7
Financial Assistance for Dogs Needing Surgery
Cranial cruciate repair surgery is an expensive proposition for all dog owners. Regardless of the procedure chosen - TPLO, TTA, or traditional extracapsular repair - dog owners can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 to above $5000 to have their pet’s knee repair performed by a licensed veterinarian. While there are not an abundance of financial assistance options for owners needing to push ahead with CCL surgery for their dog, there are a few organizations and financing companies that understand the type of burden CCL repair surgery can put on a budget and are willing to offer their help. Below are short descriptions and links to the companies I know about they may be able to offer assistance, if anyone else knows of other sites/groups please post a comment so I may add it to the list.
Care Credit - This is the most readily available and easiest to obtain of all the financing options for CCL repair surgery. They offer a full range of payment plans with low/no interest for a set period, which depends on the agreement CareCredit has with your veterinarian’s office.
Good Sam Fund - Good SAM (Special Assistance and Memorial Fund) was established to create financial aid for sick or injured animals who either are stray or client-owned animals in special circumstances. The fund is supported entirely by outside donations and your pet must meet one part of their criteria to be considered for financial assistance.
IMOM - IMOM is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 charity that receives all its money used to help animals from outside donations. The organization was founded in 1998 and since then they have raised over $1,000,000 and saved the lives of over 1,470 companion animals.
Labrador Life Line - This assistance program is specifically for purebred labs, and their financial assistance includes, but is not limited to, covering various medical costs (surgery, treatment, medication) and help to cover rescue or transportation expenses.
The Pet Fund - The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care. Their mission is to help companion animal owners to avoid the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect medical needs because of the costs involved.
United Animal Nations - Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals. The LifeLine Grant Program offered by the UAN provides funding to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers, non-profit organizations and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:57 am
My mini dachshund needs eye surgery. She has cataracts. May I be able to get help?
August 8th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
i need help for my dogs surgery, she has a tumor that needs to be removed. it costs 550.00 and i have actors and others donating 150.00 but i need 400.00 more. i only get ssi, i am a disabled single parent with multiple sclerosis.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
my mamas(dog) needs tumor removal and i cant find financial help. always told no funds availible or for specific situations
August 14th, 2008 at 7:49 am
My scottish terrier has cataracts at age 5 years and needs surgery. I’m completely disabled and rely solely on disability. Am I able to get help?
September 19th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
My dog name cloe is 9 years old and she has several tumors on her tummy, and they are growing the surgery is over 500.00 can not afford it she is getting worse the tumors area starting to blead I have been checking all over to get help with this surgery, if anyone could direct me in the right direction so I can get help finacially.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:52 am
My lab is just under a year old. tore his ACL about 3 months ago and just tore the other one. i have a newborn child and cant afford a $2,000 bill. please can anyone let me know how i can get any finacial help?
please email me carmano12@yahoo.com
thank you!!!
October 18th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
My Maltest 8 months old in need of Bilaterial Patella Luxation operation, I cannot afford if anyone know of a Charity please email me asap mackvl@comcast.net I’m located in New Jersey. Thank you
November 10th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Help please! My dog needs immediately cancer surgery and chemotherapy for rectal and lymph node cancer. He will definitely die if I don’t do it immediately. I have already run up a 1,000 bill with my vet who is willing to let me make very small monthly payments. I have lost my job, my home to foreclosure and am now taking care of my 82 year old mother who had to evacuate from Texas due to Hurricane Ike. The
surgeon wants $5,000 and I don’t even know how much for the chemotherapy yet. Please help!
December 29th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
My dog started dragging his legs and yelping in pain. When i took him to the vet, they said that he would need and mri and possible surgery which would cost a couple thousand or more. I can’t afford it, but i love my dog. I don’t want to just put him down. Could you help?
January 4th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
[...] - bookmarked by 3 members originally found by alterigonet on 2008-12-07 Financial Assistance for Dogs Needing Surgery http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/financial-assistance-for-dogs-needing-surgery/ - bookmarked by 3 [...]
January 5th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
[...] Care Credit , Good Sam Fund, IMOM, Labrador Lifeline, The Pet Fund, UN Animal Nations [...]
January 18th, 2009 at 8:15 am
PLEASE HELP MY ENGLICH MASTIFF WINSTON HE NEED KNEE SURGERY AND IT COSTS 3700.00 DOLLARS AND I ONLY HALF HALF IF THERES ANY ONE WHO CAN HELP PLEASE CONTACT ME AT KRISKEN1964@YAHOO.COM
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
my yorkie is 8 months and she needs surgery for her bilateral luxating patella, i cannnot afford the surgery . how can i get financial help?
