Can't afford vet care? What happens to my pet? Where to get help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
If I can't afford a vet bill what will happen to my pet? I've heard some will set up payments, others will take the pet away, and some may kill the animal. I haven't taken my pet to the vet because I'm afraid they'll take or just kill my baby! I lost my job and can't afford a huge vet bill so no "if you can't afford it you shouldn't have it" bs. I have taken perfect care her whole life.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 7th, 2017
If you can't afford a vet bill, the vet will not take your pet away nor will they kill her. They simply won't give you veterinary services. Yes, it is true that some vets will set up payments, and you can see if there are vets in your area who are willing to do that. I am sorry you lost your job! Regular veterinary care is important for the health of your pet, and I will give you some resources that may help you afford a vet visit in the future. In addition to seeing if the vet will accept payments, you can see if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 13th, 2017
You did the right thing by taking Tina into the vet, but I'm quite concerned that she doesn't pee and is very sick now. I will give a number of resources that hopefully will help you afford a vet so she can get the care she needs now. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information. Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. Please check out all of the resources, and see if one can help you and Tina. Have her seen by a vet again as soon as you can. I really hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 20th, 2019
Baby girl sounds very sick, and she has to see a vet now. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please take her into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 6th, 2019
Unfortunately no. I see in your last post that Laila was having a number of seizures, and that cannot be treated at home. This can be fatal if not treated, she has to go to a vet now. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, please take her into a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Someone asked about going to the emergency vet, but not having the funds. You started to mention available resources, but I didnt see the rest of your response. Please elaborate.
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