What If I Can’t Afford My Emergency Vet Bill?

Emergency vet hospitals generally accept all the standard forms of payment. Keep in mind, though, that every hospital has different policies around accepted payments, so it’s a good idea to ask about your options.

The most common payment options include:

Cash or check

You can pay your emergency vet bill with cash, checks or payment from your debit card.

Credit cards

Some clients opt to use credit cards to cover their unexpected emergency expenses. Some credit card providers allow you to apply for a card and receive approval in real time so you can get a new line of credit during your pet’s visit.

Medical credit cards

You can also apply for a medical credit card, which is specifically for expenses like bills for an emergency vet visit. This includes CareCredit, which offers instant credit for out-of-pocket veterinary expenses and can also be used for future medical expenses (for you or your pet).

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply for a medical credit card during your pet’s appointment.
2. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive instant credit to cover some or all of your pet’s bill. If you’re not eligible, you can look at other options. There are medical credit cards for all types of financial circumstances.
3. After your pet’s visit, you’ll make payments on your medical credit card based on the terms.

Medical credit cards can give you the flexibility and peace of mind to cover your pet’s medical needs in a time-sensitive situation even if you don’t have cash on hand.

Payment plan

If you aren’t approved for a medical credit card, you may be able to use a service like Scratchpay to split your medical bills into smaller installments. For example, if your bill is $1,000, you could make 10 payments of $100 over time.

Creative ways to pay

Some clients use more creative financial tools to pay, including “buy now, pay later” apps and services. If you do some research online, you’ll find dozens of finance companies that may be able to help during an emergency.

Other clients choose to start online fundraisers where they can share their pets’ stories and collect donations from friends, family and online donors. These platforms don’t provide instant access to funds, but they can help you recoup money you spend at the emergency vet.

If your pet’s emergency requires ongoing or long-term care, you can also raise funds to cover future expenses.

Are there programs and grants for veterinary emergencies?

Yes, there are programs and grants designed to cover emergency medical expenses and provide financial support. Many of them offer funding based on financial need.

Programs and grants work differently than the payment options above. There are often applications and wait times, so it’s unlikely you’ll receive same-day funding.

You can find programs and grants by researching online or asking for recommendations in your pet community. Each organization has different eligibility requirements and payment structures, so review your options thoroughly and make sure you understand how each works.

How can I financially prepare for the emergency vet?

Almost all veterinary emergencies are unexpected, leaving pet owners with medical bills that weren't part of their plans or budgets.

That’s why it’s a good idea to expect the unexpected and financially prepare yourself in advance, if possible. Here are three ways to lighten the load of a potential emergency vet bill:

Save

Many pet owners build savings or a “rainy day” fund to cover expenses in the event of a pet emergency.

The cost of an emergency vet visit can vary widely. Your total bill can range from $100 to over $5,000 depending on your pet’s condition. Even saving a few hundred dollars can make a big difference when it comes to a trip to the ER vet.

Avoid emergencies

While some ER visits are totally unavoidable, many pet emergencies can be avoided , protecting both your pet’s health and your wallet. Here are a few examples:

• Make sure your dog doesn’t eat foods that are poisonous to dogs like chocolate and grapes
• Keep your cat away from toxins like lilies and other plants that can make them extremely sick
• Remove common household dangers for pets or store them away from your pet
• Be mindful of potentially dangerous spaces like ungated pools and steep staircases
• Make sure your pet’s environment is comfortable and they don’t get too hot or too cold

Similar to human medicine, preventive medicine is also key to avoiding emergencies. Your pet’s family vet can catch illnesses early and recommend preventive measures to keep your pet healthy and avoid emergencies.

Look into pet insurance

Pet insurance is growing in popularity. It gives pet owners protection and peace of mind when it comes to emergency vet bills.

Similar to health insurance in human medicine, pet insurance covers expenses for veterinary medical bills.  Here’s how it works:

1. You select the company and coverage you want and purchase a policy.
2. After a waiting period, your coverage takes effect.
3. When your pet has an eligible medical visit, you submit a claim.
4. After you meet your deductible, your insurance company will pay for expenses covered by your policy.

Know your options

If your pet’s situation can’t wait, but it’s not life-threatening or complex, consider going to an urgent care vet instead. In many cases, seeing an urgent care vet is less expensive than going to the ER.