Your pet needs care you can't pay for yet
What to ask the vet, where to look for help with the cost, and when a loan makes sense.
If your pet is in danger, go to a vet or an emergency clinic now and talk about payment there. Don't wait to sort out the money first. For care that can wait a day or two, the steps below can lower the bill or find help paying it.
Questions to ask the vet
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Can I have a written estimate?
Ask for the treatment and the cost in writing before the work starts, so you know the total and can plan for it.
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Is there more than one way to treat this?
There is often more than one option, at different costs. Ask what each one involves, what can be done now and what can wait, and which tests are needed today.
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Can I pay over time?
Some clinics let regular clients pay in parts. It doesn't hurt to ask before you look for a loan.
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Do you know of any help with the cost?
Vets often know the local programs, and for some programs only the vet can apply. See below.
Help with vet costs
- In Ontario, the Farley Foundation subsidizes non-elective care, such as surgery, hospitalization and diagnostics, for pet owners in certain groups who meet its criteria. Only a veterinarian can apply for the funding, so ask your vet.
- Some SPCAs and humane societies run lower-cost clinics or funds for emergency care for low-income pet owners. Ask the one nearest you, or search 211.ca for programs in your area.
- If you have pet insurance, call your insurer before treatment if you can, and ask what's covered and how claims work.
Programs and conditions change. Check with the organization before you count on it.
When a loan makes sense
If the bill is still more than you have, an installment loan can spread it over a few months. It makes sense when the treatment costs between $300 and $3,000, it can't wait, and the payments fit your budget.
With Urgent Loans, one application goes to the lenders in our network:
- Loans of $300 to $3,000, repaid over 90 to 120 days
- The lenders in our network don't run credit checks. A lender may ask for more documents, such as ID, proof of income or a recent bank statement, and may verify your bank account online.
- Funds often the same day you sign
- Applying is free, and nothing is final until you sign a lender's contract
For example, a $300 loan at 32% APR over 98 days is repaid in 7 bi-weekly payments of about $44.99, for a total of $314.93. This example is for illustration only. See what an installment loan costs for how to compare offers.
When it doesn't
If the payments wouldn't fit your budget, or you already have other loans to repay, a new loan can make things harder. Having several loans at once can hurt your finances. A non-profit credit counsellor can help you look at your options for free.
More options when money is short are on our emergency loans page.
Urgent Loans is not a lender. Each lender in our network sets its own terms and makes its own decision. See how it works.