How to get help paying your vet bill: Fundraising and grants

If a vet bill is more than what you can pay, here are two options that may help close the gap. Raising money from your own community through crowdfunding, and applying for grants from charitable organizations. Many families successfully use both at once. Starting soon is key, since several grant programs can only provide assistance before treatment begins.

If you're struggling to pay for vet care costs, you're not alone. Our PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study found that 52% of U.S. pet parents have skipped or declined needed veterinary care, most often because of cost.

Can I really fundraise to pay my pet's vet bill?

Yes you can, and many do. In fact, vet bills are one of the most common personal fundraising causes. Pet-dedicated platforms now exist specifically for this that allow people donate to pet medical fundraisers. Donors often include strangers moved by an animal's story, not just your friends and family.

Here are three platforms to consider:

• GoFundMe is the largest general crowdfunding platform. You create a personal fundraising page, share it, and receive the donations yourself to put toward the bill. It's fast to set up and reaches the widest audience, but donors must trust you to use the funds as described.
• Waggle is a nonprofit crowdfunding platform built only for pet medical crises. Campaigns are reviewed before posting, and funds are paid directly to your veterinarian instead of you. That structure reassures donors who don't know you, and Waggle even partners with charities that may provide matching grants to boost campaigns.
• Furlanthropy is a nonprofit crowdfunding platform for veterinary expenses where donations are tax-deductible and funds go straight to the veterinary clinic. With this platform, you can fundraise for past expenses as well as current and future ones, which is useful if you've already paid on a credit card or owe the clinic.

Not sure which one to use? If you have a big personal network, GoFundMe's reach is hard to beat. If you'll be asking strangers to trust you, the direct-to-vet platforms carry built-in credibility. Since donors you don't know will likely want assurance that their donations are being used as intended, direct-to-vet platforms may be preferred. Fees and terms vary by platform and change over time, so check each before you choose.

How does a vet bill fundraiser actually work?

Specificity and proof. The campaigns that get funded tell donors exactly what happened, exactly what it costs, and show the pet. Before you write a word:

1. Get the written estimate from your vet. Your goal should be the real number, itemized if possible — "Luna needs surgery for a torn ligament, estimate attached: $2,400" outperforms "please help with vet bills."
2. Use clear photos of your pet — including, if appropriate, at the clinic. Donors give to a face and a story.
3. Share it everywhere, repeatedly. Most donations come because someone saw the link. Post it, text it, ask friends to reshare it. One post is not a campaign.
4. Post updates. Donors who gave once often give again — or reshare — when they see progress.

What veterinary grants exist, and who qualifies?

Each grant program typically covers a specific type of care, so where you apply depends on your pet's situation. Grants vary and will not always cover the full cost of treatment. Some grant programs may require pet parents to cover some, but not all of the cost. Many programs exist, including those for specific breeds or conditions, but below are a couple examples. 

• RedRover Relief Urgent Care Grants help when a pet has a life-threatening injury or illness needing urgent treatment. You must have a diagnosis and treatment plan in hand before applying, as the program does not pay for treatment already completed, or for exams and diagnostics. Note that financial-need criteria apply. Grants are typically small (around $250) and are designed to help close the financial gap keeping a pet from care, which is exactly why pairing a grant with a fundraiser works well.
• The Pet Fund helps cover only non-urgent care for ongoing conditions such as cancer treatment or heart disease. It does not fund expenses for emergencies, diagnostics, or basic care. There's typically a wait list, so it fits conditions where treatment can be scheduled, not crisis situations.

Not sure where to start? RedRover maintains a directory of assistance organizations that's a good next stop, and your own vet may know of local funds or even keep one of their own.

How do I apply for a veterinary grant?

Most grant programs cannot reimburse care that's already completed, so apply before treatment begins. Get the diagnosis and written estimate first, then submit your application. Here are some tips that may help you get started:

• Apply to several programs at once. Individual grants are small, so it is a good idea to stack a grant or two with a fundraiser and a payment arrangement.
• Ask your vet's office to help. Some funds work directly with clinics, and a vet who can confirm the diagnosis speeds everything up.
• Answer honestly about finances. Many programs weigh financial need, so you may have to provide details about your financial situation.

What don't these options cover?

Grants and crowdfunding are built for the unexpected bill, not annual visits or routine and preventive care like vaccines.  If routine costs are the real strain, consider a lower-cost clinics. Search for one in your area using our Affordable Vet Care Finder which lists nonprofit and community options near you. Check out this article that outlines more ways to access lower cost care, including how to ask your vet for a plan that fits your budget.

Frequently asked questions