Getting free or low-cost veterinary care for your Ohio pets can seem daunting given the current climate of our world. The Coronavirus pandemic has zapped us of our finances and so much more. Thankfully, not all is lost. We’ve got a list of wonderful Ohio pet care facilities that provide extremely affordable resources for your furry loved ones.
Check out our list of 24+ resources for free or low-cost veterinary care!
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Spay and Neuter Services
Athens County Humane Society (Jacksonville)
The Athens County Humane Society in Jacksonville offers reduced spay/neuter prices for low-income families with Ohio pets. Proof of financial need must be shown. They hold several spay/neuter clinics each month. Click here to peruse their low-cost prices. You can also go here to fill out a form to register your furry loved one for surgery. Call (740) 592-6047 for more information.
Cleveland Animal Protective League (Cleveland)
This organization provides low-cost spay and neuter services via ProjectCARE for your Ohio pets. Here’s a description of the program courtesy of their website:
“The mission of project CARE (Community Animal Retention Effort) is to provide support for pet owners with the goal of helping owners retain their pets during times of hardship. The program currently offer low-cost spay/neuter to residents living in the City of Cleveland with the goal of reducing community pet overpopulation. Restrictions apply.
For more information, please contact us via e-mail [email protected] or call 216-255-5012. Project CARE is funded in part by a generous donation from the Petco Foundation and PetSmart Charities.”
Humane Society of Greene County (Xenia)
The Humane Society of Greene County in Xenia boasts a spay/neuter program for your Ohio pets. Get the lowdown straight from their site:
“A very important part of the Humane Society’s mission is to reduce animal suffering caused by overpopulation through a subsidy program for Greene County pet owners to obtain spay/neuter surgery for their pets. We offer affordable options when it comes to spaying/neutering your pet. Please contact us @ 937-376-3001 or email to see if your family qualifies! Cats can cost as little as $25.00 and dogs costs are based on weight, as low as $45.00!”
Pet Food Banks/Pantries
CC’s Cupboard Pet Food Pantry (Richmond Heights)
This non-profit 501c3 organization in Richmond Heights proffers a pet food pantry for those who’ve fallen on hard times. You must complete an application for food assistance and show proof of income. Here are a list of documents they’ll accept:
“We require a photo ID to verify that you are a resident of our service area, and ask that you be prepared to provide proof of financial hardship.
~latest income tax return ~copy of the latest check stub ~papers that provide proof of monthly income (or lack thereof), such as Social Security Award Letter, Unemployment check stub, and/or Disability check stub ~Food stamps or Medicaid eligibility letter.”
Now, the facility does provide a one-time, one-month supply of food for you and your Ohio pets on an emergency basis if you’re unable to provide proof of financial hardship. Click here to apply for aid.
Humane Ohio (Toledo)
Humane Ohio in Toledo boasts a pet food bank for your Ohio pets. In fact, they’ve joined forces with Toledo’s PET Bull Project to “create Toledo’s biggest Pet Food Bank yet!” Pantry hours are every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on 2249 Tremainsville Road. Besides filling out an application, you’ll need to show proof of financial need i.e. an SSI award letter. Head over here to complete the application for food assistance. You can also call (567) 315-8051 to learn more.
People Care Pet Pantry (Ravenna)
This pet food pantry is dedicated to helping families keep their Ohio pets amid times of turmoil. Here’s the scoop from their homepage:
“When a family falls on hard times they call, text, or message us for help. We then talk to them to find out what pets they have, what is going on to cause the hardship, and how we can help. After talking to them we make arrangements to provide them with treats, pet food, and anything else we may have that their furry family members could use or would like.”
Additionally, People Care Pet Pantry provides countless valuable resources regarding veterinary care and assistance, including other Ohio pet pantries across the state. Go here for more information.
Veterinary Care Grants/Assistance
Valley Save-a-Pet (Statewide)
This non-profit humane society was established to “alleviate the unnecessary suffering of all animals.” Valley Save-a-Pet provides veterinary care assistance for your Ohio pets if they need emergency aid. “Financial help is provided to owners who cannot afford the cost of emergency veterinary care for their pets. Call our call center on the days and times of our store hours: (440) 232-9124.”
While there’s no mention of how much funding the organization will provide, it’s most likely determined on a case-by-case basis. Click here for more info.
Jake Brady Memorial Fund (Statewide)
Jake Brady Memorial Fund is dedicated to giving assistance to families in need with Ohio pets. Here’s their mission statement:
“The Jake Brady Memorial Fund is dedicated to providing funding for corrective, suitable, and life-saving medical treatment for companion animals of families in need. Ensuring the ability to receive quality treatment and provide for the well being of companion animals will always be our primary objective.”
If you’re interested in applying for aid, go here for contact information.
Bummer Fund (Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties)
This organization’s objective is to help you and your Ohio pets in your time of need. Bummer Fund derived its name from a beloved cat that passed away in 1994.
“The Bummer Fund provides financial support to responsible pet owners in times of temporary medical crisis or emergency for a pet. The fund is administered by the Board of Directors. Grants are provided by application or veterinarian referral when catastrophic medical costs threaten to stand in the way of appropriate treatment for a beloved family pet.”
Click here for contact information and to apply for financial assistance. It should be noted that all applications must start with a phone call.
Catherine Marucci
Thursday 29th of December 2022
Hi Taylor. If the above resources have not been helpful, it may be worth contacting 211 or your local Humane Society to see if either knows about any programs in your area for helping with veterinary costs.
Rebecca Prendergast
Sunday 4th of September 2022
No help for Stark county either. You know when it’s time for the hall of fame canton cleans house, homeless, addicts all hidden away so they can’t be seen, but canton has a serious cat/kitten problem they need a TNR program they need to start taking care of the city the other 51 weeks of the year. I don’t even live in Canton and I can see what’s going on, the mayor needs to get his sh** together or step down and let someone else do it.
Bobi Jo Lewandowski
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
this page is fantastic i never knew thee wre somany different services available. you provide an absolutely invaluable service to opur communities thank you.