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.
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
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
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
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
- Help-a-Pet
- Paws 4 A Cure
- Rose's Fund
- The Pet Fund
- Brown Dog Foundation
- The Big Hearts Fund
- The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund
- The Riedel and Cody Fund
Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: US Local Organizations
Arizona
- Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA - Phoenix
California
- The Acme Foundation - Lake County
- Actors and Others for Animals - Greater LA
- Animal Assistance League of Orange County - Orange County
- Animal Health Foundation - Monterey County
- The Chester Foundation - Sacramento County
- Placer SPACA - Placer County
- PAWS San Francisco - San Francisco
- Pet Orphans of Southern California - Van Nuys
- Sammie's Friends - Nevada County
- SF SPCA - San Francisco
- Voice for the Animals Foundation - Santa Monica
Colorado
- Colorado State University Pets Forever Program - Larimer County
- Denkai Animal Sanctuary - Greely area
- For Pets’ Sake - Cortez
- League for Animals and People of the Summit (LAPS) - Frisco & neighboring towns
Connecticut
Florida
- First Coast No More Homeless Pets - Jacksonville
- St. Francis Animal Hospital - Jacksonville
- You Can Make a Difference - Gadsen County
Illinois
- The Animal Welfare League - Chicago Ridge
Indiana
Kansas
Massachusetts
Nevada
- Shakespeare Animal Fund - Reno area
New Jersey
New Mexico
- Animal Humane Association of New Mexico - Albuquerque
New York
- Pets Alive WNY and Rochester HOPE For Pets - Rochester Hope For Pets - Western New York State
- NY SAVE - New York City
- The Shamrock Animal Fund - Central NY
North Dakota
- Circle of Friends Humane Society - Grand Forks
Ohio
- The Bummer Fund
- Jake Brady Memorial Fund
- Pets In Need - Greater Cincinnati
Oregon
- DoveLewis Velvet Assistance Fund - Portland
Pennsylvania
- Find Help - Pittsburgh
- Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
- Sam's Hope - Southeastern Pennsylvania
- Washington Area Humane Society - DC area
Rhode Island
Texas
- EMANCIPET - Austin area
Utah
- Pet Samaritan Fund - Salt Lake City area
Virginia
- Fetch A Cure
- Animal Welfare League of Arlington - Arlington
- Helping Hands - Richmond
Washington
- Concern for Animals
- PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap
- Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
Funds That Can Help You Pay For Vet Bills: UK
- PDSA
- RSPCA Low-cost clinics across the country
- Blue Cross For Pets - Low-cost clinics across the country
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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