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.

Below is a list of financial help resources for dogs facing illness, disease, surgery or a life threatening emergency. Click on the underlined titles to be taken to the rescue and/or financial assistance website.

General

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.  This is for animals facing life threatening emergencies.

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.

AAHA – AAHA Helping Pets Fund works with selected veterinary practices to help owners facing financial hardship.  If your pet is a patient at an AAHA-affiliated location, your vet can recommend for you to be part of this program, and you may receive assistance from their emergency and non-elective fund programs if you qualify.

Help A Pet – HELP-A-PET is a nonprofit which provides financial aid to the following types of pet owners:  physically and mentally challenged individuals, senior citizens and children of the working poor.   They assist in paying for the medical care of pets for owners are unable to afford the expense.

Ashley’s Angel Fund – Pet assistance for North Carolina pet owners whose pets are facing a life-threatening condition, and demonstrate an inability to pay for their pet’s treatment.

NY Save – SAVE: Save Animals in Veterinary Emergency.  Program for New York City pet owners whose pets are facing a life threatening medical emergency.  The SAVE program allows owners to take their dog to receive emergency treatment, regardless of ability to pay.

The Mosby Foundation – Virginia based pet assistance program to assist in the care of sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs through financial support and public education.

Brown Dog Foundation, Inc. – Assistance for pet owners facing financial crisis for their dog facing a life-threatening, but treatable, condition.

Breed Specific

Pit Bull Rescue Central – Financial aid resources for Pit Bull and Pitbull mix owners facing expensive veterinary treatments and evidence of hardship to pay.

Westie Med Inc. – Entirely volunteer run, non profit organization focusing on providing financial aid to injured or ill rescue Wesites.

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.

Corgi Aid – Financial resource for Welsh Corgi owners facing financial difficulty paying for the treatment, surgery or care of their Corgi.

Special Needs Dobermans – Organization dedicated to assisting Doberman owners facing hardships and difficulty paying veterinary bills.

Dougal’s Fund – Westy and Corgi owners needing financial assistance and help to pay for their vet costs.  Their mission is to see to it that all Westies and Corgis get the medical care they need.

Labrador Harbor – To provide charitable funds to private citizens or non-profit rescue organizations that directly benefit the immediate physical well-being of Labrador Retrievers including medical intervention, surgery, after-care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, behavioral intervention, or other health related needs.

LABMED – Internet-based non-profit organization created to distribute financial aid and assistance to injured or ill rescues around the country, giving them a second chance at adoption and love from a permanent family.

Comprehensive

Detailed List of Resources Kept by the Humane Society – State by State listing of financial aid available for your pet.