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Resources for Low Cost and Free Vet Care

Pets have become an integral part of our families. An estimated 29 million dogs and cats live with families that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. Needing public assistance is one measure of a family’s capability to purchase veterinary care. However, there are also middle-class families that live paycheck to paycheck, with limited funds for veterinary care, especially when the need involves high-cost services and/or emergency care.

 

The paradox we face is that while it may be logical that someone should not have a pet if they cannot provide veterinary care, but it is difficult to defend denying someone the companionship of a pet.

Low income families deserve companionship with animals and to enjoy all of the benefits that come from these relationships.

Why Should We Spay and Neuter Our    Pets?

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Spaying and neutering are routine, affordable surgeries that can prevent thousands of animals from being born, only to suffer and struggle to survive on the streets, be abused by cruel or neglectful people, or be euthanized in animal shelters for lack of a loving home.

The single most important thing that we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes is to spay and neuter them.

Spaying and neutering are routine, affordable surgeries that can prevent thousands of animals from being born, only to suffer and struggle to survive on the streets or be euthanized in animal shelters for lack of a loving home.

Spaying and neutering makes a big difference! Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens!

Affordable or Free Pet Care: Chicago

Wellness Exam

Spay and Neuter

Preventatives

Other

preventative care

services

Microchipping

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Clinics

Dentals

Community Cats

Emergency Services

Medications

Vaccines

Special Surgeries

Below is a list of places in Chicago that provide free and/or lost cost medical services for animals.  Use the guide/symbols above to see what services each location offers.  Should you be interested in taking advantage of any  services we recommend reaching out to the location to confirm the servies are still being offered.  Some servives and locations might be temporairily or permanently suspended due to Covid-19 or other reasons.

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Anti Cruelty Society

check the website for other support services

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PAWS Chicago

check the website for other support services

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One Tail at a Time

check the website for other support services

Animal Welfare League

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Treehouse Humane Society

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Rescue Pack

Chicago

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Paw Salvation

Low Cost or Free Pet Care: Illinois

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Lake County AC

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Thrive

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Animal Care League

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Cook County Government

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Noah's Ark

P.A.W.S Tinley Park

South Suburban  Humane Society

North Shore
Animal League

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Spay Illinois

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Snip Society

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Nationwide Organizations/Foundations
Providing  Pet Care Assistance

Please Read!
We have listed the services these resources provide but recommend contacting the resource you choose to use to make sure they are still providing the services.  Some of the resources listed require credit checks and applications.  Please remember just because you apply for help doesn't mean you will be approved.  Please make sure to read the guidelines and stipulationns carefully.  If you need assistance please email us at info@sfanimalrescueil.org.  A volunteer would be happy to help you.

Care Credit

The CareCredit card can be used for routine veterinary appointments, grooming services, emergency pet care, or a variety of surgeries and treatments your pet may need. 

*must pass a credit check

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Scratch Pay

"Providing simple, transparent, and affordable patient financing. Get higher approvals. No hidden fees. No prepayment penalty. No deferred interest. No surprises. Quick & Simple. Immediate Payment Options. Higher Client Approvals. Transparent Pricing."

Happy Dog

Keep Your Pet

A large network of national spay/neuter resources, end of life care information for your pet and disease specific assistance.

The Mosby Foundation 

The Mosby Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes to assist in the care for critically sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public education.

Ozzy and Breezy Foundation

Ozzy and Breezy provides funding for things like spay/neuter, cancer research, puppy mill rescues, disaster support and much more.  Please visit their website to see what other resources they provide.

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Paws 4 A Cure

Paws 4 A Cure is an all-volunteer non profit organization dedicated to helping families that are in need of non-routine veterinary financial assistance for their dog or cats.

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Pet Assistance Inc.

Pet Assistance Inc. offers pet owners education, advocacy, and financial assistance when seeking urgent or emergency veterinary care. They help save lives and ensure that pets remain in their homes during a financial and medical crisis.

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The Pet Fund

The purpose and mission of The Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost. 

Read More >

The Banfield Foundation helps close the gap by providing free preventive care to vulnerable pets through community clinics. Often in partnership with a community’s homeless shelters or veterans' organizations,  We've also provided a link for a complimentary visit to a Banfield hospital.

 Banfield Hope Fund

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The Brown Dog Foundation provides financial assistance to families struggling to pay veterinary expenses. There is an application and approval process.  If you need help please read the guidelines on their website.

The Brown Dog Foundation

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Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

The mission of the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund is to provide education and funding for the purpose of improving and/or saving the lives of deaf dogs. They are a non-profit organization founded to speak on behalf of and assist in the betterment of life for deaf dogs everywhere.

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

Diabetic cats in need

The heart of their mission is to keep diabetic cats in their original, loving homes, regardless of the income level of their caregivers. They support diabetic cats in their original, adoptive home, shelter, and foster homes; help to rehome unwanted diabetic cats; and help to educate caregivers on the appropriate treatment of diabetic cats.

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The Helping Paw Fund

"We are a resource for the community of East Central Illinois. From first time pet owners who are looking for pet friendly housing recommendations and training advice, to pet owners who have limited financial resources and are in need of medical assistance for their pet."