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Medical Program for Owned Pets

  • 1.  Medical Program for Owned Pets

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-06-2024 09:53 PM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Are there any shelter organizations with on-staff vet and medical staff that have a program offering low cost/payment plan options for pets of owners who are not financially able to provide them with vet care otherwise? I  would love to start a thread sharing resources/outlines for these programs if they're out there!


    #AccesstoCare
    #AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
    #OrganizationalManagement
    #PetSupportServices*


  • 2.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-07-2024 07:31 AM

    We offer one! 

    Pet Care Financial Assistance - East Bay SPCA

     



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    Melissa Robinson
    East Bay SPCA
    Oakland CA
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  • 3.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-08-2024 07:26 AM

    Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue in Denver just implemented a  financial need based dental program that is by referral from vets only.   We decided to do a referral only program so we could maintain our relationship with local vet practices (they were concerned about losing patients) and this allows us to focus the work on lower income pet owners in the community verses people that can afford to pay regular prices but just want to pay less for dental services.  



    ------------------------------
    Jenna Ricci
    Volunteer
    Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue
    CO
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-08-2024 07:26 AM

    I've been working on a list of organizations that can help pet owners pay for veterinary care.  This list isn't complete, and I am still going through to get additional information, but it might be a "jumping off point" for you.

    Veterinary Care Granting Organizations

    Dylan's Hearts or Dylan's Heart-Not accepting applications
    Frankie's Friends-Preference to rescues with budgets under $1,000,000. Opportunities for individuals to apply for assistance.
    Friends & Vets Helping Pets – Can apply to be approved recipient of funding. Shelter vet will need to submit license, CV, and application.
    Hope Mending Hearts  Applicant Driven Usual grant is $100-200. Cannot be granted for treatment already performed. Animal must be already spayed/neutered, or submit plans for spay/neuter.

    Paws 4 A CureApplicant driven. Applicant is required to do a fundraising page to supplement grant from P4AC.

    Pet Assistance, Inc. CLOSED to applications through November 2023
    RedRover Relief - The RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant program provides financial assistance, resources, and emotional support for pet guardians struggling with economic hardship when pets are in life-threatening situations. Avg. grant $250.                                                                                                                                                                               
    The Onyx & Breezy Foundation
    The Pet Fund Violet's Friends

    Brown Dog Foundation

    Rose's Fund

    STARelief

    The Magic Bullet Fund

    Senior Pets

    Frosted Faces
    Grey Muzzle
    Top Dog Foundation

    Cancer Specific Organizations
    The Pet Fund
    The Magic Bullet Fund
    Live Like Roo Foundation
    FETCH a Cure

    BowWow Buddies

    Lexis's Love

    The Pet Fund



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    Erin Hooks
    NC
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  • 5.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-09-2024 11:36 AM

    Thank you for this.  We, as a small rural shelter can always use help with our own vet bills and so can the folks in our rural county.



    ------------------------------
    [Liesse ] [Langlois]
    [Shelter Director]
    [Animal Protection East Texas]
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-09-2024 12:10 PM
      |   view attached

    I have always provided this document to individuals in my FB groups, rescues, fosters, etc.  I did get it on line.  Perhaps it has more than what is listed below or maybe we can combine lists and make one nice document to share.  



    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Williams
    Board Member
    CATIO CAT LOUNGE INC
    TN
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-06-2024 08:45 AM

    Thanks. there are also programs  (like care credit) that allow you to charge and pay over time. To consider as well.  are pet care insurance programs?( covering the person's premium)



    ------------------------------
    Rochelle Hamp
    Executive Director
    Headwaters Animal Shelter
    MN
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  • 8.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-07-2024 05:40 AM

    Having worked in veterinary clinics who offer care credit, I don't recommend care credit for people who are truly low income and can't afford routine veterinary care for a number of reasons. Care credit requires a credit check. Many of the people in the populations we're working with in this context are no able to meet their credit standards, and don't realize that having their credit checked to try to get care credit can itself negatively impact their credit score if they need it for something else. And more importantly, the interest rates if a payment is missed or the full amount isn't paid off in the introductory period are insanely high - last I saw it was around like 27%.

    Care credit may be fine for people who can afford routine care but have a sudden unexpected expense (i.e. an ER visit) and are sure they can pay it off in the introductory period, but for people who cannot afford routine veterinary care, it seems like predatory lending and I would not recommend it to anyone. 



