There’s no worse feeling for a pet owner than when a pet gets sick but the owner can’t afford to pay the cost of veterinary bills due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or being laid off of work.

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations set up to help.

These include:

1) Paws 4 A Cure is a United States based all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance throughout the United States to those who cannot afford veterinary care for their beloved furry family members. The organization has provided over $180,000 in financial assistance to those in need since 2008, while keeping administration costs to less than 5 percent. Paws 4 A Cure helps dogs and cats with all injuries and illnesses.

2) The Pet Fund has a similar mission to Paws 4 a Cure. It is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals in the United States who need non-basic veterinary care. The Pet Fund works only on non-basic, non-urgent care, such as cancer treatment, heart disease, chronic conditions, endocrine diseases, eye diseases, etc. Their website notes that they do have a waitlist.

3) Handicapped Pets Foundation helps supply wheelchairs to pets in need.

4) The Big Hearts Fund will provide medical care support for canine and feline heart disease. The Big Hearts Fund will only fund completed applications, and those in which the applicant’s income is at or below the threshold of 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, and/or the applicant can prove sudden and unexpected hardship due to death, job loss, natural disaster, or illness/injury.

The above are just some of the organizations that are out there that may be able to help with medical care for pets, although it’s recommended that you follow each organization’s guidelines to a T, only apply to the organizations that are relevant to your situation (none of the above organizations pays for spaying or neutering, so don’t expect that to be covered, for example), and be patient when waiting for a response, as each organization likely gets many applications.

In addition to non-profits, there are also credit companies that can be applied to for financing. These include https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

There may also be other local organizations that can help with pet illness costs. Consulting with your veterinarian may help you find some resources.

And, you can also click below for a much more extensive list of places to go for assistance.

http://www.keepyourpet.com/vet-care-assistance/#affordable-meds

Inasmuch as low cost non-urgent care, the ASPCA’s site will tell you where to find low cost spaying or neutering close to your address by typing in your zip code.

And, it’s worth noting that Tractor Supply has a low-cost PetVet Clinic that offers rabies shots, microchipping and other services for very reasonable fees.

So, if you have one in your area, it’s definitely worth checking out.