Free & Low Cost Veterinary Care in Missouri: Grants, Clinics & More

Providing essential care for your furry family members in Missouri doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover a variety of resources available throughout the state to help you keep your pet happy and healthy, including free and low-cost veterinary clinics, financial assistance programs, pet food banks, and other valuable services.

There are fantastic resources available in Missouri to help if you ever fall into hard times. From low-cost clinics to financial assistance programs, you’ll get quality care that fits your budget. 

Veterinary Care Grants & Financial Assistance

Facing unexpected vet bills or struggling to afford routine care? Several organizations in Missouri provide financial assistance and grants to help pet owners cover veterinary costs.

Killimunati Foundation (Statewide)

This non-profit organization offers financial assistance to Missouri families, rescue groups, and individuals to get non-routine medical attention for their dogs. If approved, the grant covers up to half of the treatment costs incurred.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Low income families in Missouri may apply for financial assistance. However, to qualify, your dog must be spayed or neutered. You are required to fill out the vet assistance program form. Applications will be reviewed, and assistance will be given based on need and availability.

HOW TO GET HELP: Guidelines about the program are provided on the Killuminati website. For further inquiries, contact them through email at inspirelives@yahoo.com or Facebook: Killuminati Vet-Help.

Armani’s Angels (Columbia)

Armani’s Angels provides financial assistance to pet owners who need help paying for the treatment of their ill or injured pets.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Pet owners who live within 50 miles of Columbia Missouri may be able to get help from this program.

HOW TO GET HELP: Fill out the application by clicking the Application button on the Armani’s Angels website.

Heads-to-Tails Hope Fund (St. Louis)

The Heads to Tails Hope Fund is a program created by the Animal Protective Association (APA) Center.  

Heads to Tails Hope Fund provides needs-based financial assistance so pet caregivers can access affordable vet care such as surgery, treatment, and medication. Funding for eligible applicants covers up to half of the total cost and does not exceed $1000.00. 

It is not available for emergency services or those who refuse to spay and neuter their pets, and funding goes directly to the treating veterinarian.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: You must be a low income pet owner with financial need. Your pet must be fixed and have already seen a veterinarian for an initial consultation. The vet will be expected to provide an opinion on treatment before the Fund will pay.

HOW TO GET HELP: Fill out the fund’s application form or call 314-645-4611 for further information.

Lantz Tucker Memorial Fund (Kansas City Metro)

If your pet needs life-saving or emergency treatment, the Lantz Tucker Memorial Fund may be able to help. They do not assist with any routine veterinary care needs. They only support pets int he Kansas City Metro area.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Pets who need life-saving or emergency treatment in the Kansas City Metro area. This includes Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass counties in Missouri. You can only receive one grant pet household per year.

HOW TO GET HELP: You must fully complete the application on the Lantz Tucker Memorial Fund website.

More Veterinary Care Grants

There are other great pet care resources available nationwide that also serve pets in Missouri. Make sure to check out our list of nationwide pet care resources so you don’t miss any opportunities for help.

Free & Low Cost Veterinary Clinics

Don’t let financial constraints keep your furry friend from getting the care they need. Missouri is home to a variety of veterinary clinics offering free or low-cost services, including preventative care, vaccinations, and even some surgical procedures.

24/7 Telehealth Veterinarians

Through our exclusive partnership with CareUltima, you can get unlimited access to pet telehealth vets for just $13.95 per month! You’ll get 24/7 access to qualified veterinarians without having to pay any extra consult fees. If you need to see a vet in-person, you’ll also get discounted services at local vets offices, discounts on pet medications, vitamins and more.

You can sign up for the discounted Pet Care Package online now.

Gateway Pet Guardians (East St. Louis)

Gateway Pet Guardians is a powerful organization that is dedicated to helping pets in underserved communities. They have the largest Pet Resource Center in the region, which includes an affordable pet clinic, pet supply retail store, and grooming spa. They also offer free pet food and a free spay and neuter program.

For more information about how Gateway Pet Guardians can help you, check out their website.

Humane Society of Southeast Missouri

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri offers a low-cost vet clinic that provides exams, flea treatments, surgeries and even dental work. They do not provide emergency care yet. Exams are typically priced at between $25 to $35 each. Appointments are required.

Humane Society of Southwest Missouri (Springfield)

The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri provides affordable wellness clinic for pet owners facing financial hardship. They also provide microchipping, blood work, prescription pet food, preventatives and more for an affordable cost. They can even provide free or low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to those who may otherwise struggle to afford this essential care through a traditional veterinary clinic.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:  Anyone wanting a low-cost surgery must be on some sort of government assistance (i.e. food stamps, welfare, WIC, disability, etc.)

HOW TO GET HELP: Visit the Cooper Clinic website for more information or call (417) 833-2526 ext. 205.

Spay and Neuter Services

SNAP (Southeast Missouri)

Southeast Missouri Pets (SEMO Pets) is a community-powered organization that shares your love for animals. They help over 2,000 animals every year to stay off the streets and find their forever families. 

The organization is proud to serve the community with its various programs, such as the SNAP program. This program offers affordable spaying and neutering services for up to two pets per family. Eligible families will pay a reduced fee of $35 for cats and $45 for dogs. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Low income families in Southeast Missouri who cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets.