February 15th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
my pitbull is almost 3…and apparently swallowed something and has intestinal blockage, very dehydrated…so far this weekend spent 1000 figuring that out…now he needs surgery!!! 2200!!! what can i do, is there any emergency funding for dog surgery?? he’s miserable
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
I have a beagle/australian shepard mix and she is the sweetest dog and has a big heart. Her surgery is for a binign fatty turmorthe size of a football, which is under her front leg. I have had financial trouble over the last couple of years. I had finally put together the six hundred dollars to get her surgery and something broke in my car and I had to pay $800 to fix it. So now I do not have the money to get her surgery. She needs the surgery now and I would be more than happy to recontribute the money back into the fund when I get a job. I just don’t have good credit right now because of money I had to put out for the cost of gas and loosing my job. Has caused money problems.
Would you be able to pay the $600 dollars now for her surgery and when I get back to work I will continue to donate back into the fund.
Denise Strong
(517) 775-8997
denisestrong351@yahoo.com
February 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Hello 6yr old dog storee she needs surgery and it cost 753.00 she has 3 mass tumors and i can afford it right now to get the surgery done if i dont come up with the money by march 28th they will take my baby from me and i dont want that to happen i just got her back from the person who let her get this way i love my baby and i would never hurt or see her get hurt if you could help me please. sscutch1@ccp.edu or call 267-407-8557 thank you and may god bless you….
March 7th, 2009 at 6:15 am
My mom’s dog(palmiranian) is in DESPERATE need of surgery. She has a piece of metal in her stomach & DEPERATELY needs a blood transfusion & surgery that’s over $3000. Our income does not meet financial aid requirements. PLEASE call 859-327-1301 for donations. Thank you! Please pray for our dog!
June 1st, 2009 at 11:41 am
My dog has Legg-Perthes disease. They told me it could be between $800 - $1250 for the surgery. They can’t be sure until they go in and start the surgery. Can I get assistance for this type of surgery?
June 4th, 2009 at 8:51 am
My dachshund, who is 8 years old, has degenerative disc disease. The vet said there is a surgery to correct it. Could I get assistance?
June 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
my boy timber has lymphoma cancer i am trying to find help with the financial help, if anyone knows anything or anyone to help plz contact me asap…
Walter
June 18th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
HELP pls! My little 8 month old mini schnauzer, Phantom, got his little leg run over last night! He has torn ligaments, broken bone and no skin in the area! The surgery for him will cost $5000!!! That’s what the vet in Orange County CA said….I can foot up to $2000 but not $5k…who can help? or hdoes anyone know of a place where the surgery can be about $2000? thanks!! God bless all of your dogs! my e-mail is: mauisonia@aol.com
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 am
Hi - my friends dog is blind from cataracts in both eyes. she was told it would cost about $5000 per eye which sounds expensive to me. She can not afford to help her dog, Daisy. Is there any financial aid that she can get?
August 16th, 2009 at 11:46 am
PLEASE HELP! my service dog, Promise, had to have TPLO surgery on 7/14/09 on her right knee. It cost $4500.00 which I put on a credit card. I cannot tell you how important she is to me. I love her and she loves me back. She lets me have the kind of life I never thought I’d be able to have by being with me and helping me. She is getting better I think, but I’m doing worse i think because of the big bill I made.She is now allowed to walk in the house for 5 minutes twice a day. Eventually, she will be able to walk outside for 5 minutes twice a day for one week and then add 5 minutes after each week until she is up to 30 minutes a day (Im pretty sure). I know everybodys pet means the world to them and its not just me asking for help. Anything would help, even ideas. If you can’t help out, I will understand. Thank you for taking my request. It means a lot to me. my email is PJz52@yahoo.com Thank you so much. PJ
August 17th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
what is moderation? i cant find my post on asking for financial assistance for my dog. Is it out there somewhere, or has it been denied? I love her so much that i will do anything for her even though i am on a fixed income and put it on a charge card. she is my service dog and she takes such good care of me that i would do anything for her. in CA it was 4500.00. Im sort of worried about paying it back, but she is far more important to me than money. It only took her a second to get injured, and I still cant believe it. I think she is getting better, but her knee or ankle (i cant tell which) cracks (like people do with thier fingers sometimes) when she gets up. I couldnt just wait to have her fixed because without her, i was nothing and nobody and doing less than existing. she has turned my life around, and it’s the very leat i can do for her. even if you cant help (i read all the other letters above), I will understand. I wouldnt have changed my decision for anything. She has changed my life so much I cant even tell you. I dont have an website and i hope it doesnt matter. My email is pjz52@yahoo.com
Please know that I am praying for all the dogs I read about above. Ive never asked for financial help until now. it is very hard to do. But Promise is worth it and 1000 times more. Im asking for her even though it will help me by putting my mind at ease. Also, the vet says she will need a shot in her muscle for the rest of her life that is expensive. I don’t know there is anyone out there who can help, but thank you for listening, and good luck with your dogs. I can tell that you love them as much as I love mine. PJ
August 18th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I have a Golden Retreiver with a grapefruit size tumor hanging from his stomach. I lost my business and my house this year. I can’t seem to find employment I am Master Carpenter for 28 years. Thank you in advance. This dog needs surgery now, but I don’t have and money.
