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.
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.
