Pet Retention Resources

Did you know that some of the most common reasons pets are surrendered to local shelters include moving and being unable to afford pet care? Some things in life happen unexpectedly and all too often people don’t know where to turn when they find themselves in these situations.

At AWA, we believe in caring for the pets in our community and the people that love them. We’ve compiled a list of resources for those who find themselves unable to afford vet care or pet food, in need of temporary boarding, and in search of a new pet friendly home.

Moving with Your Pet

Moving can be stressful, especially when you are trying to find the perfect home for your family AND your pets. AWA is here to help. We want to make the moving process as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your pets. We’ve compiled a list of resources for you:

Pet Friendly Housing

Tips to a Successful Move with Your Pet

People & Pets Facing Crisis

Did you know that there are organizations who will provide assistance to people and their pets in moments of crisis? Below you will find a list of places that will assist with the cost of veterinary care, pet food and/or temporary boarding. Each of these organizations is independent and has their own guidelines for providing assistance. Please research each organization to find the one that is best for you and your fur baby.

Veterinary Care

  • Brown Dog Foundation: This is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families without full financial resources afford the care necessary to save their pet’s life.
  • RedRover Relief: This organization provides financial assistance, resources and support to low-income individuals and survivors of domestic violence and their pets, so families can escape together and stay together.
  • Paws 4 A Cure: A non-profit organization dedicated to helping families that are in need of non-routine veterinary financial assistance for their dog or cat.
  • The Big Hearts Fund: A non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for pets diagnosed with heart disease.
  • Magic Bullet Fund: This organization helps people who have made room in their homes and hearts for a canine companion, but do not have the financial resources to provide cancer treatment.

Other options:

  • Negotiate a payment plan with your pet’s veterinarian.
  • Offer services to your veterinarian in lieu of cash. These may include cleaning kennels, answering phones or other office work.
  • Get a second opinion. Other vets may be less expensive.
  • See if any local veterinary schools run low cost clinics for limited income clients. (See list here)
  • Care Credit is a credit card specifically for veterinary care expenses.
  • Create a GoFundMe account and ask friends and family to help you raise funds.

Pet Food Assistance

  • Pets of the Homeless: A national animal organization focused completely on feeding and providing emergency veterinary care to pets of the homeless.
  • Prince Chunk Foundation: A nonprofit organization that enables pet owners to keep their pets during times of financial crisis by providing temporary assistance to pet owners throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California
Banner ad promoting March Muttness fundraiser for nonprofit animal shelter Animal Welfare Association.