This guide is a comprehensive, practical roundup of the financing and payment options available in veterinary medicine today. It includes pros, considerations, and best-fit scenarios for both pet owners and veterinary teams. If you know of additional resources, please leave a comment so we can keep this updated.

For more support on navigating financial conversations with clarity and compassion, check out this Life Boost with Amelia podcast episode with Dr. Shona Kowtecky:
Ep. 94 | The F Word in Vet Med: Overcoming Fear Around Finances (Part 1)

Table of Contents

Why Veterinary Care Costs Feel So Stressful—and How We Can Do Better Together

1. Pet Insurance

• Pawlicy Advisor
• PetInsuranceReview.com

2. Veterinary Financing Options

• CareCredit
• All Pet Card
• Scratchpay

3. Payment Plan Options

• VetBilling

4. Fundraising Options

• GoFundMe
• Waggle
• Free Animal Doctor

5. Angel Funds / Veterinary Assistance Funds

• Established Angel Funds (e.g., Chappy & Friends)
• Practice-Created Angel Funds

6. Nonprofit & Assistance Programs

• National Assistance Programs (e.g., AVMF REACH)
• State Veterinary Association Assistance Funds
• Other Nonprofit Support Resources

7. Budgeting & Emergency Funds

Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

Why Veterinary Care Costs Feel So Stressful—and How We Can Do Better Together

No one wins when finances become a barrier to a pet receiving the care they need. And yet, we’re in a phase where that’s becoming increasingly common—unless we intentionally choose a different approach.

Let’s zoom out for a moment and look at the big picture:

• The cost of veterinary care is rising at a rate significantly higher than overall inflation 
• 1 in 3 U.S. adults can’t cover a $400 unexpected expense without some sort of financing 
• 78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.
• Veterinary medicine is a business. In order to provide care to pets in a way that’s sustainable, it needs to be profitable. 
• Vet med is currently in a recessionary phase — after a period of rapid growth the past few years, business is slowing. 
• Burnout rates remain high: 50% of veterinarians have high burnout scores and 66% of vet techs are burned out

When you put these realities together, it’s easy to see why money conversations feel tense and overwhelming on both sides of the exam table. Both pet guardians and veterinary teams are under financial strain. Everyone cares deeply, and everyone is stretched thin.

And the truth is: finances are deeply emotional. They’re tied to safety, security, and—at times—life-or-death decisions about a beloved family member. So when a pet owner faces a bill they weren’t expecting (on top of worrying about their pet), or a team member feels unable to provide recommended care, it’s completely human for emotions to run high.

That’s when reactive patterns show up:

• A client blames the vet for “only caring about the money.”
• A team member burns out and resigns.
• A pet owner agrees to something they can’t afford, then leaves a negative review.
• Both sides feel misunderstood, creating an “us vs. them” dynamic.

These reactions aren’t personal—they’re stress responses. And if we want to work together toward our shared goal—helping the pet—we need to proactively reduce stress and overwhelm around financing veterinary care.

The good news: each of us can play a part by shifting toward a proactive instead of reactive approach.

For veterinary professionals, this looks like:

• Being upfront and transparent about costs
• Normalizing financial conversations early
• Understanding and offering a full spectrum of payment options
• Offering choices without judgment
• Approaching decisions as a team, not “us vs. them”

For pet owners, this looks like:

• Being informed about the different payment options available
• Preparing a plan for unexpected expenses before they happen
• Choosing a veterinary practice that offers payment flexibility
• Communicating openly about budget and preferences

This guide exists for both pet owners and veterinary teams so neither side feels stuck. It walks through the full range of payment and financing options—including pros, considerations, and best-fit scenarios—so together, we can find solutions that support the well-being of the pet, the pet owner, and the veterinary team.

