Times are tough, especially on the financial front. Finding low-cost or free assistance for your New York pets may seem impossible given the circumstances. But never fear! We’ve got a list of wonderful New York pet care facilities that provide aid for those who are experiencing financial hardship.
Check out our list of 24+ resources for free or low-cost veterinary care!
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Spay and Neuter Services
Hornell Area Humane Society (Hornell)
Hornell Area Humane Society boasts a low-cost spay and neuter program for low-income families with New York pets. You must meet income guideline requirements in order to qualify. If you’re eligible, you may pay as little as $50 to spay/neuter your furry loved ones. They do ask that you pay with cash or credit card as they do not accept checks. Click here to get more information. You can also call (607) 324-1270.
Chemung County SPCA (Elmira)
This facility has S.N.A.P. (Spay Neuter Assistance Program) for your New York pets. There are two programs for which you can apply: Program #1 is for residents who aren’t on government assistance but they meet “certain household income requirements.” Program #2 is for families who fall below the USDA Poverty Level. For the second option, you’ll only need to pay $10 to spay/neuter your pets. Of course, you’ll need to submit the requisite materials i.e. proof of income, assistance, etc. Go here to get the full lowdown regarding eligibility guidelines and to learn how to apply. Call (607)732-1827 for more info.
ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic (NYC)
This mobile clinic serves all five boroughs in New York City. They’ve recently resumed their spay/neuter services for your New York pets in light of the pandemic. They’re committed to providing low-cost, high-quality spaying and neutering to under-served communities in the city. Services are free with proof of public assistance.
“The ASPCA strives to make spay/neuter accessible and affordable for all New York City residents. Low-income pet parents in New York City’s five boroughs with proof of public assistance such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or public housing qualify for heavily subsidized spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. Those receiving unemployment benefits do not qualify.”
Head over here to learn more and peruse their schedule. You can also call (212) 876-7700.
Pet Food Banks/Pantries
Long Island Cares, Inc. (Hauppauge)
Baxter’s Pet Pantry of Long Island Cares is dedicated to providing pet food to low-income families with New York pets. Here’s a brief description from their site:
“Hard times can happen to anyone and just because you or your family find yourselves struggling does not mean that you should be forced to give up your pet in the process. This is why Long Island Cares offers Baxter’s Pet Pantry to help families with not only pet food, but also toys, clothes, and other supplies needed to take care of a pet. This program is run in partnership with the Animal Rescue Fund which enables Long Island Cares to distribute these supplies through our network.”
If you need pet food, click here to locate a food pantry near you. Call (631) 582-3663.
CNY SPCA (Syracuse)
This SPCA in Central New York doles out food to families with New York pets who’ve fallen on financial hard times. Of course, like any pantry, it depends on the kind donations of others.
“CNY SPCA’s Pet Food Pantry was created to help members of our community who are having trouble taking care of their pets. Our goal is to help keep pets in their homes and reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters for financial reasons. Individuals in the community who are in need of assistance can stop by the shelter during regular business hours to receive food for their pets. The Food Pantry for Pets provides a limited amount of pet food for your animal(s) meant to supplement those in need.”
Everything is by appointment only, so call (315) 454-4479 for more information. Go here to browse their website.
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (Menands and Saratoga Springs)
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society has pet food pantries in two locations: Menands and Saratoga Springs. All for you and your New York pets.
“Mohawk Hudson Humane Society wants to help keep pets with the families who love them. We realize that anyone can fall on hard times. Through our Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry, sponsored by Goldstein Auto Group, we provide cat and dog food and limited pet supplies to anyone needing help caring for their animals. No pet should go hungry.”
Hours at the Menands location are from 10 am to 4 pm every day. Saratoga Springs food pantry is available Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Head over here to learn more and get the addresses/contact information for both facilities.
Veterinary Care Grants/Assistance
Shamrock Animal Fund (Central NY and Syracuse)
Shamrock Animal Fund is dedicated to providing financial assistance to those with New York pets who need it. While they don’t specify if they’ll only fund certain procedures, they do ask that you provide documentation if you’ve been denied by Care Credit. Steps to determine eligibility also include demonstrating financial need and showing proof of income. Click here to read the guidelines for Shamrock Animal Fund. Go here to learn how to contact them and what to send when applying for aid.
NY S.A.V.E. (NYC)
NY S.A.V.E. (Save Animals in Veterinary Emergency) was founded in 1998 as part of the Veterinary Medical Association of NYC. Their objective is to serve low-income families and their New York pets. There are a number of guidelines you must meet prior to receiving assistance i.e. provide proof of financial need and proof of residency in one of the five boroughs of NYC. Go here to peruse said guidelines. You can also go here to contact the organization.
Pet Emergency Fund (Erie and Niagara Counties)
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society’s Pet Emergency Fund was established in 1999. Their mission is to supply aid for New York pets whose owners are experiencing financial hardship.
“The amount of money available at each veterinary hospital changes each year based on the results of ongoing fundraising efforts. PEF funds are distributed quarterly to member veterinary hospitals in Erie and Niagara Counties, NY.
Veterinarians are thoughtful stewards of your hard-earned dollars! Every effort is made to use available funds to save the lives of family pets that have the best chance of recovery, and to defray costs for owners who cannot afford the full burden of their pet’s emergency care.”
Click here to read more about applying for aid. Head over here to contact Pet Emergency Fund.
Alice
Saturday 27th of January 2024
Nothing on Long Island for low income pet owners?
Catherine Marucci
Monday 29th of January 2024
Hi Alice. It may be worth calling your local Humane Society. They'll usually know of low-cost options in the area.
Catherine Marucci
Sunday 23rd of July 2023
Hi Candie. If the resources above have not been helpful for getting Mandie Sue the treatment she needs, you can try calling 211 or your local Humane Society to see if they know of any low-cost veterinary care options or programs in your area that can help with the costs.