Clients with financial restrictions and a pet in medical emergency: How to provide a path most quickly to healing

Prior to releasing suggest that the client:

1. Apply for care credit and scratch pay

• If client is declined or has only obtained partial funding

• The pet’s prognosis is good with medical intervention

• A discount of 25% or more can be offered on the medical care

• Request the client apply for a grant via SAGE Compassion for Animals.

A requirement to obtain funds is to apply to CareCredit/ScratchPay and use any funds first, so have them apply while still in hospital in case they receive funds that could be used towards diagnostics or therapy.

2. Reach out to family and friends

3. Social media plea for help ie: Start a “go fund me” page

If client is leaving hospital with a pet in need of treatment for a medical emergency:

1. Offer the Tips for Obtaining Funds for Emergency Medical Care handout

2. Provide client a copy of the medical records in full, not just discharge instructions