Financial Options for Veterinary Care

1. Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is one of the best ways for families to prepare for unexpected accidents or illnesses and yet only about 4% of pets in the U.S. are covered by pet insurance. When it’s the right fit, insurance reduces emotional and financial stress and allows everyone to focus on what matters: providing the pet with the best possible care.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Covers unexpected accidents and illnesses
• Reduces stress during emergencies
• Eases decision‑making so owners can focus on their pet instead of finances
• Predictable monthly cost
• Can significantly reduce lifetime veterinary expenses
• Provides emotional relief for owners who worry about worst‑case scenarios

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

When clients have insurance:

• Approval for recommended diagnostics and treatments is smoother
• Cost conversations become more straightforward
• Teams experience less moral distress because finances aren’t a limiting factor
• Medical compliance and outcomes often improve

⚠️ Considerations

• Typically requires owners to pay upfront and get reimbursed
• Preventive care isn’t covered unless a wellness add‑on is purchased
• May not be cost‑effective for older pets or those with multiple pre‑existing conditions
• Waiting periods often apply before coverage begins
• Policies can be complex or confusing without guidance

✅ Best Fit For

• Puppies and kittens
• Young adult pets
• Breeds prone to hereditary or chronic conditions
• Pet owners who want peace of mind
• Practices wanting to support better medical outcomes
• Pet owners who are able to pay upfront costs while waiting for reimbursement 

Resources to Help Pet Owners Navigate Pet Insurance Options

Pet insurance options can feel overwhelming—for both pet owners and veterinary teams.  Below are two resources that can make it easier for pet owners to find the best pet insurance for them.

Pawlicy Advisor

Pawlicy Advisor is an amazing resource for both pet owners and veterinary practices. It functions like a free pet-insurance brokerage service, guiding pet owners through all the different options and helping them find the coverage that’s the best fit for the best price. 

Pet owners can visit the website independently, but what makes Pawlicy Advisor especially valuable is how they support veterinary clinics, too.

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Dedicated Pawlicy Advisor team members follow up with pet owners, compare plans, explain terms, and handle enrollment—reducing staff workload while supporting pet owners in finding the best option for them
• Clinic enrollment is free and quick
• Optional integratation with many PIMS systems (Cornerstone, ezyVet, AVImark, etc.)
• Supports clients before their visit so they arrive financially prepared
• Provides brochures, stickers, QR codes, checklists, and other educational materials
• Reduces stress for both clients and staff
  

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Get support from a neutral third-party expert to find the best plan at the best price
• Helps avoid plans with poor coverage or confusing reimbursement structures
• Website is a great resource for pet insurance and payment options including a list of charitable grants

⚠️ Considerations

• Requires clinic enrollment to access full features (still free + quick)

✅ Best For

• New pet owners (puppies, kittens, first‑time pet parents)
• Owners feeling confused, overwhelmed, or curious about whether pet insurance is a good option for their pet
• Busy clinics that want to increase the number of insured clients without adding workload or costs for the team

PetInsuranceReview.com

Petinsurancereview.com is a great option for pet owners who prefer to research independently.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Easy side-by-side comparison of major pet insurance providers including coverage, exclusions, pricing, and reimbursement models
• Transparent reviews from other pet owners
• Ideal for independent researchers

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Easy resource to refer pet owners to who are overwhelmed about pet insurance options

⚠️ Considerations

• Self-guided; no live support
• Can overwhelm already-stressed pet owners
• Lots of emails from pet insurance companies when you put your information in
• Doesn’t integrate with PIMS or follow up with clients so there may be a low percent of clients who actually visit the website and sign up for pet insurance

✅ Best Fit For

• New pet owners (puppies, kittens, first‑time pet parents)
• Pet owners who like to do their own research
• Vet clinics that want an easy, neutral resource to refer pet owners to without having to enroll

Personal Note

As a veterinarian, I enrolled our French bulldog with Trupanion the moment we brought him home. Although the price has increased every year, my favorite feature is the lifetime deductible per condition. He’s now five years old, and it has absolutely been a worthwhile investment.

2. Veterinary Financing Options

These are programs that help pet owners pay over time, spreading out expenses in a manageable way. The biggest drawback is that they require a credit-check so that clients with low credit scores or who are “credit invisible” may not qualify (even if they may be willing to and capable of making payments). 

A. CareCredit (Credit Card)

CareCredit is a widely used health and wellness credit card that many vet clinics already accept. It’s familiar, easy to use, and can make a big difference in helping clients move forward with treatment. 