HOW TO GET HELP: Simply download, fill out and submit the application form on their website. You’ll need to attach proof of income for your household. It can take 2-3 weeks to get a response.

BARC (St. Louis)

This is a non-profit run entirely by volunteers dedicated to promoting and providing year-round spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low income families. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: BARC’s program is open to anyone who is on government assistance or can provide proof of financial need with no residency restrictions. The criteria for a yearly low income is under $20,000 per individual or $32,000 per family. Proof of eligibility must be shown on surgery day.

HOW TO GET HELP: Once you have the requirements, you can schedule an appointment by calling the Carol House Quick Fix Clinic St. Louis location at 314-771-7387.

Humane Society of Central Missouri

The Humane Society of Central Missouri has a low-cost animal care service but it is much more limited than what you may find at a traditional veterinary clinic. They only provide a limited selection of services, including spay and neuter services, vaccine clinics, microchipping, medical euthanasia, and a few other things.

Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation

As a nonprofit organization, S.A.A.F. is on a mission to improve animal welfare, promote accountability in pet ownership, and reduce overpopulation in Southwest Missouri. Their spay/neuter clinic provides the highest quality services at the lowest cost. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: This is only open to legal residents of the State of Missouri who are 18 years of age or older.

HOW TO GET HELP: Call 417-831-7223 or visit 1600 North Washington in Springfield, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday-Thursday. You can also book an appointment on their website. 

Pound Pals Nooterville (St. Louis)

This clinic boasts a low-cost spay/neuter assistance. You need only email info@poundpals.org for a voucher for your Missouri pets. Just be sure to address and/or give proof of financial need and your basic contact information. If you’re eligible, the facility will provide you with a surgery voucher. The site vows that you’ll pay a low price (probably no more than $20) or you won’t pay a dime. Click here to read more. You can also call (314) 496-3194 for more information.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:  Eligibility determined via email.

HOW TO GET HELP: Check their website or call (314) 496-3194 for more information.

Other Free & Low Cost Pet Services

Need additional support caring for your pet in Missouri? Beyond veterinary care, many resources are available to help you with other essential pet care needs. Explore options for low-cost spay/neuter services, pet food assistance, microchipping programs, fence-building programs, and more.

Hope Haven of Cass County: Paw Haven

This subsection of Hope Haven, a shelter for women and children, provides refuge for Missouri pets of domestic abuse survivors. Since many women feel unsafe leaving their partners especially because of their furry loved ones, Paw Haven ensures that your pets are in good hands.

Paw Haven will provide food at little to no cost when they can, as well as partner with local veterinarians to provide vaccinations when needed. Call (816) 380-2833 or go here for more information.

CARE of St. Louis

The Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment in St. Louis has a robust Intake Diversion program, which provides free and low-cost services to low income pets and their owners. They can provide free pet food, microchipping, temporary protective custody, TNR services, and even help you secure your yard to help keep your pets safe.

The goal is to help the pet stay with their owners so they don’t end up in a shelter.

Advocates 4 Animals Pet Pantry & Rescue (Herculaneum)

he non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers, exists to help families facing financial hardship keep their furry companions well-fed. 

Their core program, the Pet Food Pantry, provides free pet food to families in need. Distribution takes place on different days of the month all through the year, so check their website to verify.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:  You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this program. You must meet income limits and your pets must be fixed.

HOW TO GET HELP: Check their website for more details on how to contact them to access the program.

Bi-State Pet Food Pantry (St. Louis)

Their mission is to ensure Missouri pets and their low income owners stay together by providing pet food so they do not have to give them up. The Bi-State Pet Food Pantry offers a one-month supply of food for up to five animals per family, with a weight limit of 40 pounds per animal. 

Once a month, they hold distribution events. Check out the distribution dates and more information on their website. The time for each day is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Members of the community experiencing financial difficulty can access this program. However, to qualify for assistance, you are required to see their list of guidelines, fill out the pet food assistance application form, and be approved.

HOW TO GET HELP: Call 314-596-2128 or schedule an appointment on their website.

New Leash on Life Rescue (Lincoln County)

New Leash on Life Rescue is a non-profit organization that works to reduce overpopulation, keep animals out of shelters, and improve the quality of life for pets and pet owners in need.

Through its pet care assistance program, families facing financial hardship are provided with quality food and treats, collars, leashes, preventative medications, etc., for their pets.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Residents of Lincoln County are eligible for this program. Funds are sent directly to the veterinarian only if your application is approved.

HOW TO GET HELP:  Send an email to edna@newleashonliferescue.com to get started with your application. 

Jefferson County Pet Food Pantry (House Springs)

Now, for this pet pantry, you do need to be a Jefferson County resident. Much like many pantries nowadays, you can download an application on the website to determine your eligibility. Additionally, the Jefferson County Pet Food Pantry operates a thrift store. You can fill out an application for your Missouri pets and find their guidelines here. Call (314) 723-6127.

Relief Recap

Responsible pet ownership goes hand-in-hand with ensuring your furry friend receives proper veterinary care. Thankfully, Missouri boasts a network of dedicated organizations that provide affordable and accessible services ranging from spay and neuter to pet food and care grants. These resources empower you to keep your pet healthy and happy without straining your wallet.