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Resources for Your Pet
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Struggling with the cost of veterinary care? You're not alone. PetSmart Charities of Canada partnered with research firm Gallup to conduct the State of Pet Care Study to explore pet parents' perceptions on vet care. The report revealed that 50% of Canadian pet parents have skipped or declined veterinary care, and among them, 67% cite cost as the reason. Use this guide to review your options, with practical tips on accessing affordable veterinary care.
What should I do if my pet needs care now?
Search for affordable veterinary care options near you. These may include nonprofit clinics, community clinics, and veterinary schools with community based clinics that often charge significantly less than full-price practices, and most are open to everyone. Contact the clinic directly to inquire about the services they offer and pricing.
When you contact a clinic, be open about your situation. Share exactly what's going on and be upfront about your budget, which can help clinics provide you with support. Clinics that focus on affordable care handle these conversations every day, and telling them your limit first helps them support you and your pet.
If your pet is experiencing an emergency situation such as losing consciousness, trouble breathing, suspected poisoning or serious injury, click here for our guide to finding emergency services when cost is a concern.
Where can I find lower-cost vet care near me?
The kinds of providers that typically offer care at reduced prices include nonprofit veterinary clinics, community clinics, and teaching hospitals at veterinary schools with community clinic programming. All three offer quality veterinary care and are staffed by licensed veterinarians and, in the case of vet schools with community clinics, supervised by experienced faculty.
Also consider specialized clinics that offer specific services like spay/neuter surgeries or vaccines. Vaccine clinics are sometimes available within pet stores, and spay/neuter clinics may be available through pop-ups in communities. Specialized services can allow these clinics to offer services at lower costs.
Many people assume these clinics are only for people below a certain income level, or that lower cost means lower quality. Most of the time, neither is true. Some programs do prioritize families with financial need, but many are open to helping everyone afford vet bills. Our research confirmed that cost can be a barrier to accessing veterinary care across many income levels, but the love you have for your pet is not dependent on the size of your wallet. Learn more about lower cost clinics and who qualifies here.
How can I lower my costs at a full-price vet?
When your vet is explaining their recommendations, ask for options or alternate treatment plans. Our study of practicing veterinarians found that 87% say they often or always recommend an alternative treatment plan when care is declined by pet parents due to cost.
Here are some ways to work with with your veterinarian to lower costs:
- Ask what's urgent and what can wait. Treatment plans often include items that are important but may not be time-sensitive. Ask your vet to separate the two to help you prioritize where your budget is spent. Keep in mind that preventative care is important and may help avoid costly issues down the road.
- Ask about payment plans. Some practices offer in-house payment plans or work with third-party financing that lets you pay a bill over time. If you suspect budget may be an issue, use a clinic that has payment plans available should the need arise. Ask what options the clinic offers before treatment starts, and ensure you carefully read the terms, especially the interest rate, before signing anything.
- Ask about lower-cost alternatives. Consider generic medications, external pet pharmacies, outpatient instead of overnight care, or a "wait and monitor" plan for non-urgent issues to meaningfully change the cost.
- Ask for a tiered or phased treatment plan. Most veterinarians will prioritize diagnostic tests or treatments so that the most important steps can be taken first, which can help spread costs over time. It may also help avoid unnecessary tests or treatments by informing the treatment plan along the way.
Not sure how to approach this with your vet? Use this script to help guide your conversation.
Can I raise money to help cover the cost of my vet bills?
Some pet parents have had success raising funds through a crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe. Refer to this guide for more information on how to start a crowdsourcing fundraiser.
Why does this matter so much to PetSmart of Canada Charities?
Because pets are family. Research has found that 97% of pet parents consider their pets family — including 51% who say their pets count as much as human family members. Yet we estimate million of pets across Canada don't receive the veterinary care they need to thrive, making it the largest single issue currently facing animal welfare. Cost should never be the reason a family loses a pet they love, which is why PetSmart Charities of Canada is working to expand access to veterinary care nationwide.
