Staying Together
Staying Together: Financial & Housing Help
Support for Pet Owners Working to Keep Their Best Friend
Financial Help & Vet Care Support
We know how stressful it can be when your pet needs medical care—and the cost feels out of reach. Whether you’re facing an emergency or just trying to stay on top of routine vet visits, you’re not alone. We’ve gathered a list of organizations and resources that offer financial assistance, discounted services, and veterinary support to help ease the burden and keep your pet healthy.
While we can’t guarantee availability for every program, these links are a great place to start when you’re looking for help with vet bills, spay/neuter, vaccines, or emergency care.
- CareCredit and ScratchPay Set up a payment plan participating veterinarians.
- GoFundMe for online fundraising.
- Cuddly fundraising site for pets sponsored by rescues or shelters.
- Sage Animal Grant Assistance
- SAFE Care Clinic (SAFE Haven for Cats) – Low-cost spay/neuter & medical for cats in Raleigh
- AnimalKind’s SpayNC Helpline – NC-wide list of low-cost spay/neuter
- ASPCA Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs
- The Pet Fund – For chronic conditions/non-emergency vet help
- Brown Dog Foundation – Emergency vet care funding
- Wake County Rabies Clinics
- SPCA of Wake County Local Vaccine Calender
- SPCA Wake’s Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Five County Spay Neuter Clinic
Pet Food Assistance
Keeping your pet fed shouldn’t have to come at the cost of your own well-being. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, there are organizations and local programs that can help provide free or low-cost pet food to make sure your furry friend stays nourished and healthy.
Below, you’ll find a list of trusted resources offering pet food support—whether it’s through local food banks, community pantries, or dedicated pet food aid programs.
No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pet—and thankfully, you don’t have to.
Please note: While we do our best to provide accurate information, we can’t guarantee that every resource listed will be able to assist in every situation.
- If you are a senior and receiving Meals on Wheels, they can help with pet food, please contact your Meals on Wheels representative
- Safe Haven Pet Food Pantry
What to Do If You Can’t Afford Your Dog
What to do if you can’t affordyour pet
Do you need help with pet food, boarding or veterinary care?
Here’s what to do:
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Visit pethelpfinder.org . Search for food pantries and supplies, financially friendly veterinary services, boarding options and local animal welfare groups.
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Contact local food pantries. Search nearby pantries at foodfinder.us . Many can provide food assistance for pets as well as people.
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Talk to a vet. Explain your financial limitations and ask for advice. They may be able to suggest a cost-effective treatment plan, discuss a payment plan, or refer you to a clinic or nearby veterinary college with lower fees.
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Contact local animal welfare groups. Many organizations offer pet food assistance or temporary housing for pets while their owners get back on their feet, and some have low-cost clinics.
Research other options
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Pets of the Homeless offers a searchable database of pet assistance organizations, along with case managers who can help guide you to available resources.
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Banfield Foundation provides a list of both state and national aid programs. (Click on the “Resources” tab.)
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Waggle helps you raise funds for pets in need of emergency care and pays veterinarians directly.
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CareCredit offers credit cards for medical and veterinary expenses. Ask your vet if they accept CareCredit, and be sure to read the repayment terms carefully to avoid retroactive interest charges.
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Scratchpay provides payment plans for vet and health-related services. Ask your veterinarian if they participate.
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Nextdoor connects you with local neighbors—some may be able to share pet food or recommend local resources.
Thank you to our friends at Humane World for Animals for this amazing informaiton!
Learn More: https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/having-trouble-affording-your-pet
Renting with a Pet
Finding rental housing with a dog—especially if they’re a larger breed or a bully mix—can feel overwhelming. But there are more options out there than you might think. From advocating for your pet to knowing your rights, the right information can make all the difference.
Check out these trusted resources to get started:
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BADRAP’s Renting with Your Dog Guide – Full of practical tips and creative ideas for pet-friendly housing.
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My Pit Bull is Family – A national housing database focused on dog-inclusive rentals, regardless of breed or size.