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Quick approval process with immediate access to funds
• Can be used for veterinary care and human healthcare expenses
• Promotional 0% interest for 6 months* can make unexpected bills more manageable
• Helps owners proceed with care without delaying treatment
• Can help bridge the gap for pet owners with insurance who need support until reimbursement arrives

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Offering a payment option beyond “pay in full” signals positive intention and partnership, reducing stress for both clients and staff
• Clinics are paid upfront — no waiting for reimbursement
• Helps pet owners move forward with care when paying in full isn’t possible
• Supports better follow-through on recommended diagnostics and procedures

⚠️ Considerations

• Requires a credit check and approval
• *Promotional financing includes deferred interest — if payments are late, interest for the full amount is applied
• Not all clients qualify, including those who are “credit invisible” 
• Some owners are wary of credit-based options or prior negative experiences

✅ Best Fit For

• Clients with stable credit
• Families who prefer predictable monthly payments
• Situations where the clinic needs to be paid upfront

B. All Pet Card (Pet-Focused Credit Card)

All Pet Card is a credit card designed specifically for pet care — routine visits, emergency care, medications, boarding, etc. 

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Soft inquiry for pre-qualification — no impact on credit score
• Immediate approval means care can proceed quickly
• *Promotional financing options (e.g., 0% interest if paid in full within 6 months on purchases $250+)
• Approval rates tend to be higher than general-purpose healthcare cards

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Offering a payment option beyond “pay in full” signals positive intention and partnership, reducing stress for both clients and staff
• Supports team workflow and avoids bottlenecks by reducing financial barriers
• Offers veterinary-specific marketing tools to help practices share the option easily
• Offers a pet-specific financing option that feels approachable and reassuring for owners navigating unexpected veterinary costs

⚠️ Considerations

• Requires credit approval
• *Promotional financing includes deferred interest (like CareCredit) — if payments slip, the balance can quickly become a burden
• Only usable at participating providers that accept All Pet Card

✅ Best Fit For

• Clients who want a pet-dedicated financing option
• Owners looking for a higher likelihood of approval
• Clinics wanting to offer a pet-only financing tool with strong veterinary-specific marketing support

C. Scratchpay (Loan)

Scratchpay is a popular alternative to CareCredit, especially for clients who either don’t want a credit card or may not qualify for one.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• No hard credit check for many plans (often soft checks only)
• Transparent terms with no retroactive interest surprises
• Flexible payment options, including some 0% APR choices
• Does not require opening a credit card (which many clients prefer)
• Often more accessible approval than traditional credit-based tools

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Demonstrates a positive intention by providing an option beyond “pay in full”
• Helps clients move forward with care even when credit cards aren’t a good fit
• Clinic still gets paid quickly
• Makes financing accessible to a broader range of clients
• Straightforward application process reduces friction at the front desk

⚠️ Considerations

• Not available in every veterinary clinic
• Interest rates vary by plan and credit profile
• Approval is not guaranteed
• Some pet owners may prefer the familiarity of a credit card

✅ Best Fit For

• Clients who prefer not to open a credit card
• Families looking for transparent, predictable loan terms
• Clinics wanting a flexible alternative to CareCredit

3. Payment Plan Options

For clients who don’t qualify for credit-based financing or prefer not to use it, payment plans can be a compassionate, accessible alternative. They support care acceptance while reducing the pressure of paying in full at once.

VetBilling

VetBilling is a supportive, practice-friendly payment plan solution. It allows veterinary practices to create customized, automated payment plans that align with their policies, while VetBilling manages the billing, reminders, and processing on their behalf. This gives practices a reliable alternative to “pay in full” or credit-based financing — and gives pet owners a compassionate, accessible way to move forward with care.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Allows them to say “yes” to diagnostics and treatment even when upfront cost is a barrier
• Affordable monthly payments that fit into a realistic budget
• Helps clients who may not qualify for other finance options like CareCredit or Scratchpay
• Small enrollment fee (typically around $25) plus a modest $3-per-payment processing fee keeps it accessible
• Reduces stress and shame by providing a clear, compassionate financial pathway

