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Illinois Pets: 9 Affordable Vet Care Resources

Illinois Pets: 9 Affordable Vet Care Resources

Low-cost or free care for your Illinois pets may seem like a distant dream, especially in a global pandemic. Where can you turn to when your furry loved one is overcome with illness or needs a checkup? Thankfully, we’ve got a comprehensive list of highly affordable Illinois pet care facilities for your perusal.

Check out our list of 24+ resources for free or low-cost veterinary care!

Image by Cedric Clooth from Pixabay; Illinois pets; Illinois pet care

Spay and Neuter Services

Peoria County Government (Peoria)

Peoria County boasts low-cost spay/neuter services for your Illinois pets, namely cats and pit bulls. It’s a pay-what-you-can program. You just need proof that you live in Peoria county and a signed surgical consent form from PCAPS (Peoria County Animal Protection Services). Then, you pay what you can afford. Their objective is to curb cat and pit bull overpopulation in the county. Additionally, they offer an income-based spay/neuter program for all breeds. Click here to learn more.

Animal Welfare and Adoption for Winnebago County (Rockford)

This facility in Rockford has spay and neuter vouchers for low-income residents with Illinois pets. It should be noted that this is strictly for Winnebago county. To determine eligibility, you must be receiving food stamps, SSDI or SSI and present a state-issued identification card. Only the owner can apply for a voucher. You will only have to pay $20 out of pocket. Go here for more information. You can also call (217) 557-9232 for the latest updates regarding the voucher program.

Crawford County Spay & Neuter Foundation (Robinson)

Read the mission statement from this clinic: “Our mission is to help reduce the overpopulation of cats & dogs in Crawford County. We do this through our efforts in low-cost spay and neuter services and through educating the public on the importance of spaying or neutering their cat or dog.”

Crawford County Spay & Neuter Foundation is dedicated to providing low-cost services for your Illinois pets. For dogs, the cost is $25 for males and $35 for females. As for cats, the cost is $20 for males and $35 for females. Head over here to read more. Call (618) 544-2555 to speak with a human.

Get help now!

Our friends at JustAnswer may be able to answer your veterinary questions. You won’t even need to leave the comfort of your home!

Image by pikabum from Pixabay; Illinois pets; Illinois pet care

Pet Food Banks/Pantries

Friendship Pet Food Pantry (Chicago)

Friendship Pet Food Pantry in Chicago provides free pet food for low-income families with Illinois pets. You must show proof of financial need and only one person per household may apply for assistance. Additionally, you’ll need an ID for the application process. Food distribution takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 9 am to 11 am. Click here to peruse this pet pantry’s guidelines. Then, go here to browse their list of dates and find their address.

Riverbend Pet Food Pantry (Edwardsville)

This pet pantry in Edwardsville offers free food on the last Friday of every month for your Illinois pets. You do have to complete an application to determine eligibility. You need evidence of low-income status and an ID. It’s also worth noting that this pantry can provide assistance for up to three animals per household with one month’s supply of food. Head over here to fill out the application. Click here to learn more. Call (618) 656-4405 to speak with a person.

Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry (Rockford)

“We’ll feed your pet when you can’t” is this pantry’s motto. They have an application that you can print, fill out, and bring to the pantry on food distribution days. Clients with currently registered Illinois pets will be prioritized. Food pickup days are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30 am to 12 pm. Go here to access the application for assistance. Get more info here.

Image by Steve Adcock from Pixabay; Illinois pets; Illinois pet care

Veterinary Care Grants/Assistance

Helping Paw Fund (East-Central)

The Helping Paw Fund is offered via CARE Center, which provides financial aid to families with Illinois pets who desperately need it. Not much information is available on their website regarding stipulations or the monetary amount that will be granted, but you can fill out an application here. The application itself does state that Helping Paw offers assistance for medical care, spay/neuter services, and behavioral consultations.

Henry’s Caring Heart Foundation (Statewide)

“Henry’s Caring Heart is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit foundation that is your pet’s financial lifeline through your financial emergencies, offering grants up to $500 for one pet for a three-month period before applicants are eligible to apply for another grant.”

When applying for assistance, you must show proof of your Illinois pet’s diagnosis as well as evidence of financial need i.e. recent pay stubs, unemployment papers, etc. To complete the application, click here. Get a more in-depth description of the foundation’s grant approval process here.

Spay Illinois (Statewide)

Spay Illinois boasts a program called “Project Families Forever,” which is dedicated to keeping families and their Illinois pets together. They provide discounts for veterinary care, emergency care, and more.

“All pet owners receiving SNAP (Food Stamps), SSDI (Social Security Disability Income), or Illinois Medical Card qualify for special discounts on veterinary services.” Your discounts will vary based on the services needed and pets must be spayed or neutered, or getting spayed or neutered to qualify.”

The site mentions that discounts range from 10 to 40 percent off all services. Click here to learn more. Should you require further financial assistance, you can call (630) 961-8000.

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June Watson

Monday 19th of February 2024

I need help with my dog Kear, she has some tumors on her belly, I can't afford her surgery, there very big, I'm on disability, can you help me please,

Catherine Marucci

Monday 19th of February 2024

Hi June. It may be worth calling 211 or your local Humane Society to see if either know of any low cost or free resources.

Stacey Sitton

Monday 2nd of October 2023

My cats been poisoned. The vet needs 350$ upfront. I don’t have any money I tried getting financial assistance. She’s gonna die. :’(

Catherine Marucci

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Hi Stacey. If the above resources haven't been helpful, it may be be worth calling 211 or your local Humane Society to see if there are any programs or low-cost options that they can suggest to help her.

Linda Crawley

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

My 6 year old mix has cataracts in both eyes due to diabetes . Surgery is over 4,000 , which I don't have. It's so sad to see my baby walking into things . and is becoming afraid of everything.

Catherine Marucci

Tuesday 13th of December 2022

Hi Susan. If you have already tried the resources listed above, it may be worth contacting 211 or your local Humane Society to see if there is anything else they can suggest for helping with the cost. You can call 211 directly or visit their website: https://www.211.org/

Catherine Marucci

Friday 12th of August 2022

Hi Tara. If none of the above resources are helpful in your case, it's probably worth calling 211 or the Humane Society to see if they can suggest something in your area.