Written by: Samantha Boswell, Vet Assistant, Exotic Animal Rehabilitator
I am one of the biggest advocates for making sure you can provide for your animals before owning them. This includes research into annual checkups, necessary surgeries, food, and more.
However, I also understand that life happens. Especially with the current pandemic that is happening, it is affecting many people in negative ways. So here are some resources for Ontario to help those out who are on EI, ODSP, OW and more. If you are struggling financially and have a companion at home, check out these resources and see if any of them can help you care for your pets.
Pet Loan Services
So many people don't realize that there are loan services out there that will help you out. These are usually for large procedures like surgeries, radiographs and blood work. Call around and see if there are any vets that support low income and provide a discount; many do. This will help you get a low cost consult for your pet, which you will need for most procedures as the estimate will need to be created by the doctor, not the front staff. Once you have received that estimate for the procedure you can contact one of these companies and apply for a loan. Once you have been approved, make your appointment with your vet. The loan service will pay the vet directly and you work a payment plan out that you can afford with the loan company.
Pet Card - https://www.petcard.ca/ Over 25 years offering loan services to Canadian pet owners. Will approve most credit ratings.
Loans Canada - https://loanscanada.ca/services/pet-financing/ A loan company that has provided different types of loans to over 1 million Canadians. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau
Fairstone - https://www.fairstone.ca/en/loans/vet-bills-pet-loans A non-bank provided loan that has been working in Canada for over 100 years. Over 240 branches across Canada.
Medicard by iFinance - https://www.medicard.com/veterinary-services.php Providing Canadians with medical loan services since 1996.
Pay Bright - https://paybright.com/ Used by many vets across Canada.
The Farley Foundation
A not for profit organization that has been helping Ontarians with low income since 2002. They help seniors, individuals on ODSP/OW, persons with an annual income of less than $25,000 and more. They will with vet bills, procedures, and finding pet accommodating housing. They are a great resource for many Ontarians who have pets and are not capable of affording care; due to whatever caused their financial circumstance.
Find them here --> https://www.farleyfoundation.org/who-we-help/
Your Local SPCA
Your local SPCA will be able to provide your pet with affordable spay/neuter, microchip and rabies vaccines through their local spay and neuter programs. Some of the smaller communities may not have the same resources for this, however your larger metropolitan areas will have these resources in place.
Emergency Fostering and Local Rescues
Sometimes things happen where our pets will need a temporary rehome until you get your feet on the ground. There are not for profit organizations such as Fido Niagara, Safe Haven Program and Safe Pet Programs. These places will work with you and temporarily foster your pet until you are able to begin caring for them again. If you contact your local rescues, they may be willing to work with you in order to get your pet's major surgery taken care of.
Pet Insurance
So, obviously pet insurance through companies like Truepanion, Petsecure, etc. is expensive. However, some insurance companies like CAA, Dejardins and Allstate do provide pet insurance. Costco also offers affordable pet insurance for both members and non-members.
Call Vet Clinics in Your Neighbourhood
One thing many people do not realize is that many veterinarians do offer low income pricing, usually around 20% off (on services). This allows them to be able to provide annual check ups and procedures for a more affordable cost to those who are financially struggling. So call around, check Google, and ask your friends and see if anyone can point you to a local vet. The Farley Foundation also does provide incentive for vet clinics to offer low income options, so you can even reach out to them and see where they can point you.
Caring for a pet when you are financially stable can be difficult and make you feel like a terrible pet owner. However, there are lots of resources for pets and their needs. Check out these previous options and I am sure you will be able to provide all you need for your companion!
If you can, please consider donating unused food, treats, toys, and items for all animals to Exotics of Ontario. We will make sure that it will go to a home in need.
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