraiser

Don't expect money to start pouring in. You'll have to put a lot of effort into promoting your fundraiser.

Many people are trying to raise funds for similar causes, so you may have more luck promoting your fundraiser within your social circles.

If you wish to post about your fundraiser in online communities, it's best to check the rules first. Click here for the TCS rules.

7. Asking for help from a fund or charity

Some funds and charities help pet owners fund veterinary care, and you will find an extensive list of them here.

Keep in mind that budgets are always limited. In many cases, requests are denied. Your chances of getting help increase if you are a senior or disabled, but many of these organizations can only contribute part of the cost.

Some limit their donations to a few hundred dollars or even less.

Every organization has its own criteria for whom it can help and how. Some work only with local pre-approved vets; others may only foot the bill for certain conditions or only when the prognosis is positive.

We've compiled a list of such funds and organizations, many of which serve specific areas in the US. You'll have to visit each website to see their current criteria and whether your case is a good match.

TheCatSite.com is not associated with any of these organizations and cannot be held responsible for any information provided herein.

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Quick Links: US National Organizations - US Local Organizations By State - UK Organizations

These links do not include organizations that provide help with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, or wellness check-ups.

Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: US National Organizations

Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: US Local Organizations

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Massachusetts

Nevada

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: UK

Vet listening fluffy cat using stethoscope during appointment in veterinary clinic

Have we missed any? Do you know of another organization that helps owners deal with the burden of hefty vet bills?

Please tell us about it in the comments section below.

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Do not leave requests for help here. If you wish to get support and advice (not medical advice) from our members, please post about your situation in the Cat Health forum only.

Do not post requests for financial help there, as they are against the forum rules and will be deleted by the moderators.

cat and vet

Nurse holding pet cat in recovery room of vet surgery

Veterinarian with cute cat on white background

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30 comments on “No Money For Vet Care? How To Find Help And Save Your Cat’s Life

