For low income pet owners living in the state of South Dakota, finding assistance with veterinary costs can be a hassle. However, we have found many useful clinics and other resources that want to help you better care for your pet!
Whether it is the cost for a routine examination or an unexpected trip to the vet, we understand that affording proper care can be difficult. Making useful pet care information available to pet owners in cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen and more is our priority. We also want to help you!
The information included provides pet owners access to resources and services like affordable pet care clinics, free or low cost spay and neuter services. There are also many options available for assistance with free pet food, shot clinics and more!
Pet Food Banks in South Dakota
This section includes specific locations and resources available to pet owners seeking assistance with accessing pet food and supplies. These programs are beneficial to those currently experiencing financial strain.
Oglala Pet Project (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD)
The Oglala Pet Project (OPP) is a community based 501(c)3 non profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for pets through education, spay and neuter support, pet health resources, and more. One of the programs available at this location for community members on the reservation is the Pet Food Bank. Dog food and cat food is made available to community members who cannot afford to feed their pet otherwise.
Western Hills Humane Society (Spearfish, SD)
The Western Hills Humane Society (WHHS) is a no kill shelter built on a foundation of compassion and kindness towards animals with the support and donations made by the community. The organization offers microchipping for pets at the low price of $35. This procedure can be done during a routine office visit exam or directly through the humane society. The organization also offers a Pet Pantry Program to pet owners experiencing financial stress.
Lake Area Pet Pantry (Watertown, SD)
The Lake Area Pet Pantry provides the community with access to free pet food made possible through donations dedicated to assisting pet owners during financial hardships. There are qualifications and income guidelines that prospective pet owners will need to acknowledge.
Approval is based on the household income guidelines and hardship statement found in the application. It is understood that unexpected emergencies occur, thus this has been established on a case by case basis.
The income guidelines are as follows:
- 1 person household – $16,000 or less per year
- 2 person household – $25,000 or less per year
- 3 person household – $28,000 or less per year
- 4 person household – $34,000 or less per year
- 5 to 6 person household – $38,000 to $40,000 or less per year
Those who are interested in receiving aid will need to complete and submit a one time application by downloading it or accessing it on the webpage.
Affordable Spay and Neuter Services in South Dakota
This section describes the importance for pet owners to access affordable spay and neuter services to help maintain the animal overpopulation rate.
Oglala Pet Project (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD)
The Oglala Pet Project (OPP) is a community based 501(c)3 non profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for pets through education, spay and neuter support, pet health resources, and more. One of the programs available at this location for community members on the reservation is the Fix’Em Please program. This is a spay and neuter program that offers grant assistance for low cost procedures for community members who cannot afford to fix their pet.
Operations Pets, Inc. (Rapid City, SD)
The Operations Pets, Inc. (OPI) is a non profit organization with a mission to assist the community with stabilizing the unwanted pet population. The organization offers many resources to the community including low cost spay and neuter services for both companion and feral cats and dogs.
In order to qualify, interested low income pets owners of the Black Hills must provide proof of public assistance to receive heavily discounted services. This would include:
Welfare, medicaid, medicare, supplemental security income (SSI), disability, food stamps, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), or public housing.
The price is dependent based on whether it’s a cat or dog, the sex, and weight of the pet. Clinics are held every other week by appointment only. Owners need to complete an application online and review the guidelines. Once received, the clinic will call to schedule the appointment.
West River Spay and Neuter Coalition (Deadwood, SD)
The West River Spay and Neuter Coalition is a 501(c)3 non profit organization concerned with the growing overpopulation in the area based on the high intake for shelters and rising numbers for euthansia. The organization sponsors low cost spay and neuter cat clinics for low income cat owners at participating veterinary locations in Lawrence County.
There are two options available for interested cat owners:
- Fix your cat at a clinic – At participating clinics, cat owners will need to pre-register online or by calling the clinic directly and selecting one of the available clinics. The owner will then have to verify that they are a low income client or feral guardian.
- Fix your cat with a voucher – This option is available to cat owners who have health or transportation issues, someone dealing with feral cats, or someone unable to attend a clinic. Those interested must call to verify that they are a low income client or feral guardian. A voucher will then be mailed to them and they will then have to contact the designated vet to make an appointment.
West Winds Veterinary Services, PC (Rapid City, SD)
The West Winds Veterinary Services, PC offers a wide variety of services to the community and strives to provide clients with a positive and low stress experience. The clinic provides access to affordable spay and neuter services in an attempt to minimize behavioral problems and control the overpopulation problem. Those interested should contact the clinic directly.
Low Cost Exam Options in South Dakota
This section provides pet owners with low cost exam options and resources.