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Helps reduce moral distress for veterinary team and pet owner when finances would otherwise block care
• Quickly customize payment contracts while VetBilling handles the rest
• Eliminates in-house collections by outsourcing to experts
• Improves care acceptance by offering an accessible option
• Supports clients who care deeply about their pet but feel temporarily stretched — improving client experience and potentially strengthening the relationship and trust
• 90–100% success rate with collections using their secure PCI-compliant platform
• Provides a suite of solutions including in-house plans, pay-in-advance options, staff payment plans, and pet savings accounts

⚠️ Considerations

• Requires clients to commit to monthly payments
• Not ideal for high-cost surgeries if a client has no financial buffer
• Vet Clinic is not paid upfront and must be open to monthly payments 

✅ Best Fit For

• Clients who want to pay over time but cannot use credit-based options
• Practices that want to reduce financial stigma and support team well-being

Other payment plan companies include Varidi and Payment Blanc.

4. Fundraising Options

Fundraising can be a lifeline for pet owners facing unexpected veterinary expenses — especially when traditional financing isn’t available. These options rely on community support, so they work best as supplemental tools rather than primary financial plans.

A. GoFundMe

GoFundMe is a widely recognized crowdfunding platform where pet owners can raise money directly from their personal network.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Easy and quick to set up
• Large built-in audience — people are familiar with the platform
• Shareable across social media, which helps stories spread
• Funds go directly to the pet owner, offering maximum flexibility

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Provides an additional pathway when finances would otherwise limit care
• Can help with cases involving strays without microchips needing immediate support
• May allow treatment for owner-surrender cases through community involvement
• Builds goodwill and boost morale when the community rallies around a pet in need

⚠️ Considerations

• Not ideal for urgent emergencies; fundraising takes time (but could potentially be used in combination with another finance option to help with monthly payments)
• Requires strong social network reach to be successful
• Funds go to the owner, which may raise donor concerns about use
• Owner must withdraw funds and pay the clinic
• Platform and payment processing fees may apply

✅ Best For

• Non-urgent cases where the owner has time to share and gather community support

B. Waggle

Waggle is a pet-specific fundraising platform where donations go directly to the veterinary practice — increasing donor trust and transparency.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Designed specifically for veterinary medical expenses
• Donors see transparent case details and costs
• Increased confidence due to clear use of funds
• Small donor fee and optional tip support the platform

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Donations go directly to the clinic — eliminating concerns around misuse
• Helps reduce moral distress when finances limit care acceptance
• Useful for cases involving strays or pets without microchips
• Creates heart-warming community moments when donors rally

⚠️ Considerations

• Fundraising cap of $2,000 per case
• Requires setup and approval — not immediate
• Not suitable for high-cost procedures
• Still requires outreach to raise funds

✅ Best For

• Smaller emergencies or situations where direct payment to the vet increases confidence

C. Free Animal Doctor (FAD)

Free Animal Doctor is a nonprofit fundraising platform dedicated to helping pets access needed medical care, operating similarly to Waggle but with nonprofit advantages.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• 100% of donations go directly to the animal’s care — no platform fees
• Nonprofit status increases donor confidence
• Access to a donor community passionate about animal welfare

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Funds go directly to the clinic, ensuring transparency
• Helps reduce moral distress when finances block recommended care
• Useful for strays, abandoned pets, or owner-surrender situations
• Donors experience a “feel-good” impact knowing their contribution directly supports veterinary treatment

⚠️ Considerations

• Fundraising takes time — not ideal for urgent emergencies
• Requires an application and case approval
• Funding is not guaranteed
• Only available for eligible cases

✅ Best For

• Situations where owners have limited financial options and would benefit from a trusted nonprofit platform to raise funds for essential veterinary care

5. Angel Funds

Angel funds are compassionate, community-supported resources that help bridge financial gaps for pets in crisis. These funds can be created and managed by veterinary practices or supported through established nonprofits. When used thoughtfully, they offer meaningful support without placing additional financial strain on pet owners or the veterinary team.

