Free and Low Cost Veterinary Care in Colorado: A Guide for Low Income Pet Owners

We know that providing the best care for your furry friends can sometimes strain your budget. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fantastic pet care facilities in Colorado that offer affordable options without compromising on quality. From routine checkups to unexpected emergencies, these resources can help ensure your pets stay happy and healthy.

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Veterinary Care Grants

Unexpected veterinary bills can be a major burden. Luckily, several organizations in Colorado offer grants and financial assistance to help pet owners in need.

Harley’s Hope Foundation (Statewide): This organization may provide up to $500 toward the cost of your pet’s emergency veterinary care. You must be a Colorado resident to qualify. You will also need to provide information about your pet’s diagnosis, prognosis, and estimate for survival. Pets who have not seen a vet in the last 24 months are not eligible. Apply on the Harley’s Hope website.

Friends Rescued Animal Network (Statewide): This organization provides grants to families with furry loved ones requiring emergency treatment. Their website states that they give grants to families who need emergency or specialty care. They also provide veterinary assistance to local rescues. Get the details on the FRAN website.

Ark Valley Humane Society (Chaffee County): The Pet Emergency Medical Fund is specifically for Colorado pets in Chaffee County that have been in a life-altering accident or need vital surgery, but they have a good prognosis. Learn more on the AVHS website.

LAPS (Summit County): LAPS offers financial assistance for lower-income residents and Colorado pets in dire need of medical treatment in Summit County. They provide medical assistance grants for companion animals. There are even special funds available for pets that have life-shortening illnesses or a history of abuse. You must live or work in Summit County in order for your pet to qualify. Apply on the Summit LAPS website.

More Nationwide Grants (Statewide): For additional options, check out our comprehensive list of dozens of veterinary care grants that help pet owners nationwide cover the cost of surgeries and more.

Discounted Spay & Neuter Services

Keeping your pets healthy includes ensuring they are spayed or neutered. These clinics offer affordable options to help you with this important step:

• Dumb Friends League (Denver): This facility provides low-cost spay and neuter services, particularly for cats, pit bulls, and pit bull mixed breeds. The cost is just $25 per cat, and they accept cash, checks, and cards. Appointments are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can visit their website or call (303) 722-5800.
• Routt County Humane Society: They partner with several low-cost spay/neuter clinics in their area. Check their website for a list of clinics and more information about their services.
• Ark-Valley Humane Society (Buena Vista): Ark-Valley offers affordable spay and neuter surgeries specifically for low-income residents of Chaffee County. Their website provides detailed information about the process. You can call them at (719) 395-2737 or fill out a spay/neuter form on their website.

Remember that availability and eligibility requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to contact the organization directly or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Pet Food Banks & Pantries

When times are tough, providing food for your pets can become a challenge. Thankfully, there are organizations in Colorado dedicated to helping pet owners keep their furry friends fed.

• Colorado Pet Pantry (Statewide): Operates 74 pet food banks across the state, providing supplemental pet food to clients every two months. Registration is required, and new pets acquired after registration are not eligible for assistance. You can learn more about the program and find a location near you on their website.
• PawsCo (Denver): Partners with the Food Bank of the Rockies to collect and distribute pet food to families in need. Their ongoing drive collects dry and canned animal food. Visit their website to learn more about PawsCo and their pet food bank program.
• Colorado Animal Rescue (Glenwood Springs): The C.A.R.E. Pet Food Bank assists low-income pet owners or those experiencing hardship within Garfield County. Food is available at the shelter as supplies allow. Call them at 970-947-9173 to make arrangements for assistance. You can also check their website for food distribution dates.

Remember, these are just a few examples. Many local shelters and rescue organizations also offer pet food assistance programs. If you’re struggling to provide food for your pet, don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations in your area for help.

Other Pet Assistance Programs in Colorado

Beyond veterinary care and food assistance, several organizations in Colorado offer additional support to pet owners facing various challenges.

• In-Home Pet Care: Through the Robert John Collins Memorial Fund, Harley’s Hope provides assistance to individuals who are sick, injured, or recovering from surgery and need help caring for their pets at home. This is not a free pet-sitting service but rather support for those with specific needs. You can apply online on their website.
• Emergency Boarding: If you’re facing an emergency and need a temporary place for your pet to stay, Harley’s Hope may be able to help. Call them first to inquire about availability and requirements.
• Dog & Cat Food Delivery: This service is available for elderly Coloradans (60+) or those with physical disabilities who live in El Paso or Teller counties and are unable to visit pet food pantries. Deliveries are made as resources and weather allow, and requests are typically for emergency situations.

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many resources available to pet owners in Colorado. It’s always a good idea to reach out to your local humane society, animal shelter, or veterinary clinic for additional information and support.

Relief Recap

Providing for your pets, even when times are tough, is important. This post outlines the network of support that is available to low income pet owners in Colorado. Contact the organizations on this list for help with veterinary care, pet food, and other essential needs.