8 Ways to Pay Down Veterinary Bills

They're cute, they're cuddly, but when it comes to veterinary care, caring for a pet can get pricey. From routine checkups to emergencies, vet bills can add up fast. Luckily, you can find plenty of ways to get help with vet bills and keep your pet happy and healthy.

We’ve rounded up eight ways to get help with vet bills so you can focus more on your critter companions and less on how you’ll pay to keep them healthy.

1. Ask about payment plans

If you’ve established a good relationship with your vet and are in good financial standing with them, ask about setting up a payment plan that allows you to pay your bill in monthly installments rather than one lump sum.

Many veterinary offices understand that covering pet care costs upfront can be challenging. To ensure your pet gets the care they need, some practices offer flexible payment options, allowing you to spread expenses over several months with smaller, more manageable payments. Payment plans can be particularly helpful for unexpected emergencies or costly treatment plans. Before committing, be sure to ask about any interest rates¹ or additional fees, so you can budget accordingly and avoid surprises.

2. Contact veterinary schools

Veterinary schools are a great, often untapped resource for affordable pet care. Most offer low-cost services for those in need, ² and all procedures are typically supervised by a licensed veterinarian.

This type of pet care gives vets-in-training an opportunity to hone their skills before they launch their careers. Not only can going to a veterinary school save you money, it can also help contribute to the education of future veterinarians.

3. Reach out to rescue organizations

If spaying, neutering and/or vaccinations are on your list of pet care needs, local animal welfare organizations such as The Humane World for Animals (formerly, The Humane Society of the United States) and ASPCA offer low-cost programs to spay, neuter and/or vaccinate dogs and cats.

Sometimes these services are even offered for free. A quick online search or a call to your local animal shelter could help you find organizations near you that provide the treatments you are looking for at reduced or no cost.

4. Find a small-town vet

The cost of veterinary care can be higher in large metropolitan areas. If you live in or near a large city, investigate animal clinics in smaller towns or suburbs nearby.

Affordable pet care may be just a few miles away, and you might wind up finding a new vet whom you and your pet really love.

5. Research charitable organizations

When paying veterinary bills is totally out of reach, a charitable organization may be able to help. Organizations like RedRover, The Pet Fund and Best Friends Animal Society offer financial aid for pets in need of emergency or ongoing medical care.³ Some also offer assistance with pet food and other supplies.

If the above-mentioned organizations aren’t available in your area, The Humane World for Animals offers a convenient list of national and state-based organizations that provide financial aid to pet owners in need.⁴

Be sure to review the eligibility requirements for each program, as some may have restrictions based on income or the type of medical attention needed.

6. Raise funds on social media

If your pet recently received emergency vet care or has been diagnosed with a serious illness that requires expensive treatment, you may feel like you’ve reached a dead end — and are likely in a panic.

In these cases, you might consider reaching out to friends and family through online crowdfunding. Loved ones may not only be willing to contribute but also to share your campaign on social media, expanding your reach and increasing support.

7. Check your pet insurance policy

If you’ve invested in a good pet insurance plan, you may be surprised by what it covers. While preexisting conditions, routine care and office fees typically aren’t covered, many things are, including emergency vet care.

The cost of pet insurance depends on several factors. In 2025, the average cost to insure a dog is about $51 per month and $27 per month for a cat, but prices can vary by company.⁵ The main factors that affect the price include your pet’s breed, age, where you live and how much coverage you need.

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible, and see how they can help. If you don’t have insurance yet, consider looking into policies to prevent financial strain for future vet emergencies.

8. Explore personal loans for vet bills

If none of the ideas above work for you, a personal loan may be an option to consider. Whether your pet needs an expensive emergency treatment, or you want to consolidate several vet bills into one manageable monthly payment, a personal loan can help you handle expenses.⁶

OneMain offers emergency loans that may help cover upfront costs, as well as debt consolidation loans to pay down bills that have accumulated over the years.

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There’s nothing like the love of a pet

Pets bring so much joy and comfort into our lives, and as a pet owner, you want to do everything possible to keep your critters happy and healthy. However, veterinary expenses can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected medical issues arise. If you find yourself struggling to cover the cost of care, don’t lose hope. You may find the financial help you need.

With a little research, creativity and determination, you can ensure your beloved pet receives the care they deserve without breaking the bank.

Source:

1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp
   

2. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/financial-assistance-veterinary-care-costs
   

3. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/financial-assistance-veterinary-care-costs
   

4. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/having-trouble-affording-your-pet
   

5. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-cost/

6. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/debtconsolidation.asp

   *This article has been updated from previous postings from 2020. Stephanie Lo, Jessica Leshnoff, and Kim Gallagher contributed to this article.