A. Established Angel Funds (e.g., Chappy & Friends)

Chappy & Friends is a nonprofit that enables people and organizations to create tax-deductible fundraising pages for animals in need. They provide administrative support, nonprofit status, and an existing platform that donors trust — making it easier for practices or individuals to raise funds ethically and transparently.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Ability to receive help through a trusted nonprofit with established credibility
• Funds are managed transparently, reducing concerns around misuse
• Donations are tax-deductible for supporters
• Access to an existing donor base can increase fundraising success

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Nonprofit handles administration, reducing practice workload
• Funds go directly to the clinic, ensuring appropriate use
• Allows practices to help in special hardship cases without discounting services or absorbing the financial loss
• Builds goodwill with the community and strengthens practice reputation

⚠️ Considerations

• Platform fees or setup requirements may apply depending on the nonprofit
• Not all pets/cases may qualify
• Approval process may take time
• Dependence on donor engagement means funding is not guaranteed

✅ Best Fit For

• Situations where a practice or pet owner needs a trusted, transparent platform
• Cases requiring tax-deductible donations to attract donors
• Practices without the ability or desire to manage their own 501(c)(3)

B. Practice-Created Angel Funds

Some veterinary practices choose to create their own in-house “Angel Fund,” allowing them to offer financial assistance for select cases where cost would otherwise prevent essential care.

These funds are usually supported by community donations, memorial contributions, or periodic fundraising initiatives.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Provides direct financial support in true crisis situations
• Allows pets to receive essential treatment when owners would otherwise be unable to proceed
• Builds emotional connection and trust between the practice and the community
• Offers local impact and transparency that donors appreciate

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Gives the practice a compassionate tool for exceptional cases
• Allows teams to support animals in dire need without personally absorbing financial loss
• Helps reduce moral distress when finances are the barrier to care
• Enhances community goodwill and strengthens client loyalty (great cases to share on social media)
• Can be used strategically for cases involving strays, good samaritans, or extraordinary medical need

⚠️ Considerations

• Practices must create or partner with a 501(c)(3) to accept tax-deductible donations legally
• Requires thoughtful guidelines to avoid inconsistencies or emotional burden on staff
• Managing funds involves administration, record-keeping, and oversight
• Funds can be limited and may deplete quickly, especially in high-need communities
• Without boundaries, staff may feel pressure or compassion fatigue

✅ Best Fit For

• Practices committed to community support
• Teams ready to establish clear policies, criteria, and boundaries
• Clinics that have the administrative capacity or a nonprofit partner to manage funds ethically
• Communities with strong donor engagement or interest in supporting local animals

6. Nonprofit + Assistance Programs

When other financial avenues have been exhausted, nonprofit and assistance programs can provide a critical safety net. These resources vary widely in scope and eligibility, but they can make a meaningful difference for pets in crisis—and reduce stress for both veterinary teams and pet owners.

A. National Assistance Programs

AVMF REACH Program

The AVMF REACH Program helps bridge financial gaps by providing grants directly to veterinary practices (for AVMA members). Practices can apply for up to $1,000 per veterinarian per year (and up to $5,000 per clinic).

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Access to urgently needed care without navigating credit checks or fundraising
• Reduces the emotional burden during already stressful situations
• Transparent process since funds are paid directly to the practice

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Streamlined application process through the AVMF
• Funds go directly to the practice, ensuring compliance and transparency
• Allows teams to help in hardship cases without absorbing the cost
• Decreases moral distress when finances limit care

⚠️ Considerations

• Limited annual funding
• Only available to AVMA-member veterinarians/practices
• Must meet eligibility criteria outlined by AVMF
• Not suitable for large or ongoing treatment plans

✅ Best For

Short-term financial emergencies where immediate assistance is needed and the practice qualifies through AVMA membership.

B. State Veterinary Association Assistance Funds

Many state veterinary associations offer small grants to support member practices in providing care for clients facing financial hardship.

For example, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) offers the Helping Hands Fund, allowing veterinarians to apply for up to $500 toward a client’s bill.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Access to immediate, need-based support
• Often easier than navigating national programs
• Helps preserve the human-animal bond during crisis situations

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Provides quick relief for clients in financial crisis supporting team morale
• Strengthens the practice’s relationship with the state association
• Funds support patient care without impacting the clinic’s bottom line

⚠️ Considerations

• Availability and requirements vary by state
• Limited funding and low dollar amounts
• Reserved for situations demonstrating genuine financial need

✅ Best For

Members of state associations who need small, short-term support to bridge financial gaps for clients.

