Finding affordable care for your Missouri pets during the holidays can be equal parts stressful and infuriating, especially with a raging global pandemic zapping wallets dry. But there’s always hope! We here at Low Income Relief have a comprehensive list of pet food banks, low-cost spay/neuter services, and more for your convenience.
Check out our list of 24+ resources for free or low-cost veterinary care!
Spay and Neuter Services
S.N.A.P. (Spay Neuter Assistance Program – Southeast Missouri)
The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri boasts a page that explains what S.N.A.P. does. They offer assistance with spaying and neutering for low-income families with Missouri pets. Approved recipients will only have to pay $25 to spay/neuter cats and $35 to spay/neuter dogs. You can fill out an application on the site. Note: it may take up to two to three weeks for said application to be processed. Click here to read more. Then, click here to complete the application.
BARC St. Louis (St. Louis)
BARC St. Louis offers a low-cost spay-neuter program for your Missouri pets. It’s open to anyone on government assistance or “can show proof of financial need, regardless of residency. Government assistance can be: WIC, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Medicaid, Food Stamps, IL Link Card, Section 8 Housing, etc. Our criteria for yearly low income is under $20,000 per individual or $32,000 per family. Proof of eligibility must be shown on surgery day.”
If you qualify, you’ll only pay $15 per cat and $25 per dog. You can click here for more information.
Pound Pals Nooterville (St. Louis)
This clinic boasts a low-cost spay/neuter assistance. You need only email [email protected] 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.
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Our friends at JustAnswer may be able to answer your veterinary questions. You won’t even need to leave the comfort of your home!
Pet Pantries/Food Banks
Advocates 4 Animals Pet Pantry & Rescue (Herculaneum)
This facility is a 100 percent volunteer organization. Their mission? To keep families and their Missouri pets together during financially turbulent times. They provide a pet food pantry along with spay and neuter assistance. If you check out the information section on their website, they have an established list of guidelines “to ensure eligibility in the pet food assistance program.” Additionally, they have the pantry location and dates for the next pet food distribution. They don’t have a phone number listed on their site, but you can click here for alternative contact information.
Bi-State Pet Food Pantry (St. Louis)
“We want them to stay together” is emblazoned on the homepage of Bi-State Pet Food Pantry’s website. They want humans and their Missouri pets to stay together. You can fill out an application for emergency assistance on their website. In addition, they comprehensively outline the distribution process and urge you to have someone go in your place on the next distribution date if you’re feeling ill. Call (314) 596-2128 or go here to learn more.
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.
Emergency Shelter
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.
Veterinary Care Grants/Resources
Heads-to-Tails Hope Fund (St. Louis)
This pet fund provides the good owners and Missouri pets statewide financial assistance for veterinary treatment. Located in the APA Adoption Center in St. Louis, Heads-to-Tails ensures that your procedure is covered. It’s worth noting that the administering of funds is dependent on financial need. Additionally, Heads-to-Tails doesn’t cover basic care. Click here for guidelines and fill out the application. You can also call (314) 645-4610 to learn more.
Killimunati Foundation (Statewide)
The Killimunati Foundation provides financial assistance for when your Missouri pets need it most. Here’s a brief description from their website: “Families in Missouri may apply for financial assistance when their dog is in need. If approved we will pay up to (not exceeding) half of the total cost of the treatment. Checks will be made out directly to the treating veterinarian.”
Now, the aforementioned funding doesn’t cover routine treatment/procedures. KF’s site boasts a comprehensive breakdown of guidelines for eligibility as well as an application you can fill out. Click here to browse said guidelines and complete the application.
