Heartworm treatment for my dog is too expensive... any financial aid tips?

Question

I have a beagle that i just rescued that was tested positive for heartworms.. The vet says its at a stage that is treatable.. but the cost is around $400... I cannot afford this upfront.. Does anyone know of any cheaper solutions or grant programs in TX?

Answer 1

You can apply for credit for veternarian bills that will allow you up to 12 months before any interest starts accumulating...it's called Care Credit....here's the link:
http://www.carecredit.com/apply/index.html

Answer 2

Have you contacted the organization from which you adopted your dog? I also live in Texas, and typically the rescue organizations have the dogs tested and treated for heartworms at their expense prior to adoption. You should read the adoption papers/contract and then contact the rescue. If they do not help, contact your local humane society and ask them for advice. Also, some vets are willing to work out a payment plan for you.

If you live in or around Austin, you could take your dog to an organization called Animal Trustees of Austin. They provide low-cost routine veterinary care to people and pets who need assistance. They could probably help you.

Whatever you do, be sure that the dog gets treatment - even if it means you have to give her up. Heartworm infection is treatable if caught early enough, and the dog can go on to have a good life.

All the best to you.

Answer 3

Ask your vet if they have a payment plan. Check with a clinic in your area. Go the the beagle rescue in your area and ask them if they know of any grants. The rescue you got your dog from should have done a heartworm test and the dog should have been on heartgard. Go to Pet finders in your area and send out mass emails to all the rescues in your area asking for help. Get on Craig's list ask for help. Good luck just don't give up for the dogs sake,

Answer 4

Look for vet clinics in your area. Usually the cost of treating an animal is less if you go to a clinic.

Talk to your vet and see if he can work out a payment plan with you. They'd probably be willing to do it or find another Vet and ask if they do have a payment plan so you can afford to keep the dog and get it treated.

Answer 5

I went to the local humane society, they have a clinic there and I paid $150 and it was definitly worth it because she is heartworm free. She was 10yrs when I did the treatment and I faithfully give her heartworm treatments every month, even in the winter, I'm not taking any chances! Good luck!

Answer 6

Check out the website; www.carecredit.com, then find a vet in your area who takes this credit. It is a line of credit that you can use to pay the bill, then make monthly payments on. When you pay it off, you can run it up again, just like a credit card. Lots of dentists take this card as well, so it is a very useful thing. I used it when my dog died and the bill was $2000. Good luck!

Answer 7

Your vet or a local ASPCA or shelter may be able to direct you better. Some shelters actually have medical clinics that are typically cheaper than a regular veterinarian. Whatever you decide to do, you should probably do it quickly - you don't want the poor puppy to get worse! Good luck with this :)

Answer 8

You had no right to adopt anything but a toy dog from Toys R Us if you can not even afford $400 for treatment.

Since you "rescued" the dog, then I suggest you take that poor animal back to the rescue where they will secure him medical attention. I know any reputable rescue gives you anywhere from two weeks to a month to return a dog.

Answer 9

care credit. Or call the local human society or shelter to see if they can help.

Time is of the essence, I wouldn't screw around finding something cheaper though. If you can't afford it now, waiting will just cost you more as the condition get worse.

Answer 10

Wow that's a heck of a lot to find all in one go. If I were you I'd ask the vet if I could pay it off in instalments.