Financial help for low-income pet owners
The cost of owning a pet has risen sharply in recent years, meaning low-income pet owners are now feeling the pinch more than ever before. The inflated prices for pet food and accessories are bad enough, but the lack of affordable vet care has become a real strain for American households.
If you’re worried about making ends meet, you’re not alone. Nearly half (48%) of pet parents are concerned about the rising costs over their pet’s lifetime, according to Rover, an online marketplace for pet care.
However, not all hope is lost, as there is help out there for low-income pet owners needing financial support with vet bills.
In this article, we share the top ways pet owners can get financial help, while also exploring the benefits of crowdfunding.
The rising cost of owning a pet
Sure, owning a pet can be hugely rewarding and enhance your life, but for many, the associated costs have meant it’s no more expensive than ever.
In 2025, pet parents can expect to spend around 11% more on veterinary bills, 183% more for pet cleaning supplies, 20% more for grooming supplies, and 85% more for treats and chews, according to Rover’s annual ‘True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report’.
The annual cost of owning a dog is estimated to be around $1,800 in 2025, including pet food, toys, routine vet visits, and insurance premiums, according to Market Watch. However, these are estimates and depend on the dog’s breed, age, and general health.
For many pet owners, the costs we’ve listed above can be eye-watering. Also, these figures don’t account for any additional vet bills you may need to pay across the year, let alone if you own multiple pets.
6 ways to get financial help as a pet owner
If you’re a low-income family but don’t want to be priced out of owning a pet, there are some options available to you.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the different options available to low-income families who need financial support to own a pet.
1. Vet payment plans
Many veterinary services offer subsidy programs or payment plans for low-income pet owners. When a crisis strikes and your pet needs emergency care, subsidy programs are in place to assist pet owners experiencing temporary financial difficulties.
There are countless programs across the US, so make sure you check with your local vet or animal shelter to see if they offer one, or see services in your local area.
2. Pet Help Finder
Pet Help Finder supports organizations that offer low-cost services, including medical care, spay/neuter clinics, vaccines, pet supplies, pet food assistance, wellness services, and more. The following all qualify as financially friendly if they meet their criteria:
- Private veterinary practices.
- Non-profit organizations
- Social service agencies.
- Specialty funds.
- Corporate veterinary providers qualify.
This is hugely beneficial to low-income pet owners, as it means they have access to organizations that offer discounted or specialty price offerings. Users of Pet Help Finder are advised to recognize that conditions may apply, and they should always discuss individual entity offerings directly with the service provider.
3. Crowdfunding on GoFundMe
Are you a low-income earner who needs help covering vet bills? GoFundMe is here to help. You can quickly raise money for your pet’s surgery with pet fundraising, so your beloved pet can receive the veterinary care it needs.
Our network is more than 150 million strong, meaning members of our huge community and your friends and family have an opportunity to give back to a good cause.
There is even a category of fundraisers dedicated to pet care and animal welfare, including fundraisers for nonprofit organizations serving pets and other animals. See success stories at the bottom of this article.
4. Consider pet insurance
Pet insurance may feel like an expensive option, but it can provide significant benefits for low-income families by reducing the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses.
Depending on the coverage plan, it can provide support for emergency veterinary care, accidents, and preventative care.
With pet insurance, you can prioritize your pet’s well-being without putting your family under financial strain.
There are many pet insurance options out there, so be sure to read the policy documents in full to understand coverage and any deductibles.
5. Alternative financing
Personal loans or credit cards can help with funding for pet care, but be sure you have the means to afford repayments and read the small print before making financial commitments.
Here are some options, but be sure to do your research to find what suits your financial needs.
- LendingUSA offers loans specifically for pet care, with options for both good and bad credit. They offer introductory 0% APR options and no prepayment penalties, but require a hard credit check.
- CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used for veterinary expenses. It offers promotional financing options.
6. Organizations that can help
There are a handful of US organizations that offer financial assistance with veterinary bills, supporting with everything from urgent care to spay/neuter pet assistance.
Frankie’s Friends
Frankie’s Friends provides financial assistance for emergency and specialty veterinary care. They primarily support life-threatening conditions, working closely with partner veterinary hospitals across the country.
Paws 4 A Cure
Paws 4 A Cure assists pet owners with non-routine veterinary expenses, regardless of the pet’s breed, age, or diagnosis. They do not fund preventative care or ongoing treatments for chronic health conditions.
Magic Bullet Fund
Magic Bullet Fund specifically helped dogs and cats who have been diagnosed with cancer, but it is no longer taking new cases. Its singular focus on cancer treatment sets it apart from more general pet support programs. It helped more than 900 pets.
Onyx & Breezy Foundation
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation provides funding for medical treatment, equipment, therapy, and shelter for animals in need. They have a broader mission that includes supporting shelters and rescue organizations. It is one of the only organizations to offer spay/neuter programs as part of its broader animal welfare mission.
RedRover Relief
RedRover Relief offers emergency financial assistance for urgent veterinary care and helps victims of domestic violence escape danger with their pets. Their unique Pet Safe Housing grant also supports housing shelters that allow pets.
Mosby Foundation
The Mosby Foundation supports sick, injured, and abused dogs by offering financial aid for non-routine veterinary care.
The Pet Fund
The Pet Fund helps pet owners with non-emergency, chronic conditions and long-term treatment costs for companion animals. They do not cover urgent care.
Brown Dog Foundation
Brown Dog Foundation offers financial assistance to pet owners who have a treatable illness but cannot afford the cost of veterinary care.
How crowdfunding can help with the cost of pet ownership
Here are some examples of where crowdfunding through GoFundMe has helped low-income families pay for vet bills, making a huge difference to their lives and their adoring pets.
Help Rufus get a better chance at life!
Rufus was neglected in a cage amidst filth and neglect, enduring unimaginable suffering. He also faced relentless attacks from other canines, further worsening his condition. Bruised and battered, the dog bore the scars of physical abuse, with skin and blood-borne infections, dental issues, and severe malnourishment.
Kathy started a fundraiser to help Rufus on his long journey to recovery, with donations going towards medicine, tests, and more.
Esteban’s Life-Saving Oral Surgery
Karly started a fundraiser for her dog Esteban’s life-saving oral tumor surgery. The cost estimate for the surgery was between $8,300 and $11,000. With the surgery set to go ahead on February 2nd, 2024, Karly needed to raise funds quickly. Without the surgery, they would have to say goodbye to Esteban.
Fortunately, the fundraiser ensured Esteban was able to have the surgery. An update was shared on his fundraising page to say he was doing well in recovery.
Eevee’s Liver Shunt Surgery
Sydney started a fundraiser for her seven-month-old corgi puppy, Eevee. Eevee was a rescue and had a rough start in life, having been discarded from a puppy mill after being attacked by another dog. Just after she was adopted, Eevee’s health worsened, and it was later discovered she had pneumonia, which turned into sepsis. The vet also found she had a liver shunt.
The ICU bill was $10,000, and the pet insurance company refused to cover it. The surgery would cost another $10,000. Therefore, Sydney created a fundraiser to help cover the costs.
Start a pet fundraiser today
For thousands of low-income families across the US, crowdfunding helps dreams come true by ensuring they can afford a pet if an emergency were to occur and vet bill assistance was required.
While you might be daunted by the prospect of money being raised on your behalf, the benefits of crowdfunding make it all worthwhile, as you realise just how accepting and generous people can be. Crowdfunding with GoFundMe is safe, reliable, and easy to set up.
Starting a GoFundMe is an excellent way to raise money for your pet. Get started today.