Are you currently having difficulty with the cost of living and genuinely cannot afford the vet bills or even get your pet to a vet?
Below is a list of organisations or options that can support people on limited incomes.
PLEASE NOTE: Animal Care Australia is not in a position to provide financial assistance. We can only refer you to one of the services listed below.
Desexing
If you have a unwanted litter a lot of rescues will rehome the kittens or puppies and desex the mum for free.
In South Australia, Paws & Claws offer free desexing.
CATS – is low-cost desexing for cats only.
In New South Wales & Queensland the Animal Welfare League also run free desexing clinics:
National Assistance:
National payment plan option – VetPay
State Assistance:
South Australia
Safe Pets Safe Families – Vet Crisis program have partner Vet clinics and put people on a Centrepay payment to pay off their vet bill.
Pay it Paw-Ward program
Victoria
Tasmania
Hobart Community Veterinary Hospital – financial assistance
New South Wales
Great Western Animal Hospital – Pendle Hill – offers treatment assistance via VetPay or Zippay.
Australian Capital Territory
Queensland
Palliative care and end of life for pets – Sunset Vets
Northern Territory
Western Australia
Perth Vet Bill Assistance Inc.
Outreach Services & Other
There are also some outreach services for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of, some of these services are free and offer other supports.
National – assistance for homeless persons with pets
South Australia
Paws & Pals – homeless support
We run free pop-up vet clinics in Adelaide (City), Smithfield, Riverland, DV shelters across SA, and some other locations. We also have other supports we provide. Talk to your support agency for a referral to our clinics.
New South Wales
Regional Community Vet Assistance – not all services are free.
Tasmania
Ten Lives provides assistance for cats. ‘Meow Meals Feline Food Assistance Program’ aims to provide essential food support, enabling cat owners to maintain ownership and ensure the well-being of their beloved pets.
Vets & Pet Services that accept Afterpay
If you know of a veterinary service that provides financial assistance options, or you are a veterinary practitioner who does, please email us at: aca@animalcareaustralia.org.au and we’ll add you to this page.
