Free Dog Health Care And Discounted Care (Updated 2020)

Dog owners can fall into hard times just like anyone else. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a job, an emergency, or another financial crisis, you still deserve to be able to give your dog the medical services he needs.

However, doing so can be difficult if you don’t have the funds to cover vet bills. Medical care for dogs can be just as costly has human health care, and just as worrisome when you can’t afford it.

Fortunately, there are several resources available that provide discounted or free vet services for dogs. You may be able to have diagnostics, treatments, prescriptions, routine care, emergencies, and more covered, if needed.

If your dog needs medical care you can’t afford, don’t worry. Check out some of these resources to see if you qualify for discounted or free vet help for dogs.

Is There Free Dog Health Care Available?

It may take some research to find out what’s available in your area. However, there are ways you can find free health care for dogs, or at least discounted care, through local or national organizations. The Humane Society of the United States discusses some helpful resources in this video:

If you’re in need of discounted or free care for dogs, here are the places you should try first:

Discounted Or Free Vet Help For Dogs From National Organizations

The Humane Society of the United States lists several national organizations on its website that may be able to help you with the cost of your dog’s medical care.

Some of these organizations will help with specific costs, like diagnostic exams, cancer-specific treatments, and health care for senior dogs. Others may help you pay for routine care or prescriptions for your dog. To get detailed information on what each organization helps with, check out their websites.

On the Humane Society’s website, you can also browse through help programs in your state. This can help you find more local programs that may be able to provide discounted or free medical care for dogs.

Discounted Or Free Medical Care For Dogs From Local Shelters

Money Talks News suggests checking your local shelters for affordable health care services. Local welfare organizations, shelters, and rescue groups often provide some health services, like spaying and neutering, for free or discounted costs.

Although you may not be able to have ongoing or high medical costs covered by your local shelter, it may be able to help with vaccines, exams, and other lower-cost services. You can even offer to volunteer at your local shelter or rescue group for a possible exchange in medical services.

Discounted Or Free Vet Care For Dogs From Your Veterinarian

Did you know that your veterinarian may be able to provide you with discounted or free care for dogs? Especially if you’ve been a long-term customer with your vet, he may be able to help you when you can’t afford a particular service or treatment.

It never hurts to ask, even if you think the answer will be a “No”. Even if your vet won’t offer free medical services, you may be able to get a good discount if you explain your financial situation. Few vets will want to see your dog suffer because you can’t afford an important medical service.

Alternatively, your vet may suggest an affordable payment plan if you’re an established customer with a good payment history. Offer a payment per month that you can afford until you pay off the full bill for services. If he sees that you’re willing to work out a plan and have every intention to pay, he’s more likely to agree to a payment plan.

Discounted Or Free Vet Services For Dogs With Health Insurance

One of the best ways to receive more affordable medical services for your dog is through a health insurance policy. Although they will cost you some money each month, health insurance is a more affordable way to budget your dog’s health care costs.

Dog insurance will usually cover accidents, illnesses, and other high-cost medical care, like surgeries and emergency room visits. You can also get coverage for alternative treatments, prescriptions, and ongoing conditions. Most insurance companies will reimburse you up to 90% of your vet bills for covered conditions and services.

So, although dog insurance won’t necessarily give you free health care for dogs, it can absolutely give you affordable health care. I suggest three excellent dog insurance companies to get free online quotes from and decide which one is best for you:

These insurance companies can help ease your fears of unexpected medical costs by providing low monthly premiums and excellent coverage.

Financial Aid For Free Vet Care For Dogs

If you have an unexpected, high-cost medical need for your dog arise, financial aid for dogs may be your best choice. Although you will likely not receive financial help for ongoing medical care, financial aid can be extremely helpful for high-cost emergencies or care you otherwise couldn’t afford.

To make the most of financial aid for your dog, you may want to look into more than one organization. Each organization usually pays a specific amount to the dog owner, which may not cover the full cost of services. So, it is in your best benefit to contact a few financial assistance organizations for high-cost medical bill assistance.

Conclusion: Free Dog Health Care

Discounted and free health care for your dog is possible if you know where to look. I suggest, if it all possible, opening up a health insurance policy for your dog first. This can help you afford high-cost medical care for conditions that aren’t pre-existing over a monthly budget, rather than all at once.

Next, check with your local shelters and your veterinarian. You may be surprised at the financial help you can receive through organizations within your local area. Also, look at programs available in your state to help dog owners afford their medical bills.

As a last resort, consider contacting financial aid organizations. Since they can take a few months to approve you and verify your financial state, don’t delay in applying. Some organizations may even reimburse you for medical services that have already taken place.

Needing assistance for your dog’s medical bills is nothing to be ashamed of. Rising health care costs are a reality, and your four-legged family member absolutely deserves health care, regardless of your financial situation.