financial assistance for expensive dog care?

Question

My dog's cataracts have gotten really bad this year and I can't afford $1100+ for the surgery. This isn't fair for her but I can't do it on my own. Does any one know any organizations who help with this kind of situation? Thank you for your help.

thank you for the info- I am looking into the websites, the animals shelters, and payment options. She is a really special little girl and I wnat to keep her active as long as possible. She's about 14 now.

trisha angel -what kind of comment is that? She's healthy and I want to keep her that way, you idiot.

alberto, vets are not raping the pet owners. It is not cheap to run a vet hospital. Now if I walked into a fancy schmancy vet office, I'd know I was going to get hit with a highter bill - just like a people doctor. I don't want to pay for fancy furniture in the waiting room. Vets are not taking advantage of us - it's justthat most of us don't have pet insurance.

maguire 1202, thanks !!!!! I will contact all these orgs as soon as I check with my vet- to make sure she is a good candidate for the surgery. Having the info upfront is really great.

to fingerssfv, thanks for info but I don't watch tv. If you or anyone else finds out, plz pass on info. You said I shouldn't give anyone grief over some of their answers. I replied to the person who said my dog should die in a year
because she IS an idiot. If you're going to give ignorant or hurtful answers to someone asking for help, then don't even get on Y A. Who needs their ignorance. I hope she never loses a friend.
I wish people would show a little more respect for the serious questions- sometimes it's hard to know if the asker is serious because there is so much garbage posted here. This is a great open forum, it's a shame some people don't use their heads for anything else besides a hat rack.

Answer 1

I would suggest you go to a facility which offers a payment plan. $1100 is unquestionably a burden, but it's great to hear that you are going to lengths to find a solution. Organizations that might help include. . .

AAHA Helping Pets Fund
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/root/

Help a Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org

I've not used any of these organizations, but you could give them a try. It might be tough, as cataract surgery is considered elective surgery.


In response to alberto - vets are absolutely not overcharging! Do you know what goes into providing high quality health care for pets? Your veterinarian provides all the services of a human hospital at a fraction of the price. Prices must take into account overhead, cost of their technology and equipment, staffing, malpractice insurance, and the cost associated with your veterinarian's education and experience as a doctor.

"Prices for basic veterinary care have not risen much in the last 30 years, while in human medicine the cost of services has skyrocketed. It is less expensive to treat your dog than your child for the same illness." (http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=397)

Trust me, veterinarians are not rich. They do what they do because they love animals. They deserve more respect than you are giving them.

Answer 2

If an answer doesn't sound like some smartass did it, don't criticize us, we're just trying to help. Not everyone is going to give the best answer, but it doesn't mean they're an idiot. Watch your tone. No need to cause issues. You have an old pet, so care for it as best you can, but if you can't really afford the surgery, continue loving it and caring for it as best as you can. There is this show on TV that goes by an acronym, about 5-6 letters long. They seem to take care of things like that. I'm sorry I can't recall the name, but keep your eyes peeled on the tube, 'til that show and name pop up. You can contact TV stations and ask about it.

Answer 3

There are many local pet pounds that help out in cases like these. Our local P.A.W.S. help with funds, and the vet writes off half of the bill to PAWS.if you live in a more populated area, there are many shelters (not pounds, those are the of the city) that help in cases such as yours. Also, just ask your vet, or search around and ask a variety of vets if they could make it possible to be a lesser amount paid. I know that with our dog, he had surgery and then was put down about a week after, we only were expected to pay one bill, due to the case we had.

Answer 4

You might want to check out CareCredit, a credit card issued by GE Money Bank that can be used to pay for your own health care and that of your pet(s). Information is available at www.carecredit.com or by calling their customer service department at 1-800-893-7864. I've used it here in California for some expensive cardiology tests on my dog. They offer a variety of payment plans. Good luck.

Answer 5

I cant believe how vets are raping loving per owners of their last pennies. We all need to get pet insurance and maybe after 20 years their prices will be controled. Untill then we will continue to pay more for fido's health care than enven your kids health care. Do something!!

Answer 6

im a pet owner too and this type of thing is difficult, but if you cannot afford the surgery for your pet, and plus i take it ur dog is older, i would put him down and put him out of his misery,

Answer 7

call the spca and ask them my friend had to do it they will financially help you out once a year up to $500

Answer 8

a university vet school can help

Answer 9

Check out this website:

WWW.IMOM.COM

Good luck!

Answer 10

you do know that your dog is suppose to die after a year right????