August 20th, 2009 at 4:52 am
i have a small dog 20 pounds and his name is boo-boo. hes got tumors in his belly and needs surgery. i am on social security and NEED HELP!!!{with the cost} this dog is my whole life, his my best friend and only family i have.i dont go any where without him.PLEASE, PLEASE… if you can help me contact me at qwertyu247@aol.com
August 21st, 2009 at 8:29 am
My dog was diagnozed with cancer..He’s 11 years old and still has a lot of life left in him..I was given the option of spending thousands for surgery,which I don’t have,or put him down..I can’t put him down,he’s my baby,and it would kill me..And I also can’t watch him suffer..Where can I get help…
August 21st, 2009 at 8:33 am
My dog was diagnozed with cancer..He’s 11 years old and still has a lot of life left in him..I was given the option of spending thousands for surgery,which I don’t have,or put him down..I can’t put him down,he’s my baby,and it would kill me..And I also can’t watch him suffer..Where can I get help…contact me at supermom_51@hotmail.com
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
There are organizations formed specifically to keep seniors and their pets living well, together. They provide food, rides, financial assistance for the dog’s well-being - in some cases, including surgery. There are different requirements for the organizations to fit their criteria. You would have to do a search in your area. Some places offer care for your pet all the way through cremation upon the pet’s demise. Some offer care for people over age 55! I don’t know if there are “blanket” organizations that are nationwide and refer you to a local help center. It would be good to find out!
Laurel
September 12th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Please help my 21 month old white Lab. Her name is Gabby she is lame on her left side. About 19 days ago I heard a yelp from my backyard, I went to see what happend. My dog could not walk. She was outside for about 5 minutes playing with the other dog. I took her to the vet where they took $800.00 worth of xrays. They informed me that she had 2 rRUPTURED, (not torn) ACL’s. She requires 2 TPLO surgeries at the cost of $6,000.00. They made me pay $800.00 in cash and gave me back my poor dog. They said she wont be able to walk until the surgeies are performed. I am a single woman who is on permanent disability and on a fixed income. Needless to say I cannot afford this large amount of % all at once. The surgeon requests CASH upfront before the surgery. I would like to know if there is anyone, who knows who to contact for help. If someon could donate a brace for her leg, or meds. Such as rimadyl, antibiotics, and pain meds for her. Anything that she might need after the surgery. If anyone could help me with financial aid for the surgery. She is in extreme pain and the rt. knee must have blown awhile back cause she already has arthritis in it. The longer she waits the worse they will get and chances for severe arthritis. She is not even 2 yrs. old. She is a sweetheart and deserves a chance at a long good life. I am willing to do anything for her. She has got me through some tough times, I got her 3 days after putting my 14 yr. old Lab down due to hip dysplasia. Gabby is just too young for this. Are ther any alternatives for her? Has anyone heard of the tightrope procedure invented by Dr. Cook? I heard it is less invasive, but dont know who does that type of surgery. If anyone has any information or advice please email me @ nikkit68@ymail.com. HELP!!!! Thank You MNicole & Gabby
October 20th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
My dog Brady had intracapsular repair surgery in his left knee. We kept him very confined but he still reinjured the leg. He then tore his ligament in his right knee. We took him to a specialist where they told us about the TPLO surgery. He needs it in both legs, which is going to cost about $5000.00. We are unable to afford it now. Any ideas of how to raise this money is greatly appreciated. Please check out our website at KingBrady.com. Thanks.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I have a 5 year old chocolate lab named Rebel. He is the most amazing dog! It was just Rebel and I for a while. Now I am recently married and my husband lost his job. We are supporting ourselves on my income alone. We found out yesterday that Rebel need surgery to repair a cruciate ligament injury. The surgery is around $2500 which we do not have right now. I checked with the vet specialists in the area and none of them will take a payment plan. Rebel cannot walk at all at this point. My husband has to carry him up and down the stairs to go potty. He is perfectly healthy except for the fact that he can’t walk. Not having the surgery is not an option. Please let me know if there is any programs available that can help with this kind of thing…..we love our baby and we are desperate …..any suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks….Laurie, Kyle and Rebel please email me at ljane421@yahoo.com
November 10th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
My husband&I have a Mini Eskimo that is my world, we are able to keep up with all his bet check ups because we have him on the petsmart plan,but unfortunately he has to get reconstructive surgery on his leg&we were told it cost anywhere from 1000-2000. Is there anyway we can get help, he is enlisted in the marine corps&im a full time college student, so financially we don’t have that much just to throw down in surgery=( please help me with any advice!
