Grants and Foundations for Pet Cancer Treatment and Veterinary Care

Cancer treatment for pets can be expensive, and most people do not have pet insurance to help cover the cost. Financial help is available through foundations that provide care grants. Many grant funds are open to all, but some are specific to certain breeds, types of cancer, pets of people with disabilities, seniors, or residents of certain states or counties. The following foundations have been helpful to some of our clients and patients. Each foundation has its own selection criteria and documentation requirements, and applicants may need to disclose personal financial information. Many pet owners searching for grants for pet cancer treatment or financial help for veterinary bills start with nonprofit foundations like the ones listed below.

OUR FUND

The Athena Fund (New Mexico Residents)

The Athena Fund provides financial assistance for veterinary care to pet owners across New Mexico who need help covering medical costs for their pets. Managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, The Athena Fund covers veterinary care of all kinds, not just cancer treatment. Anyone in New Mexico can apply.

learn more

donate

apply for funding

PET CANCER GRANTS

Foundations That Help Pay for Pet Cancer Treatment

Many nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance for pets diagnosed with cancer. The foundations below help families cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other recommended dog or cat cancer treatment.

Live Like Roo Foundation

Provides financial assistance to families whose pets face a cancer diagnosis.

National Canine Cancer Foundation

Supports dogs with cancer through research funding, education, and resources.

Miranda’s People

Provides financial assistance for dogs with cancer. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Fund (via Frankie’s Friends)

Provides grants for pets diagnosed with cancer. The pet must be under the care of a veterinary oncologist. Managed by Frankie’s Friends.

Land of Pure Gold Foundation

Offers grants up to $1,000 for cancer treatment for full-time working dogs (assistance, detection, search and rescue, law enforcement, military, or animal-assisted therapy).

GENERAL VETERINARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

General Veterinary Financial Assistance

These programs can help pet owners who need financial assistance for veterinary care, including emergency treatment, chronic illness management, or specialty services. Some organizations provide grants for life-saving procedures, while others support treatment for ongoing medical conditions when veterinary costs become difficult to manage.

Brown Dog Foundation

Bridges the gap between the cost of medical care and saving a family pet. Grants are for one-time, life-threatening scenarios.

Frankie’s Friends (Hope Fund)

Provides financial assistance for emergency and specialty veterinary care. Partners with BluePearl, VCA, and Banfield clinics.

The Mosby Foundation

Provides financial assistance for dogs in need of critical, non-emergency care. Dogs must be spayed or neutered.

Paws 4 A Cure

Provides financial assistance for non-routine veterinary care for dogs and cats. Does not discriminate by breed, age, or diagnosis.

The Pet Fund

Provides financial assistance for non-emergency veterinary care, including cancer treatment, heart disease, and chronic conditions.

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program (FVEAP)

Provides financial assistance for cats with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

For the Love of Alex

Emergency and life-saving treatment assistance for pets of low-income households.

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation

Grants of up to $2,500 per dog for cancer, broken bones, emergencies, and other urgent care needs. Dogs only.

Annie’s Fund

Provides financial assistance for pets in need of veterinary care.

Lexi’s Legacy

Provides financial assistance for urgent veterinary care for dogs.

HEAL Foundation (Joey & Oreo Grants)

Financial assistance for dogs requiring veterinary care. Dogs must be spayed/neutered. Up to $1,000 per applicant; owner must cover at least 25%.

Breed-Specific and Specialty Funds

Some financial assistance programs are limited to specific types of pets or working animals. These funds may support certain breeds, rescue dogs, or service animals whose medical care requires specialized support.

The Goldstock Fund

Provides funds for rescue organizations and individuals to cover medical costs for golden retrievers and “golden-hearted” dogs.

IAADP Veterinary Care Program

Emergency financial assistance for service dogs of IAADP members.

frequently asked questions

Are there grants available to help pay for my pet’s cancer treatment?

Yes. Several foundations provide financial assistance specifically for pets diagnosed with cancer. Organizations like the Live Like Roo Foundation and the Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Fund (managed by Frankie’s Friends) offer grants to pet owners who cannot afford cancer treatment costs. Eligibility varies by organization, but most require a confirmed diagnosis from a veterinarian and documentation of financial need.

How do I apply for financial help with my pet’s veterinary bills?

Each foundation has its own application process, but most require a veterinary diagnosis, a treatment plan, and documentation of financial need. Start by reviewing the eligibility criteria on the foundation’s website, then submit an application directly. We recommend applying to multiple organizations, as each has limited funding and not all applicants receive assistance.

My dog has cancer, and I can’t afford treatment. What should I do?

Contact one or more of the cancer-specific foundations listed above, such as Live Like Roo or Miranda’s People. You can also apply to general veterinary assistance organizations like Brown Dog Foundation or Paws 4 A Cure. If you are a New Mexico resident, The Athena Fund may be able to help with veterinary costs. Veterinary Cancer Care also accepts CareCredit and Scratchpay.

Do I have to live in New Mexico to use these resources?

No. Most of the foundations listed on this page accept applications from anywhere in the United States. The Athena Fund is the only resource on this list that is limited to New Mexico residents. Check each foundation’s eligibility requirements for details.

Can I apply to more than one foundation at a time?

Yes, and we encourage it. Each foundation has limited funding, so applying to several organizations increases your chances of receiving assistance. Be transparent in your applications about any other funding you have applied for or received.

Does Veterinary Cancer Care offer payment plans?

Veterinary Cancer Care also accepts CareCredit and Scratchpay financing options. Visit our Payment Options page for more information. We also have information about The Athena Fund and other grants on this page.

Contact Veterinary Cancer Care

If you have questions about financial assistance for your companion’s care, the team at Veterinary Cancer Care is happy to help you review available options. Call (505) 982-4492 or contact us online to speak with our staff about possible resources and next steps.

schedule a consultation