Veterinary Assistance Programs
We've compiled financial aid assistance programs for rabbit and small pet owners in Southern California and nationwide. These programs can help with emergency veterinary care, specialty treatments, spay/neuter costs, and ongoing medical needs.
Important: We are not affiliated with any programs listed below. Requirements and eligibility change frequently—please verify current information directly with each organization before applying.
Quick Guide: Which Program is Right for You?
Emergency/Life-threatening: Angel Fund, Frankie's Friends, RedRover Relief, Pet Assistance Inc.
Specialty eye care: Bond's Fund
Seniors (65+) or disabled: Mary Edna Boydston Fund
Non-urgent care: The Pet Fund
Low-income assistance: PAWS/LA, Actors & Others, Animal Assistance League of Orange County
Spay/neuter only: Peter Zippi Fund, San Clemente Spay/Neuter Program
Important Reminders
Act quickly for emergencies - Don't delay care while waiting for grant responses
Verify eligibility - Requirements change frequently
Get diagnosis first - Many programs require clear diagnosis and treatment plan
Your vet may need to apply - Some programs require veterinarian applications
No reimbursements - Most programs don't reimburse payments already made
Grants not guaranteed - High demand means not everyone receives assistance
Be prepared to contribute - Many programs require owner contribution
National Grant Programs
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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 clientsAction:Find if your vet is a SCVMA member, then ask them to contact SCVMA about applying for a grant.
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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 madeAction: Have your pet seen by a licensed veterinary ophthalmologist first. Find an ophthalmologist
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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 -
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. -
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. -
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
Los Angeles County Programs
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Location:
11523 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Phone:
(818) 755-6045
Services:Reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers (must apply)
Medical assistance (must apply)
Pet food pantry
Website
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Location:
150 W. 24th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007Phone:
(213) 741-1950; ext. 120
Coordinator: Omar Olivares
Email:
info@pawsla.org
Services: FREE to qualified clients (people with AIDS/HIV+, veterans, seniors) on case-by-case basis:Subsidized veterinary care
Pet food & supplies
Grooming assistance
Temporary foster care
Dog walking
Litter box maintenance
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Location:
7720 Gloria Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406Phone:
(818) 901-0190; ext. 35
Email:
vetclinic@petorphans.org
Services:Reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers
Wellness exams (by appointment only)
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Location:
1560 Pacific Coast Hwy
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254Phone:
(310) 379-1264
Services: Reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers for all residents
Website -
Location:
1902 A Lincoln Blvd #202
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone:
(310) 392-5153Email:
info@vftafoundation.org
Services: Helping Friends Program for seniors, people with disabilities, terminal illnesses, and individuals on fixed incomes
Website
Orange County Programs
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Location:
15102 Jackson St.
Midway City, CA, 92655
Phone:
(714) 893-4393
Email:
aaloc@aaloc.org
Services:Reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers (must apply)
Financial aid (must apply)
Pet food pantry
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Phone:
(714) 964-4445
Email:
info@OCAnimalallies.org
Services:Reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers at participating hospitals
Financial aid for critical care (low-income residents)
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Eligibility: Residents of San Clemente, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, or Monarch Beach ONLY
Services: Reimbursement for spay/neuter only (no other medical expenses)
Notes: Must submit within 90 days of spay/neuter. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Additional Resources
Need more options?
Need help finding a program that fits your situation? Contact us and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
Email: info@bunchiaburrow.com
Phone: (714) 485-8383 (text preferred)