December 1st, 2009 at 4:07 am
Is there anyone in NJ that will help me pay for Medial Patellar Luxation surgery for my rescued Pitbull/Labrador mix? I’m having a hard time coming up with the money for this surgery. I got laid off a while back, and am only able to find part time work, so I can only afford the basics right now. Any help will be appreciated.
December 4th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Robert, Call 212 838-8100. I heard that they will help if qualified. I am waiting for a call myself for my dog too. Also Care Credit will let you pay without interest for 18 months, shop around for prices. They can vary from 1400.00-2500.00. Good luck, Anna
December 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Is there anywhere in the Ft. Myers, FL area that will help pay for my yorkie’s anal sac removal? I have tried a lot of different things and the Vet thinks he needs this. It’s so sad, he smells alful. He used to cuddle all the time and now he hide under the sofa or bed. It’s so sad.I don’t know if he does it because he is in pain or just embarassed. I got him as a pup and than got sick and had to have chemo. He was there for me in ways my family never was. He’d lay on the bed with me waiting for me to wake up. I love him so much, he was always there for me and I want to give him what he needs but I’m unemployed (haven’t gone back to work since the chemo). His name is Chewie.I would appreciate any help.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
my kids have 16 week old a scottish terrier mix, she has a femoral fracture which requires surgery shes so young.no other options in my book, can anybody help.please we love our dog.
January 12th, 2010 at 9:36 am
I want to adopt a dog at a shelter. She is about to be put down. She has cataracts in both eyes. The price for surgery ranges from $2900-$5500. Is there assistance that you know of so I can help her or a vet that will do charity work?
January 15th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
My Rottweiler has completely torn his ACL. The surgery (extracapsular is 1600) (TPLO is 2400).I was laid off April 2009. I can’t stand to see him in so much pain. Can anyone help?
January 20th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
It breaks my heart so much to see so many people in need. I am in need as well. One night while I was at work, my dog got outside and ran into the street and got hit by a car. At first, my roommate thought she was dead, but then Betty, (my dog) got up and moved to the curb and collapsed. I spent over 1000 to take her to the emergency vet and keep her overnight for observation. Betty broke her pelvis in 3 different places and has also dislocated her elbow. Surgery was recommended for the pelvis but was not need. Dislocated elbow different story. the surgery for her dislocated elbow would be 2250…times two. They say that because its been so long, she might need two surgeries. I love my dog more than anything and vice versa. I would appreciate any help here in Minnesota. Let me know. acarlson90@hotmail.com
January 31st, 2010 at 5:40 pm
My mom and her dog Abby live in Mesa Arizona with my grandparents. My mom moved down to Arizona in September and only has a temporary job and isn’t able to afford the surgery that Abby needs. She has a herniated disk in her neck and is in pain. She’s on pain medicine and can’t walk. The veterinarian that saw Abby said that she needs the surgery but it would cost 7,000 dollars. Abby is currently taking medicine and is still in pain. Of course due to the fact that the surgery is not affordable, putting Abby to sleep is what will need to be done if she doesn’t have surgery. As a family we are all taking it very hard and are looking for any other option that might be available. She is a sweet and loving companion and has been more of a support to my mom than you can imagine. It would truly be devastating to lose her for all of us. Pets these days are more like kids as I’m sure you have noticed and all we want to do is take care of them and take their pains away. I would appreciate any advice or financial options…aside from Care Credit that are available. Due to Abby’s pain there is a very short timeframe at this point. We wouldn’t be reaching out if Abby wasn’t so important to all of us.
Please help!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:57 am
I don’t have alot of answers for the financial assistance, except that we are using some of our retirement money for our dog. I do know that there are some associations that have charitable assistance for people and pets in need. In the Rochester NY area, MVA…Monroe Vet. Association. This is one of their charters. I would look to see if there is an association of this nature in your locale. Also, some rescue groups, which are usually breed specific, will help with fund raising for dogs needing to be placed from a shelter. Well, and then there is the credit card or loan route. I have had to do this twice in one year, for both of my dogs. The other advice I would offer…get a second opinion, and at a Veterinary teaching hospital, if possible. If it were you and you needed surgery, wouldn’t you do the same? We found that by doing this, the surgery we opted for, was half the price of the quotes we were hearing. They recommended a different strategy, one that was actually better for my dog and again, the price was half of our first quote. Further, they performed all of the surgeries and could have done the expensive one, but it would have been harder on the dog and on us. They didn’t feel that was the best option for her. She needed both legs operated on. 3 days later, I have her home and will be doing the rest of the work, going back only one more time for physical therapy.