Brittany duncan April 22, 2021
My cat is in labor and bleeding but no kittens. I was told she needs an emergency c section and I cant afford the bill what do i do who can help me please. I cant lose my cat
Barbara Kruza June 29, 2020
I am a senior-citizen on a fixed income. My two cats recently had kittens which all died from an upper respiratory infection. I was heart broken and I need help to get my two cats healthy again before I can get them fixed. I am in the PAAD program that can get the cats fixed which I have no problem but no health care for the cats. My vet told me that the cats have to have the upper respiratory infection taken care of before they can operate because they will die on the operating table. Can anyone help me financially? Thank you.
    Furballsmom August 9, 2020
    @barbara Kruza if you come back to the site, please post your question in the appropriate forum; https://thecatsite.com/forums/cat-health.4/
Sarah Ketcher April 1, 2020
I can’t find any help in Beaumont Texas 77706 or even Southeast Texas. Please help our kitty is on her 2 round of heat week since the shutdown . Thanks so much!
Furballsmom July 1, 2019
Psybug said:
Excellent article... are there similiar places you can recommend in canada?
Hi psybug! as the article suggests, please post your question in forum Cat Health That's where our forum members hang out and they can provide you with advice. Thanks!
Psybug June 26, 2019
Excellent article... are there similiar places you can recommend in canada?
tarasgirl06 January 3, 2019
Thanking you so much for this article, which will undoubtedly save many sweet, innocent lives!
Jesshaines May 29, 2018
Thank you! That's a lot of great resources. Good job with cut and paste
Anne October 23, 2016
Thanks for the update @LTS3 - I edited the link in the article.
LTS3 October 23, 2016
The MSPCA has updated their web site. The link to payment information and financial assistance offered is now https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/payment-policy/
Anne September 25, 2016
Just please be careful with so-called "natural" products. Plants include strong chemicals and many of them can be toxic to cats. They're not necessarily safer, more effective or even cheaper. I see your point about the cost of vet care but I don't think the "natural" products industry offers a good alternative for health care for humans or cats.
lray September 25, 2016
25 yrs ago when I was between jobs & couldn't afford to eat everyday my first kitty adopted me. Fortunately Actors & Others for Animals helped with "fix" for 2 kitties so there wouldn't be more.  Another vet provided some meds to get rid of worms. I really appreciate those people & what they did & do. Unfortunately now most vets appear to want you in every other month for some (often unnecessary & expensive) shot, treatment, etc  They are always playing on your love for your pet & trying to upsale. I understand that no one gets into a business wanting to fail & that costs continue to leap by bounds (my 1% raise 15 yrs ago isn't helping me keep up for sure) but there are many less expensive natural products that work as well or better than the expensive (sometimes deadly) ones they push. I can't tell what really is needed so now just skip most all of them except when there is a specific problem.  Thanks for the lists & hopefully there will be more clinics that help when income is low. Even some barter programs may help.
meowbrand September 23, 2016
Great resource list. I wasn't aware there were so many organizations. Another option is to see if you vet offers any special discount or wellness programs. The one I take my cats to has a plan where you pay a one time fee which is the equivalent of a rabies shot, and all shots are free for life as long as you get annual exams. 
msserena September 18, 2016
Under the numbered items, the first item says: You will find low-cost clinics listed below, organized by state.   Not true. Even the title states what the info below is about. Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: US Local Organizations  I would have liked to have seen a list of low cost clinics, but I guess I'll have to contact the local Humane Society. Hope someone can edit the article & fix it to make it more accurate.
mrsty July 2, 2016
It is very important for people to understand what they are taking on when they get a new pet. I adopted 4 cats from a rescues, then ended up with 2 more who wandered into my yard. As they all became senior pets I have had to put 2 of them down from serious issues that were just too expensive considering the others needs also. Thank goodness I had stopped at 6! When it comes to cats people tend to think they need nothing but food, but that is not the case. Everyone's situation is different and does change but everyone needs to understand that pets are expensive. I get really upset reading about how sick people's pets are and they won't take them to the vet. This article is wonderful for explaining how to plan from the beginning and be prepared for what is eventually going to happen to every single pet. Great references and hopefully they are legit.
    TigerlillyViper June 30, 2021
    You think people are irresponsible? What if they had a job and pets then lost their job? Your judgements are the problem. If vets cared they wouldnt charge such bloated prices for basic services! Its a disservice to pets to advise removal from the people they love.
Anne June 4, 2016
I couldn't find any while researching for this article. If there are, do post them here and I'll edit them in.
katscradle June 3, 2016
why arent there any organizations to help pet owners in michigan?
tarasgirl06 April 16, 2016
@Donutte, excellent! Wishing you success.
donutte April 15, 2016
I'm a firm believer in the barter system. Impossible to use in so many situations (since big corporations would never allow for it). But, veterinarian practices have not completely gone the way of human medical practices. And my vet is right next door. I'll use that as a selling point too.
tarasgirl06 April 15, 2016
Those are excellent ideas, @donutte; barter has always been an honorable way to exchange goods and services globally and historically, and it wouldn't hurt for your ideas to be put into good use!
donutte April 15, 2016
One other thing I read that I may look into myself is offering a trade of service to help offset the costs of the vet bills. For instance, offering to help clean or take calls at the vet's office. I guess that could be similar to a payment plan, but just a different way to go about it.
tarasgirl06 November 22, 2015
With MUCH gratitude for this -- every precious life it helps to save is without price, and this gives such hope to those, and I am sure they are many, who desperately seek somewhere to turn to help their beloved family members.
catwoman=^..^= November 17, 2015
Thank you soooooo much for this very helpful list of organizations.  I'm on Disability and need resources that would help me with routine care as well.  Am looking forward to your next article on that!  Thank you! :)
Anne October 27, 2015
No problem. I probably should clarify in the article that this list does not cover spay & neuter, vaccinations and routine check-ups. There are many organizations and charities that can help with those and we will run an article about them as well. 
    Ferball January 31, 2020
    My cat is injured vary bad we have no money
      AbbysMom February 1, 2020
      I'm so sorry to hear this. Please start a thread in the SOS Forum where TheCatSite members can give you some ideas.
sparkymema October 27, 2015
here are some spay and neuter ones in MN http://www.kindestcutmn.com/   http://www.petfixer.org/

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