I'm claiming incapacity benefit in the UK can i get help with vet bill for my dog?

Answer 1

Hi Tacho, I can answer this cos I'm on I.C. benefit and been through exactly the same problem and I'm sorry to say that many of the answers here from my YA colleagues are incorrect. P.D.S.A. will only admit you if you're on HOUSING benefit. and even then will only administer help for certain conditions - which is why I deprive myself of things in able to continue my dogs insurance policy - and the 'special' benefit loan mentioned, earlier, can be got - but not for the dog - tell them it is for a fridge!

Answer 2

Contact the PDSA, they provide free or subsidised vet care to people on benefits

This link tells you about the PDSA and if you're eligible for help (you also have to live in the cachement area of a hospital, but there are quite a few of them)
http://www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility.html

Chalice

EDIT: I think I did hear the other day that they don't help people on incapacity benefit, which seems a little dumb to me, but there you go. Anyway, you can find out from the link I provided, or ringing them.

Answer 3

The suggestion of an obedience class is an excellent one. Read here https://tr.im/rn8fI
It will help your dog learn to behave around other dogs, and help keep your training moving forward as you'll want to be prepared for the next class. Also, a good instructor can be a wonderful resource, someone to help you with any questions or concerns about your dog. Leash training can take a LOT of time and patience, depending upon the dog. I'm not sure what you mean by 'horrible on a leash' but my basic suggestion is that you take a lot of yummy treats with you on walks. When your dog behaves well on the leash (not pulling) praise her and give her treats. Change direction a lot so that she learns to pay attention to YOU and where you are going. It's also helpful to teach a "Watch Me" command such that whenever your dog looks at you you praise her and give her a treat. About chewing, yes a Kong is a great chew toy. Some dogs also like Nylabone brand bones. I suggest also teaching a "Leave It" command. You use this when she shows interest in chewing on something she shouldn't. Then immediately give her something she is allowed to chew, such as the Kong stuffed with somethig yummy. This same command will be helpful on walks when she wants to sniff or eat something she shouldn't. Again, when she does leave the item alone, be sure to give lots of praise. I would look into an obedience class right away. I think that you'll find that a good obedience class can help enormously! Good luck and enjoy your new dog.

Answer 4

If you are on housing benefit/ counciltax benefit you can go to the local pdsa clinic.
You have to fill in forms and take proof of benefits but once that is done you can use their veterinary service and just make a donation.
If you are not on these benefits they will not negotiate so you would need to work out a payment plan with your vet. ( most vets are pretty good about this)

Answer 5

Yes. RSPCA and PDSA run low cost or free clinics around the country. Google it up to find where.
But be warned: they only go for the cheap way, so if your dog could be saved by a costly operation it will be put down instead. And you won't be allowed in as he's being put to sleep either.

As a rule of thumb, only use services from these two charities for routine stuff, like vaccinations, neutering, chipping, worming, dentals, flea treatment and maybe diagnosis. But insurance should be available for the serious stuff.

Answer 6

if you have gone to a private vet then you wont get help...if you make a donation at your local pdsa and can prove your on benefits then yes. first you got to prove you get housing benefit every six months then you make an appointment show them the proof then your covered for six months then your dog will be seen to (anything over ten pounds is acceptable as a donation) although it all depends what type and kind of treatment your dog receives. good luck.

Answer 7

Not from th state, unless it is a guide/hearing dog. The RSPCA may be able to assist. Or the vet may allow the bill to go to the PDSA, but forget any ideas of asking the social to cough up.

Answer 8

You could try the RSPCA, PDSA only applies to people on housing benefit and council Tax benefit
Speak to the vets sometimes they will let you pay it off monthly to help.

Answer 9

Certainly, PDSA, Blue Cross, Celia Hammond...

Answer 10

Only if you get income support or housing benefit. Incapacity benefit doesn't count.