Vet Cost Assistance
Each of these organisations will have their own guidelines and this list is meant only as a starting point if you need assistance in providing veterinary care for your pet. Obviously, they can not help everyone and are meant as a last resort, so if you are concerned about providing veterinary care, think about insurance or starting a savings account especially for your pet.
Before using any of these resources, try to make a payment plan with your vet or arrange some sort of credit elsewhere as they are limited and the time it takes to complete an application could mean that your pet does not get the care it needs when it needs it.
You could also check into whether you have a veterinary college closeby, many will perform surgery and healthcare at a reduced cost.
Also check with your local humane society, many will know which vets are cheaper or may have an assistance program of their own.
AAHA Helping Pets Fund (US and Canada) – emergency non elective care only
Must provide proof of financial hardship, they will accept most forms of government assistance but also a letter from your vet in the case of temporary financial hardship. They also have a fund for ‘good samaritan’ cases where an unowned animal is brought to the vet (someone finding a dog hit by a car etc)
It is limited in the vets that it will consider, as they must be AAHA accredited, so be prepared to have to travel outside of your local area for Canadian vets with AAHA certification (there were three within a 30 minute drive of me). Search your local area here.
The Farley Foundation (Canada)
Eligibility: CPP Disability, Ontario Support Disability Payment or Guaranteed Income Support for seniors.
Your vet must apply for this assistance on your behalf and there are limits per clinic and per owner so often the portion for that vet may have been used.
SafePet Program by OVMA dedicated to assisting women in leaving abusive partners by providing temporary housing and care for their pets.
Provides both foster care and necessary veterinary care to animals under the program.
Toronto People with Aids Foundation have a small financial assistance program that includes veterinary care