    ------------------------------
    Rebecca LaDronka
    Veterinarian
    Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter
    MI
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  • 9.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-08-2024 04:36 AM

    absolutely agree. Our clients needing assistance with vet visits don't qualify for Care Credit.



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    Laurie Counts
    Director
    Madison Community Cats aka MAD Cats
    VA
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  • 10.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-08-2024 09:27 AM

    Could you please post as a pdf. The font is not real clear.  

    Thank you



    ------------------------------
    Janice Wheeler
    Foster
    TSGSR
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-08-2024 09:29 AM

    Could you please post as downloadable pdf. 

    I would love to be able to give it to people. 

    Thank you 



    ------------------------------
    Janice Wheeler
    Foster
    TSGSR
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-08-2024 08:30 AM

    In the Nashville area, the Pet Community Center offers such programs.  There actually are several low/no cost spay/neuter clinics and some shelters/clinics do free TNR if outdoor kitties are brought in cages or traps.  I am just talking kitties in the second statement since I know dogs are not allowed to free roam.  Pet Community Center (PCC) and the Joy Clinic do offer the low/no cost spay neuter and PCC offers full vet care at discounts for low income families.



    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Williams
    Board Member
    CATIO CAT LOUNGE INC
    TN
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-09-2024 06:02 AM

    We are not a shelter organization, but we are a non-profit low/cost veterinary clinic that gives income based discounts. While we see all cats and dogs, our mission is to provide quality veterinary and dental care to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it such as those owned by low/fixed income, veterans, and registered 501c3 foster programs. We also provide many options for clients to be able to pay/afford care and even have helped with fundraisers for those who really needed it.  www.petcareco.org



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    Nicole McGeeney
    www.petcareco.org
    Pet Care Coalition
    Aurora CO
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  • 14.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-13-2024 11:17 AM

    Sure that's the correct address? Here's what firefox says: Hmm. We're having trouble finding that site



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    Carolyn Kostera
    NA
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  • 15.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-13-2024 12:44 PM

    Pet Care Coalition

    You are perfectly right, I was in a hurry and made a typo. I will fix my last post. It's Pet Care Coalition

     



    ------------------------------
    Nicole McGeeney
    Marketing/Fundraising
    Pet Care Coalition
    CO
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-10-2024 06:33 AM

    Has anyone worked with Waggle.org ?

    They seem like an amazing support program and I told our medical director about it.  I don't think they have investigated.

    https://www.waggle.org/



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    Ellen Gratch
    Capital Area Humane Society
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  • 17.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-12-2024 06:08 AM

    We had an owner set up a waggle account for large procedures. It was fairly easy and straight forward. The owner wasn't very tech savvy and was able to figure it out ok with a little help.



    ------------------------------
    Nicole McGeeney
    Marketing/Fundraising
    Pet Care Coalition
    CO
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-12-2024 06:33 AM

    The local humane society uses Waggle.  They recommended it to us.  



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    Patty Giarrusso
    Lost Pet Services, Inc.
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  • 19.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-12-2024 07:11 AM

    I have never heard of Waggle.  We will definitely look into this! It looks like a fabulous resource for pet owners in need.



    ------------------------------
    Erin Hooks
    Director of Development
    Humane Society of Catawba County
    Hickory NC
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  • 20.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-12-2024 07:17 AM

    My understanding is that shelters and rescues can apply for their grant support too.  And I think once you've been approved, it's easier to get funding the next time but I don't actually know if that's true.



    ------------------------------
    Ellen Gratch
    Capital Area Humane Society
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  • 21.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-10-2024 04:29 PM

    In Connecticut Vet Care Everywhere provides  lo cost in home care to Vets, those over 55 and those with disabilities.  Check them out at Vetcareeveryhere.org.



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    Anna Schildroth
    Chair, Humane Commission
    Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter
    CT
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  • 22.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-14-2024 02:57 AM

    For folks that need help with cats check out the Community Cat Fund at Waggle:  Community Cat Fund

        This program supports s/n assistance for cats.

    For a sample program the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society has the FARS program:  https://mrfrs.org/veterinary-funding-assistance-program/

    this program has been very helpful....they also have a Captain Courageous Fund for injured community cats too. 



