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Financial Assistance Options
 Treating cancer can be very expensive depending on the course of treatment recommended by your veterinarian, often costing
several thousand dollars, which many families may not be able to afford. Unfortunately, financial considerations
are a very real part of deciding how aggressively to treat your dog’s cancer and sometimes we have to make a choice
between attempting cure and palliative care to maintain quality of life. We all have limits to what we can do and it’s
important to weigh the needs of your whole family when deciding how much of a financial burden your family can bear.
Below are some financial assistance resources that may be available to help. Keep in mind that each program has its
own criteria for eligibility and most have very limited funding available compared with the number of dogs in need of cancer
treatments. Review the guidelines carefully before deciding to submit an application.
Don't Lose Hope
If you find that you do not qualify for any of these programs. Don’t lose hope. Here are some additional
ideas for those facing financial hardship: - Talk with your veterinarian
about alternate treatment options or ways that you can still assist your dog in their battle against cancer that are within
your financial means.
- Research online or ask your vet about
clinical trials currently taking place for which your dog may qualify. In many cases, the costs of treatment are significantly
reduced or included for participating in these studies.
- Consider
reaching out to your community to share your story and ask for the support of friends, family or neighbors. You may
be surprised at how many people are willing to help.
- Many
people have successfully launched their own private fundraising campaigns in order to help their pets. This includes
email campaigns, setting up your own website to share your story, or selling items online to raise funds through sites like
eBay, Etsy, CafePress and others.
Remember, nothing is impossible
if you set your mind to it. |
FIRST
OPTIONS FOR FUNDING
CareCredit
CareCredit is a credit card program that may be offered at your veterinary clinic or hospital. CareCredit can offer
special financing, low monthly payment options, no up-front costs, and has no pre-payment penalties, so you can afford the
care your pet needs. Citi Health Card
Get flexible financing for health care services at participating dentists, orthodontists,
vision care specialists, veterinarians and other providers. Citibank card. ** Similar application process as CareCredit;
however, does not seem to have as many participating doctors who accept it.
Pet Insurance
If you among the minority of pet owners who has pet insurance, you may be surprised at how much your policy
can help pay for your dog’s treatments. Check with your policy to find out what tests and procedures are covered
and what portion they will pay to help you make your decisions about treatment. If you do not have pet insurance, PLEASE
protect your other pets by enrolling them in a plan. Georgia’s Legacy recommends VPI or Pet’s Best insurance.
Walgreen's Prescription Savings Club Progam
If your dog is taking a drug that can also be prescribed for humans, you may be able to save money on their prescriptions
by enrolling in the Walgreen's Prescriptions Savings Club.
FUNDS THAT PET OWNERS CAN APPLY FOR
Please Note: In all cases, funds raised are not distributed directly to the pet owner. Funds are distributed to your dog’s
treating veterinarian on behalf of your pet. Be prepared to submit your dog’s medical records, including diagnosis
and prognosis, and estimate of expenses. Ask your vet in advance for his/her cooperation in completing forms or any
requested information.
The Magic Bullet Fund
Magic Bullet Fund (MBF) provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment only when the family is financially unable
to provide treatment. Most families contribute some portion of the treatment fees and MBF contributes only the amount that
the family cannot pay. MBF dogs would not be able to have (or complete) cancer treatment without our assistance. MBF accepts
those cases for which we can reasonably hope that treatment will add a year to a dog's life with high quality. Assistance
is not provided for palliative care. For dogs with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of the limb, they will help provide funds
for amputation only. ** Click on “Ask for Help” on their website and complete
online application.
Brown Dog Foundation
Offers pet owners in temporary financial crisis an alternative to euthanasia when
their pet faces a treatable but life-threatening condition or illness in order to restore quality of life for pet and owner.
CanineCancerAwareness
If you are struggling and need assistance to provide your dog with cancer treatment you are encouraged to download an application
for financial assistance. ** Application is a downloadable Word document including a page for your dog’s doctor
to complete. Application is mailed in.
Fetch A Cure
Through the establishment of our Companions in Crisis program, FETCH is working to provide financial aid to families unable
to bear the high costs of cancer treatment and rehabilitation. ** Application available online for download.
Dog and Cat Cancer Fund
Helping underprivileged owners get treatment for cats and dogs suffering
from cancer. ** Click on “Treatment” and then Application Policies. Simple online applications; however,
they will follow-up via email for you to fax or email your dog’s records.
Land of PureGold 'Working Dog' Cancer Treatment Grants
Grants are $500 per individual working dog, the reimbursements provided directly to respective veterinary personnel for oncology
related expenses in the United States and Canada. Applicants MUST BE active working dogs, that is,
in the areas of assistance, detection, search & rescue, enforcement, military work, or animal-assisted therapy.
Pet Fund
The goal of the Pet Fund is to provide financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care.
** Online application but must make phone contact first for eligibility. Be advised … they have long wait
time.
Riedel & Cody Fund
The Riedel & Cody Fund (RCF) offers grants and matching grants to families who cannot afford the cost of their pet’s
cancer care. Families who apply for grant funding must have a combined household income of less than $50,000 and must
have a cancer diagnosis from a Board Certified Veterinary Oncologist.
Angels 4 Animals
Financial assistance for pet owners to care for seriously ill pets and who are
having financial difficulty caring for their pet. ** They do not have an application online. Email them thru
the “Contact Us” and ask for an eligibility application.
REGIONAL SPECIFIC Ashley’s Angel Fund
NORTH CAROLINA only. Nonprofit
organization providing monetary assistance for veterinary care to dog owners whose pet is facing a life-threatening condition.
** Go to “Contact Us” section of their website for email to qualify.
FUNDS FOR URGENT CARE SITUATIONS
IMOM (In Memory of Magic)
Dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
They work to fund non-routine veterinary care for companion animals. IMOM does NOT fund cancer treatment but may be
able to pay for emergency surgery required to remove masses that have not yet been diagnosed as cancerous. ** Applicants
must apply for CareCredit and show that they on CareCredit to apply for IMOM. This is also an urgent care program.
Vet must confirmed that pet will die or have to be euthanized within 10 days if treatment is not provided. United Animal Nations
Provides grants for pet care (numerous exclusions). ** Click on “LifeLine
Grants” section of website. The animal must have an urgent care need.
FUNDS THAT YOUR VET CAN APPLY FOR ON YOUR BEHALF AAHA Helping Pets
As the benevolent arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the AAHA Foundation seeks to improve the lives of
pets. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund works with AAHA-accredited veterinary practices to identify pets in need. Accredited practices
may then apply for assistance from the Fund for emergency and non-elective treatment of abandoned pets and pets whose owners
are facing financial hardship. There is also a separate fund for rescue angels to assist in care of strays and rescues. Frankie’s Friends
Pets must be recommended for the Hope Fund support by their attending veterinarian. The Hope Fund is used when a necessary
therapy would otherwise be impossible financially. Financial support may be given to families who demonstrate substantial
financial need and whose pets would have a good prognosis from a single intervention for long-term recovery to a normal quality
of life. Pet Cancer Foundation
Provides a free oncology consultation for your pet through Oncura Partners. Requests must be made through your primary veterinarian.
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