Financial Assistance Programs

Veterinary Care San Francisco

We're Here to Help

In our mission to save and protect animals, the SF SPCA provides compassionate care to as many cats and dogs as we can. That's why we've implemented innovative programs to make veterinary care affordable to all eligible guardians — in addition to providing care to homeless animals.

With the support of our donors and full-paying clients, we offer a number of comprehensive assistance programs for the San Francisco community. These programs allow us to provide spay/neuter surgeries and life-saving care to animals that don't have a loving family, and also to animals with guardians who can't afford urgent veterinary care when it is needed.

Such programs translate into millions of dollars of free and discounted veterinary care annually, and the new Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center dramatically increases our ability to help animals in need.

Please note that financial assistance is given on a case-by-case basis. Individuals seeking financial assistance must bring a valid state-issued ID, proof of San Francisco residency, and proof of income. The SF SPCA will then determine if a guardian is eligible for one of our financial assistance programs. Please call us at 415.554.3030 to learn more about any of our programs.

Our programs include:

CareCredit

All clients seeking financial assistance are required to apply for CareCredit, a credit card that offers a variety of financing options at some healthcare and veterinary facilities. Only if a pet guardian does not have access to credit through this lending institution can the SF SPCA provide a payment arrangement for urgent veterinary care.

Please visit the CareCredit website to learn more or to apply online. Applications are also available at our hospital front desk. If approved, you will be required to use CareCredit to pay for your pet's treatment if you don't have another way to pay in full.

  • CareCredit can be applied toward the cost of any hospital services, including routine and emergency care.
  • CareCredit is often the best option for expensive treatments, including dental work.

Payment Arrangements

We provide urgent care to acutely ill or seriously injured animals. Financing is available for qualifying San Francisco residents with spayed/neutered pets, or those who agree to spay/neuter their cat or dog during or after treatment. San Francisco pet guardians in need of payment arrangements are required to bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of San Francisco residency, and a form of payment to leave on file for monthly payments.

Pet-A-Care Senior Discount Program

The Pet-A-Care Program is the most comprehensive charitable program in the nation for spayed/neutered pets of low-income, San Francisco seniors over the age of 65, providing 50% off all veterinary services for qualifying animals.

Owners can apply on behalf of pets that are already spayed/neutered and are over one year of age. Two pets may qualify for the program for the lifetime of the guardian.

Emergency Care Grant

Our Emergency Care Grant Program is designed to support responsible low-income pet guardians with unexpected expenses for urgent veterinary care. Qualifying low-income San Francisco residents with spayed/neutered pets, may be eligible for a partial grant towards the cost of their pet's emergency care provided at the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital. The grant has no cash value and is not transferrable to other practices.

Free First Medical Exam

The SF SPCA, in association with the San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association, provides an initial medical exam free of charge to any animal adopted from the SF SPCA or one of our partner agencies. The appointment must be made within three days of adoption, and proof of adoption is required.

  • This offer includes a health examination only.
  • Guardians are responsible for post-adoption expenses related to medications, vaccines, diagnostics or treatments.

Sheltercare Insurance Gift and Post-Adoption Care Discount

Every adopter is given a ShelterCare Insurance Policy — health insurance that:

  • Covers a variety of illnesses and accidents that may arise in the 30 days following adoption.
  • Can be extended to 45 days or expanded to include rental property insurance at no extra cost.

Adopters can also purchase an insurance plan for longer-term coverage of the costs associated with their pets' medical care. Visit ShelterCare's website for more information.

The SF SPCA uses software that can process these insurance claims directly, reducing the amount that adopters have to pay up-front.

Guardians who adopt from the SF SPCA or one of our Bay Area Rescue Partners receive 50% off all services at our hospital in the 14 days following adoption that are not covered by insurance.

Free and Sliding Scale Spay/Neuter

When applicable, discounts may require proof of the following:

  • San Francisco residency
  • Income status
  • Number of dependents

Please call our Client Service Representatives at 415.554.3030 to discuss your eligibility for financial assistance.