_edited.png)
Please note: our website is optimized for desktop browsing.
Pet Care Financial Support Guide
For unexpected vet bills, low-income support, and emergency care planning
This guide is for pet parents facing financial barriers to veterinary care, or trying to plan for emergencies.
​
Needing veterinary care without the money to pay for it is one of the hardest situations a pet owner can face. There usually isn’t a perfect answer, and most people end up combining options: financing, assistance programs, clinic support, and community resources, to get through it.
If you’re in this position, focus on the next best step rather than trying to solve everything at once. Call the vet, explain the situation clearly, and ask what can be done today to keep your pet stable and comfortable. From there, you can build a plan forward using the resources available to you.
​
Even when options feel limited, there is usually more support available than it first appears. ​This guide is based on London, Ontario and the surrounding area, and geared mostly toward cats/dogs.
Options vary depending on income, location, and clinic participation.
If You Have $0 for Vet Care Right Now
01.
Assess how urgent the situation is
Start by figuring out how quickly your pet needs care.
​
🔗 What To Do In a Pet Emergency
​
This guide includes a helpful breakdown of symptoms and how urgently a vet should be contacted.
​
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to treat it as urgent and call a clinic.
03.
Explore personal financing options (credit card, line of credit, loan)
If available, these can be the fastest way to access funds:
-
Credit card (including short-term emergency use)
-
Line of credit from your bank
-
Short-term personal loan
​
Approval isn’t always possible, but these are often the quickest “same-day” options if you already have access.
05.
Contact a veterinary clinic and explain your financial situation
This step is important.
​
When you speak to the clinic, let them know:
-
You are financially limited right now
-
You are trying to understand the most urgent needs first
-
You may need to prioritize stabilization over full diagnostics if costs are a concern
07.
Ask about clinic payment plans or financing options
Ask the veterinary clinic if they offer any in-house payment plans or work with third-party financing providers such as Petcard or Scratchpay.
Options vary by clinic, so it’s important to ask early so you understand what can be arranged before treatment begins.
09.
Use pet food banks and community support resources
If finances are tight, reducing daily pet care costs can help free up money for veterinary needs.
​
Community resources such as pet food banks, humane society programs, and local donation-based groups can help with:
-
Pet food (dog, cat, small animals depending on supply)
-
Cat litter and basic supplies (varies by location)
This support can make it easier to focus limited funds on urgent medical care while keeping your pet at home and cared for.
02.
Review your current financial situation
Look at what you actually have access to:
-
Bank account balance
-
Upcoming pay or income
-
Any emergency funds or available credit
​
This isn’t about judgment; it’s about knowing what options are realistic so you can communicate clearly with a clinic.
04.
Reach out to family or friends for possible support
Some people are able to temporarily help with veterinary costs or split payments.
Even partial support can change what treatment options are available.
06.
Ask about low-cost or stabilization-only treatment options
Ask the clinic what can be done immediately to keep your pet stable and comfortable if full diagnostics or treatment aren’t financially possible right now.
Many clinics can prioritize essential care first and adjust the plan based on your budget and your pet’s urgent needs.
08.
Apply for veterinary financing or assistance programs (Petcard, Scratchpay, PAWS Canada, Farley Foundation)
If your pet still needs care and you’re trying to bridge the cost gap, move into longer-term support options right away.
​
Veterinary financing (repayment required):
You can apply for third-party financing options such as Petcard, Scratchpay, or other loan providers listed in this guide. These can help cover costs immediately and allow you to pay over time.
​
Assistance programs (no repayment expected):
You may also qualify for subsidized or charitable support, such as:
-
PAWS Canada (application-based veterinary assistance)
-
Farley Foundation (must be applied for through a participating veterinary clinic)
10.
Consider surrender or transfer of care options if no other resources are available
If your pet needs emergency veterinary care and there are truly no available options- no savings, no credit access, no financing eligibility, and no assistance programs that can help in time, it may be necessary to consider difficult alternatives.
This can include:
-
Reaching out to local humane societies or rescue organizations
-
Asking a veterinary clinic if they can advise on surrender or transfer of care options
-
Contacting municipal animal services for guidance on next steps
Surrender is never an easy decision, but in some situations it may be the only way to ensure a pet receives the urgent medical care they need.
If you reach this point, asking a vet or shelter staff for help navigating options is appropriate. They are used to supporting people through these situations and can help guide the process.
