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If your pet is experiencing an emergency situation such as losing consciousness, trouble breathing, suspected poisoning or serious injury, click here for our guide to finding emergency services when cost is a concern.

Struggling with the cost of veterinary care? You're not alone. PetSmart Charities partnered with research firm Gallup to conduct the State of Pet Care Study to explore pet parents' perceptions on vet care. The report revealed that 52% of U.S. pet parents have skipped or declined veterinary care, and among them, 71% cite cost as the reason. Use this guide to review your options, with practical tips on accessing affordable veterinary care.

What should I do if my pet needs care now?

Use our Affordable Vet Care Finder to search lower-cost clinics near you. These may include nonprofit clinics, community clinics, and veterinary schools with community based clinics that often charge significantly less than full-price practices, and most are open to everyone. Contact the clinic directly to inquire about the services they offer and pricing.

When you contact a clinic, be open about your situation. Share exactly what's going on and be upfront about your budget, which can help clinics provide you with support. Clinics that focus on affordable care handle these conversations every day, and telling them your limit first helps them support you and your pet. Remember, veterinarians care about your pet, too. Their passion for helping animals is what led them to this profession, and they’ll partner with you to determine the right plan for your pet.

Where can I find lower-cost vet care near me?

The kinds of providers that typically offer care at reduced prices include nonprofit veterinary clinics, community clinics, and teaching hospitals at veterinary schools with community clinic programming. All three offer quality veterinary care and are staffed by licensed veterinarians and, in the case of vet schools with community clinics, supervised by experienced faculty.

Also consider focused clinics that offer specific services like spay/neuter surgeries or vaccines. Vaccine clinics are often available within pet stores, and spay/neuter clinics may be available through pop-ups in communities. Clinics that focus on a specific set of services can often offer them at a lower cost.

Many people assume these clinics are only for people below a certain income level, or that lower cost means lower quality. Most of the time, neither is true. Some programs do prioritize families with financial need, but many are open to helping everyone afford vet bills. Our research confirmed that cost can be a barrier to accessing veterinary care across many income levels, but the love you have for your pet is not dependent on the size of your wallet. Learn more about lower cost clinics and who qualifies here. 

→ Find lower-cost care in your area with our Affordable Vet Care Finder.

How can I lower my costs at a full-price vet?

When your vet is explaining their recommendations and associated costs, be transparent about your limitations and ask for alternate treatment plans or payment plan options. Our study of practicing veterinarians found that 81% say they often or always recommend an alternative treatment plan when care is declined by pet parents due to cost, but they will not be able to help if you do not communicate your needs or concerns.

Here are some ways to work with with your veterinarian to lower costs: 

• Ask what's urgent and what can wait. Work with your vet to prioritize immediate needs while keeping preventive care in mind to help avoid costly issues later.
• Ask about payment plans. Many clinics offer payment plans or third-party financing. Explore options before treatment begins and review terms, including interest rates, carefully.
• Ask about lower-cost alternatives. Generic medications, outside pharmacies, outpatient care or monitoring non-urgent conditions may help reduce costs.
• Ask for a phased treatment plan. Most veterinarians will prioritize diagnostic tests or treatments so the most critical steps can be taken first. This may also spread costs over time while using early results to guide next steps.

Not sure how to approach this with your vet? Use this script to help guide your conversation. 

Can I access charitable assistance funds, and what do they actually cover?

Charitable veterinary assistance funds are available and can help pay for care in specific situations through individual grants. Funds are usually used for urgent or life-threatening conditions with a good prognosis, but do not cover routine care. It is important to note that most funds are designed for critical situations when a treatable pet would otherwise go without care, not for annual visits or vaccines.

A few things to keep in mind when applying for charitable funds:

• Apply through your vet or clinic when possible. Many funds work directly with practices, and some clinics maintain their own assistance funds. Ask if such a fund exists, or if your clinic has a recommendation for a fund you can apply to.
• Have a diagnosis, or suspected diagnosis, and estimate in hand. Funds typically need to know what's wrong and what it will cost before they can approve your request.
• Apply to more than one fund. Individual grants are often small, so families often try to combine several sources with a payment plan.
• You can also raise the money yourself through crowdfunding platforms, which is common. Pet-dedicated platforms exist that pay your veterinarian directly. Refer to our guide for an overview of the platforms, grant programs, and how families can combine them to help cover veterinary costs. Want to learn more? Read our guide to Fundraising and Grants. 

Why does this matter so much to PetSmart Charities?

Because pets are family. Research has found that 97% of pet parents consider their pets family — including 51% who say their pets count as much as human family members. Yet we estimate 50 million pets in the U.S. don't receive the veterinary care they need to thrive, making it the largest single issue currently facing animal welfare. Cost should never be the reason a family loses a pet they love, which is why PetSmart Charities is working to expand access to veterinary care nationwide.

Frequently asked questions