Veterinary Assistance Programs

For: Emergency and non-urgent veterinary care

Eligibility: Southern California residents whose veterinarian is a SCVMA member

How it works: YOUR VETERINARIAN must apply (not you directly)

Grant amount: Varies by hospital

Notes: Most participating vets limit grants to existing clients

Action: Find if your vet is a SCVMA member, then ask them to contact SCVMA about applying for a grant.

More information

For: Ophthalmic conditions requiring specialist treatment

Eligibility: Families with financial need whose pets have good prognosis

What's covered: Specialty eye treatment only (not preventative care, diagnostics, initial exam, or ongoing medications)

How it works: Payments made directly to veterinarian, never to individuals

Notes: Does NOT reimburse payments already made

Action: Have your pet seen by a licensed veterinary ophthalmologist first. Find an ophthalmologist

Apply for Bond's Fund

For: Veterinary services for seniors and disabled persons

Eligibility: Seniors (65+) and disabled persons in Los Angeles or Orange County

How it works: YOUR VETERINARIAN must apply (not you directly)

Notes: Vets who are SCVMA members contact SCVMA; non-members contact Animal Health Foundation

More information

For: Emergency or specialty lifesaving veterinary care

Eligibility: Family-owned pets with emergency/specialty medical conditions

Grant amount: Up to $2,000 per pet, per household

What's covered: Lifesaving emergency and specialty care

Notes: Does NOT reimburse payments already made. No guarantee of assistance. If your pet needs immediate care, seek treatment immediately—don't wait for application response.

Apply here

For: Lifesaving (not life-prolonging) veterinary treatments

Eligibility: Individuals/families up to 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

What's covered: Curable diseases (tumors, broken bones, expensive medication, post-surgical prosthetics)

What's NOT covered: Routine care, diagnostics (ultrasound/MRI), preventative measures

Notes: Pre-approval basis only. Does NOT fund treatments already completed.

Apply here

For: Pets needing veterinary care when owner cannot afford it

Notes: If emergency, bring pet to closest emergency vet or primary vet immediately

Apply here

For: Various animal welfare needs including medical hardship

What's covered: Medical equipment, research, treatment where hardship present, medication, pet food, spay/neuter

Eligibility: Case-by-case basis

More information

For: URGENT OR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES ONLY

Grant amount: $100-$350

What's covered: Emergency procedures at independent, privately owned, or low-cost hospitals

What's NOT covered: Emergency hospitals, chains, franchises, vet school hospitals, corporate specialty hospitals (too expensive)

Eligibility: Longtime pet owners who have always cared for pet but cannot afford emergency. Owner MUST contribute.

What's NOT covered: Unnecessary blood work, routine care, costly diagnostics (MRIs, CT scans), ongoing illness

Notes: Does NOT help once procedure is already done. Need written estimate from vet first.

More information

For: NON-BASIC, NON-URGENT CARE ONLY

What's covered: Medical care above and beyond basic care but NOT urgent treatment

Notes: CANNOT FUND EMERGENCIES. Has chronic waitlist due to high volume. If you have an emergency, this fund cannot help.

Action: MUST email description of animal's medical needs to info@thepetfund.com with phone number BEFORE applying. Staff will advise on waitlist time and eligibility. Applications sent before staff approval will not be processed.

More information

For: Urgent veterinary care (small funding gap)

Grant amount: Typically around $250

Eligibility: Must have clear diagnosis and treatment plan from veterinarian before applying

Notes: Cannot help everyone due to high volume

Apply here