    ------------------------------
    Stacy LeBaron
    Head Cat
    The Community Cats Podcast
    Warren VT
    978-239-2090
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  • 23.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-14-2024 06:27 PM

    In Lafayette, Indiana we have a small group of people called Animal Advocates of Lafayette.  They have just started providing a free clinic offering basic care and some free vaccines to qualifying pet owners.  Vets from a couple clinics participate, as well as veterinary and veterinary technician students offer assistance.  The next event is in March.



    ------------------------------
    Dave Murakowski
    Veterinarian
    Wildcat Valley Animal Clinic
    IN
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  • 24.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 02-17-2024 09:31 AM

    In Dallas, the big SPCA shelter has a vet clinic for those who need lower cost services.  Also, in Irving Texas, there is a vet clinic called Low Cost Pet Vet which provides basic services, treats for common ailments etc, and does have an urgent care clinic.  But for big emergencies that are beyond their scope, they do refer out.  

    The Animal Humane Society does operate some clinics - Low-cost spay, neuter and specialty surgeries, wellness services, and dental care for cats, dogs, and rabbits belonging to families with limited means or nonprofit rescues and shelters.  The number to find out where these clinics are located is 763-489-7729

    Access Veterinary Care in Crystal, Minnesota services people who cannot afford to pay much.

    Mission Animal Hospital in Eden Prairie - Home | Mission Animal Hospital         

    For Wisconsin residents there is Helping Hands for Pets

    Low Cost Vet San Antonio

    In several cities, including Philadelphia and Houston - https://emancipet.org/                              

    There are actually several around the United States.  However, people may not be in a place to drive to them or able to access them for whatever reason.  But they are our there, it just takes some research.

    Low Cost Pet Vet remove preview
    Low Cost Vet San Antonio
    Low Cost Pet Vet in San Antonio, TX now offering low cost vet care near you! Exams only $45. Se habla Espanol.
    View this on Low Cost Pet Vet >

    In San Antonio Texas - Low Cost Vet San Antonio

    Low Cost Pet Vet remove preview
    Low Cost Vet San Antonio
    Low Cost Pet Vet in San Antonio, TX now offering low cost vet care near you! Exams only $45. Se habla Espanol.
    View this on Low Cost Pet Vet >

       



    ------------------------------
    Liesse Langlois
    Shelter Director
    Animal Preservation of East Texas
    Mineola, Texas
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-06-2024 07:41 AM

    I'm in the very beginning stages of thinking about presenting a proposal to our leadership about investigating whether we could become an AlignCare community, which I believe is supported in part by Maddie's Fund:

    aligncare (aligncarehealth.org)

    From their website:  "AlignCare is a national, community-funded, One Health system that helps care for pets and the well-being of the families who love them. AlignCare is the service and outreach program of the University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity, in collaboration with Maddie's Fund, veterinary service providers, veterinary social workers, and other community partners."



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    Diane Gildersleeve
    Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
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  • 26.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-07-2024 06:52 AM

    NAFA Rescue (no facility - foster based) in conjunction with Jonesboro Animal Control in Northeast Arkansas sponsors a vet for a monthly low cost pet vaccinations, heartworm tests and preventative.  Each vaccination and the heartworm test is $10 each.  Preventative can be purchased at $1 over our cost.  Each monthly clinic is on a Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.  The vet and 12 volunteers help 200-300 pets be seen at each clinic.   We are moving toward a low cost spay/neuter and health issues clinics by early Fall 2024.



    ------------------------------
    Wannda Turner
    Executive Director
    NAFA - Northeast Arkansans for Animals
    Jonesboro, Arkansas
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  • 27.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-07-2024 09:55 AM

    This sounds like our Dallas Pets Alive PASS Program! PASS stands for Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender. Here is some more information: https://dallaspetsalive.org/pet-support/



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    Jenay Bennett
    Assistant VP of Animal Ops |
    Foster Director
    Dallas Pets Alive!
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  • 28.  RE: Medical Program for Owned Pets

    Posted 03-09-2024 07:20 AM

    Hello, 

    We currently have a low cost spay/neuter clinic as well as a low cost vaccine clinic. https://lchspets.org/pet-health-care/

    We also just started a program with the Salvation Army where we hold a free vaccine clinic for the unsheltered population once a month https://lchspets.org/bright-spot-clinic/



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    Erin Robinson
    Foster Coordinator
    Licking County Humane Society
    OH
    ------------------------------