C. Other Nonprofit Assistance Programs

Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman curated a list of 18 nonprofit organizations that may help pay veterinary bills. These range from breed-specific rescues to disease-specific foundations and general emergency aid. Click here for the Instagram post.

These programs can be lifesaving for unique situations—including specific medical diagnoses, rare conditions, or breed-related health issues.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• Targeted assistance for specific needs, conditions, or breeds
• Access to organizations with experience managing medical-based grants
• Can provide larger or more specialized support than general crowdfunding

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices

• Helps reduce financial barriers for highly specific medical cases
• Provides an option when clients have exhausted traditional financing
• Demonstrates a desire to work with the client to find payment solutions and may increase community trust

⚠️ Considerations

• Eligibility varies widely between organizations
• Applications take time and may require medical documentation
• Funding is not guaranteed

✅ Best For

Cases where traditional financing, payment plans, or insurance are not viable—and where specialized nonprofit support aligns with the pet’s medical or breed-specific needs.

7. Budgeting + Emergency Funds

For some pet owners — especially those with senior pets or pets no longer eligible for insurance — building a dedicated pet emergency fund can be the most sustainable and empowering financial option. Even small, consistent contributions can create a meaningful buffer and reduce stress during unexpected situations.

This is also where veterinary clinics can make a big impact proactively. Transparent, judgment-free conversations about anticipated costs help set realistic expectations so pet owners can plan ahead — long before they’re in a crisis. Beyond offering that clarity and support, however, emergency funds ultimately become the pet owner’s responsibility and long-term strategy.

✅ Pros for Pet Owners

• No credit checks, applications, or interest
• Reduces financial panic during emergencies
• Supports long-term planning and peace of mind
• Helps owners feel more in control of their finances and their pet’s care
• Flexible — funds can be used for any veterinary need

✅ Pros for Veterinary Practices (when paired with proactive education)

• Creates more prepared clients who can approve care without delay
• Establishes clearer expectations early, leading to fewer tense money conversations
• Encourages long-term planning instead of crisis-driven decision-making
• Reinforces trust and transparency in the veterinarian-client relationship

⚠️ Considerations

• Requires discipline and consistency to build
• Takes time to accumulate a meaningful amount
• Can feel challenging for clients facing financial strain
• May not be a single solution for large, urgent expenses
• Out of a vet clinic’s control beyond proactively educating and transparency around costs

💡 Tips for Pet Owners

• Ask your veterinary clinic for a ballpark estimate of yearly care
• Add extra for older pets or pets with chronic conditions
• Automate contributions — even $20–$50/month builds quickly
• Keep the fund in a separate savings account so it stays dedicated
• Consider combining with insurance or payment plans for a comprehensive financial strategy

✅ Best Fit For:

• Senior pets or pets with pre-existing conditions who don’t already have insurance
• Multi-pet households
• Families who prefer non-credit-based options
• Anyone wanting a long-term, proactive plan that supports emotional and financial peace

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, everyone wants the same thing: pets getting the care they deserve. When we acknowledge that finances are emotional and approach them proactively—with transparency, compassion, and options—stress decreases and collaboration increases. That shift leads to higher care acceptance, stronger relationships, and better outcomes for pets, clients, and teams.

This recessionary phase is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rethink old patterns. When we offer solutions that make veterinary care more accessible and sustainable, we support the entire veterinary ecosystem. We’re in this together—and our pets benefit when we lead with compassion, curiosity, and connection.

Additional Resources & Continued Learning

Continuing Education

For more training navigating financial barriers and learning about different options, I highly recommend these RACE-approved CE resources by Suzanne Cannon:

• Financially Friendly Clinics

• Overcoming Financial Barriers to Veterinary Care

Spectrum of Care

Another important piece of decreasing overwhelm around finances is practicing spectrum of care rather than a focus on the "gold standard". It helps pet owners feel seen and supported within their budget, and it helps veterinary professionals to feel like they're making a difference even when the "gold standard" isn't an option.

Dr. Kate Boatright is an excellent resource for learning more about spectrum of care.

How are you being proactive when it comes to decreasing stress around the cost of veterinary care? Please leave a comment to share ideas!