Is your pet sick?
Veterinary Care Resources
Vet care can be expensive, but there are resources in and around Philadelphia that may help you get your pet the care they need.
For emergencies:
If your pet has a medical emergency, it’s important to get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Waiting can often make a condition worse.
Concerned your pet ate something? Call the ASPCA poison control hotline. They often help you avoid a vet visit for under $100! Call 1-(888) 426-4435 or visit here
Specialized surgery resources
For needs like a torn ACL, a leg amputation, an eye removal, tumor removal, or helping your cat get unblocked just to name a few? Here are some places that offer more affordable specialized surgeries. Some of these surgeries may sound scary, but animals recover much better than people do.
General care
Vaccines, wellness exams, spay/neuter surgery, and end-of-life services are available at area low-cost clinics, including:
- Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), includes an online pharmacy for PAWS patients *free or reduced cost services are available for pet owners in need – please inquire when calling to make your appointment.
- PSPCA
- Bond Vet, including telehealth
- Philadelphia Animal Hospital
- The Bridge Clinic
- Emancipet
- VCA
- Art City Vets
How to pay for vet care
Most veterinary practices require payment up front. You can ask whether they offer payment plans or financial assistance.
If you cannot get your pet the medical care they need, please reach out to the ACCT Philly Help Desk to discuss resources or whether surrendering your pet may be the most humane option.
- Apply for CareCredit or ScratchPay to help pay over time.
- Create a page to collect funds to help pay veterinary bills. Waggle is a place that helps you set up a page for funding cost of your pet’s vet care. You can check them out here.
Grants for pet owners needing assistance
- Onyx and Breezy Foundation
- Pet Assistance Inc.
- Red Rover Urgent Care Grants
- BowWow Buddies
- Philadoptables Friends Helping Friends
Cancer-related assistance
An ounce of prevention is worth it
In Philadelphia, many common and expensive illnesses are preventable. One of the best ways to protect your pet is to keep them vaccinated.
Dogs
DHPP and DAPP protect against common viruses, including the very common and often fatal parvovirus. One shot is not enough to protect your dog.
The rabies vaccine is required by law. Bordetella helps protect against kennel cough and is often required for boarding.
| Puppy Age | Basic shots usually needed |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | DHPP/DAPP #1 |
| 9-12 weeks | DHPP/DAPP #2 |
| 12-16 weeks | DHPP/DAPP #3, Rabies |
| 1 year later | DHPP/DAPP booster, Rabies booster |
| Every 1-3 years after | Booster shots, based on your vet’s recommendation |
Cats
Indoor and indoor/outdoor cats both need vaccines. Kittens need multiple vaccines when they are young to make sure they are protected.
FVRCP protects against serious and contagious illnesses like panleukopenia, as well as other virus like calicivirus. These are not contagious to people.
| Kitten Age | Basic shots usually needed |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | FVRCP #1 |
| 9-12 weeks | FVRCP #2 |
| 12-16 weeks | FVRCP #3, Rabies |
| 1 year later | FVRCP booster, Rabies booster |
| Every 1-3 years after | Booster shots, based on your vet’s recommendation |