Regional & Local Resources

The following is a list of regional and local (U.S.) organizations that provide financial assistance to pet owners in need.

Important things to keep in mind as you search:

  • This directory is provided as an informational resource only. We cannot guarantee that any of the organizations listed will be able to help in your specific situation. Listing by us does not imply endorsement of the program by us.
  • The assistance programs these organizations offer can be quite competitive so please don’t put all your eggs in one basket or wait to hear from one before pursuing another. It’s important that you keep your financial aid search going while the application is getting processed.

IMPORTANT! Often the best source of local information about resources and programs for struggling pet owners is your local shelter(s).  So try them first! Many of them have or know about programs available to help keep pets with their families. Just call them and ask to speak with someone about financial and other resources for pet owners.

To find a shelter near you:

List of Local & Regional Organizations

NOTE: Each of these organizations provides financial assistance to pet owners in need. They are independent and have their own set of rules and guidelines. Therefore, you will have to investigate each one separately to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Search your area

Pets.findhelp.com: Search your local area for free or low-cost pet support services like veterinary care, pet food pantries, temporary pet care, and more.

Region-Specific Assistance

Dylan’s Hearts provide families with financial assistance to pay for emergency or critical veterinary expenses.

Location: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia

Emma’s Foundation for Canine Cancer, Inc assists those facing canine cancer with medical bills for treatment.

Location: New England and Florida

Fetch A Cure offers a Companions in Crisis grant for owners struggling to cover canine cancer treatments.

Location: Maryland, DC, and Virginia

Kyle’s Legacy Inc/Starlight Program helps owners with the cost of canine cancer care.

Location: Massachusetts and Rhode Island

State-specific assistance

NOTE: The Humane Society of the United States also has a partial list of resources by state.

California

Frosted Faces Foundation provides veterinary care that is required to maintain and enhance the quality of life for senior animals. They can also help with food, supplies, training, grooming, pet deposits, fence repairs, and impound fees.

Location: Ramona CA (San Diego, CA area)

Colorado

Grey Muzzle Society provides grants to families in need to help cover unexpected veterinary procedures, behavioral services, and more. They also offer a temporary care program that provides safe housing for pets while their owners establish safe, permanent housing.

Harley’s Hope offers financial aid to cover treatment costs of companion animals with a fair or better prognosis.

Karma Sue helps owners with the steep veterinary expenses related to canine cancer treatment. They do not cover diagnostics. 

Connecticut

STARelief:  Helps with medical care or emergency boarding/foster care.

Illinois

The Anti-Cruelty Society provides many services and resources to low-income pet owners.

Location: Chicago IL Area

Spay Illinois has a program called Project Families Forever that provides sliding-scale coverage for spay and neuter surgery, preventive care and, in some cases, emergency care.

New York

All 4 Pets West New York provides one-time grants to pay for medical care for pets whose owners are not able to pay due to low income, personal crisis, or disaster.

Location: Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming, Erie, Niagara, and Orleans counties

Oregon

Portland: The Velvet Financial Assistance Fund, a program of Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, provides emergency vet care for low-income pet owners. Applicants must first apply for and use funds through CareCredit. The maximum amount is $750 per applicant.

Lane County: Pro-Bone-O is a nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary services for the pets of people who are homeless or living in distressed conditions.

Pennsylvania

The Humane Animal Rescue offers low-cost services.

Rhode Island

Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA) provides financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary care. Call 401-273-0358.

RIVMA’s Companion Animal Foundation provides financial assistance to help cover the cost of veterinary care. Their website also features a list of agencies in Rhode Island that offer financial assistance to pet owners in need.

Tennessee

The Brown Dog Foundation provides financial assistance to low-income residents of Illinois, Iowa and Tennessee to help offset the cost of veterinary emergencies and treatment of chronic conditions.

Lovie’s Legacy provides aid to pet owners in need of emergency veterinary funds. You can apply using their 24/7 phone line. 

Utah

Pet Samaritan provides financial assistance to individuals unable to afford medical care for their pet(s). This includes (but is not limited to) spay and neuter.

Location: Salt Lake County and surrounding area


Virginia

The Mosby Foundation helps with non-routine medical expenses. They also have special funds for senior dogs and for dogs with heart-related illnesses.

Loudoun County provides low-cost resources and veterinary care to pet parents.

Nevada

Shakespeare Animal Fund helps elderly, disabled, and/or low-income pet owners. 

Location: Northern Nevada’s 13 counties (excluding Clark, Lincoln, and Esmerelda). 

Washington

The Good Samaritan Fund at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is used exclusively to treat ownerless or special-needs animals who, ideally but not exclusively, also present a teaching opportunity for veterinary students.

Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties: Concern for Animals provides financial assistance for spay/neuter and emergency vet care.

Washington, D.C.

Humane Rescue Alliance provides reduced-cost veterinary care and low-cost or free spay/neuter for low-income pet owners.

Wisconsin

Milwaukee/Ozaukee County: The Wisconsin Humane Society provides veterinary care at a reduced cost for low-income residents.

Resources Offering Free Pet Food and Supplies

Animal Shelters

More and more animal shelters are offering pet food pantry programs for pet owners who can’t afford to spend money on pet food and supplies. Search for a shelter near you.

Food Banks