-
One of the most widely used veterinary financing programs in Canada
-
Offered through participating veterinary clinics
-
Provides credit-based payment plans for veterinary care
-
Monthly repayment options based on approved credit limit
-
Often used for both emergency and planned procedures
-
Financing platform used by veterinary clinics across Canada
-
Credit-based approval with flexible repayment terms
-
Often integrated directly into clinic billing systems
-
Can cover a wide range of veterinary services depending on clinic participation
-
Personal loan option that can be used for veterinary expenses
-
Fixed repayment schedules (installment loans)
-
May be available for larger or unexpected veterinary bills
-
Not clinic-specific (can sometimes be applied independently)
-
Approval based on credit assessment
-
Short-term payment plans for veterinary care
-
No physical card required
-
Fast online application
Financing Options
Assistance Programs
-
Provides financial assistance for veterinary care
-
Focuses on pets whose owners cannot afford urgent or necessary treatment
-
Application-based support (not instant approval)
-
Often used for:
-
Emergency surgeries
-
Severe illness or injury
-
Life-saving treatment when funds are unavailable
-
Important: Assistance is not guaranteed and is typically partial funding, but it can significantly reduce costs.
-
One of Ontario’s largest veterinary assistance programs
-
Provides funding directly through participating veterinarians
-
Covers eligible medical care for low-income pet owners
Key point: You cannot apply alone; funding is not guaranteed, and your vet clinic applies on your behalf.
Pet Food Banks
-
A London-based pet food support network run in partnership with the Humane Society London & Middlesex and multiple community organizations. The program helps pet owners experiencing financial hardship access donated cat, dog, and small animal food through local food bank partners across the city and surrounding areas.
-
Rather than distributing pet food directly from the shelter, the program connects families with participating community food bank locations where pet food support may be available. It is designed to help keep pets with their families during periods of financial difficulty and reduce the need for surrender due to food insecurity.
-
Availability varies by location and donation supply, so pet owners are encouraged to contact partner sites in advance.
A community-run Facebook group where local residents in London, Ontario share and request donated pet food and supplies. The group operates on peer-to-peer support, connecting pet owners experiencing financial hardship with others in the community who are able to donate or redistribute extra pet food.
Availability of assistance depends entirely on current member activity and donations. This is an informal support option and should be used alongside established food banks or charity programs when possible.
-
A local emergency food support organization serving individuals and families in London, Ontario. In addition to human food assistance, the London Food Bank may offer pet food support through its programs or community partners, depending on current donations and availability.
-
Support is intended for households experiencing short-term financial hardship and is accessed through intake or referral processes. Availability of pet-related supplies can vary, so it is recommended to contact them directly to confirm current options.
Low-Cost Veterinary Care
-
A City of London program offering subsidized veterinary wellness services for eligible residents.
-
Appointments are typically low-cost (around $50) and may include a basic physical exam, core vaccinations (rabies and DA2PP/FVRCP), and microchipping.
-
The program also offers subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.
-
The program is designed for preventative care rather than treating existing illness or emergencies. Eligibility is based on residency within London and specific income or assistance criteria (including Ontario Works, ODSP, subsidized housing, or low-income thresholds).
-
Appointments are limited, run on a scheduled clinic basis, and require advance application when intake opens.
-
A veterinary clinic providing medical and surgical care for cats and dogs, with a focus on supporting low-income pet owners and animal rescue organizations.
-
EVAH operates on an eligibility-based model where clients must meet household income thresholds or demonstrate financial need through government assistance programs (such as Ontario Works, ODSP, or subsidized housing). Reduced-cost veterinary services may be available for qualified clients, including exams, vaccines, spay/neuter procedures, and general medical care.
-
Proof of income or assistance is required before a veterinary-client relationship is established.
-
The clinic operates Monday to Friday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and is closed on weekends. EVAH is not an emergency hospital; during urgent or after-hours situations, clients are directed to emergency veterinary services or tele-triage support.
Emergency Clinics
General Practice Clinics
This map is intended specifically as a list of independently owned veterinary clinics. Clinics owned by veterinary corporations, including VetStrategy, VCA Canada, and NVA Canada, are not included. When possible, Forest City Rats encourages pet owners to support independently owned veterinary clinics.
Corporate veterinary groups, including VetStrategy, VCA Canada, and NVA Canada, have acquired many practices across Canada, including some emergency hospitals. While these clinics may still provide quality care and are included where relevant, clinic ownership may be something pet owners wish to consider when choosing a veterinary provider.
You can verify whether a clinic is corporate-owned by checking the company websites below:​
Discussion Area
A community live chat for questions, comments, and sharing updates about veterinary care resources in the London area. This includes clinic information, low-cost care options, pop-up clinics, and assistance programs. Please note that this chat is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for emergencies.