Cook Veterinary Clinic (Rapid City, SD)
The Cook Veterinary Clinic provides personalized veterinary care for large and small animals with the best medical services available. The clinic currently offers a new client special where pet owners will receive $10 off the first exam.
Discounts for Pet Care in South Dakota
Below are the locations that provide discounts to military members who are pet owners with documentation.
Cook Veterinary Clinic (Rapid City, SD)
The Cook Veterinary Clinic provides personalized veterinary care for large and small animals with the best medical services available. The clinic currently offers a 5% discount to military service members with proof of valid identification.
Low Cost Vaccination Clinics in South Dakota
Seeking assistance with routine vaccinations? The clinic listed in this category focuses on just that. Providing cost efficiency and high quality pet care is a priority.
Sioux Nation Pet Clinic (Sioux Falls, SD)
The Sioux Nation Pet Clinic focuses on the health and wellbeing of pets, but understands the importance of creating a friendly budget for pet owners. The clinic built the foundation for what it is today based on the monthly Walk In Shot Clinic that has continued to take place on the first Saturday of every month.
The event is available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. where all vaccinations are offered at a reduced price. No appointment is necessary and there is no office fee. However, the clinic operates on a first come, first serve basis. Owners will complete a shot registration form upon arrival.
Shots and services available as well as prices include:
- Rabies – $20
- Distemper/Parvo w/ Lepto – $23
- Bordetella – $22
- Lyme – $27
- Heartworm Testing – $25
- Dewormer – $7
- Feline Distemper – $20
- FELV (Leukemia) – $25
- Nail Trim – $15
- Nail Grinding – $2
Cost Effective Wellness Programs in South Dakota
This section specifies which locations provide wellness programs at lower rates for necessary care and services.
James Valley Veterinary Clinic (Huron, SD)
The James Valley Veterinary Clinic is a full service veterinary center for emergent cases, routine medical, surgical and dental care. The clinic strives to provide pets with complete and compassionate care in a comfortable environment for all.
For established clients, the clinic extends the courtesy of an in house payment plan. Those interested should contact the location directly.
Midwest Veterinary Service (Miller, SD)
The Midwest Veterinary Service is an animal care clinic committed to your pet’s health and the overall success of the experience by all. This is a family owned business whose specialty is service; have what you need when you need it.
The clinic offers two options for their Pet Care Rewards Program, designed to meet your pet’s needs:
- Option 1: Free – Includes 5% cash back on member spending, redeemable towards clinic services.
- Option 2: Annual Membership Fee of $95 – 1 well pet annual exam with core vaccines, 1 pet exam, 2 nail trims or gland expressions, and 10% cash back on member spending redeemable towards clinic services plus 1% of member spending directed to help animals in need.
Other Pet Care Resources in South Dakota
Listed in this section includes a map directly locating each clinic, hospital, program, and more mentioned in this article. There is also a list for locations that accept Credit Care.
South Dakota Clinic and Resource Map
The clinic and resource map shows each location included in this article and helps to break down each location by county visually.
Locations that accept Credit Care
The clinic’s listed below provide financial assistance made available for each clinic by applying online for the Care Credit program. Approval is determined within minutes. As long as your bill is $200 or over, pet owners will get six months to pay off the balance at a 0% interest rate. Monthly rates can be as low as 3% of the total balance due.
Animal Care Center of Spearfish (Spearfish, SD)
Best Care Pet Hospital (Sioux Falls, SD)
Cook Veterinary Clinic (Rapid City, SD)
Dale Animal Hospital (Sioux Falls, SD)
Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic (Rapid City, SD)
Dunes Animal Hospital (Dakota Dunes, SD)
Glacial Lakes Veterinary Clinic (Watertown, SD)
Heather Ridge Pet Hospital (Sioux Falls, SD)
James Valley Veterinary Clinic (Huron, SD)
Mid River Veterinary Clinic (Chamberlain, SD)
Meiners Animal Clinic (Rapid City, SD)
Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital, LLC (Rapid City, SD)
Northern Hills Veterinary Clinic (Sturgis, SD)
Prairie Creek Pet Hospital (Sioux Falls, SD)
South Central Veterinary Clinic (Sioux Falls, SD)
Southern Hills Animal Clinic (Custer, SD)
Windhorse Veterinary Clinic (Spencer, SD)
The clinics that are listed below provide financial assistance made available by applying for the ScratchPay program. This is a simple, transparent payment plan that does not affect credit scores and without any prepayment penalties. The program allows pet owners to find the perfect payment plan that works best for them, hassle free.
Animal Clinic LTD (Winner, SD)
