Pets give us comfort, routine, and a lot of love, especially as we age. Still, taking care of them can be hard when money or resources are limited. In honor of National Love Your Pet Day on February 20th, today’s post will explore helpful pet resources for seniors and caregivers, including food assistance, financial help, and low-cost veterinary care.  

 

Pet Food 

• Bountiful Bowls (Humane Society of Huron Valley)- provides temporary, supplemental pet food assistance for up to six months. Application required. Please note that this program should not be your sole source of pet food. Call (734) 661-3523 for more information.  

• Faith in Action (Dexter)- have a community pet pantry that’s open during business hours (courtesy of Dexter Girl Scouts). Call (734) 426-7002 for more information.  

• Michigan Rabbit Rescues– offers free hay, adult pellets, and treats for pickup. May also be able to help with other requests. Visit their website or call (517) 528-9675 for more information.  

• Peace House Ypsi– maintains a small outdoor pet food pantry that is open to all. Call (734) 754-0648 for more information.
• Pet Pals Mutual Aid– offers no-cost pet food pick up locations. This agency works closely with the Humane Society and is a smaller agency. Visit their website for more information.  

• Saline Area Social Service– can assist with pet food for dogs and cats. Call (734) 429-4570 for more information.  

• Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Fur-Ever Friends Pet Program– open to existing YMOW clients, this program offers free delivery of food, litter, and other supplies to help clients care for their pets. Call (734) 487-9669 for more information. 

 

Pet Supplies  

• Humane Society of Huron Valley– can assist with care items (e.g., collars, leashes, litter boxes, etc.) if the pet owner is experiencing issues with their health, transportation, or financial situation. Visit their website or call (734) 661-3550 for more information.  

• Saline Area Social Service– can assist with pet food for dogs and cats. Call (734) 429-4570 for more information.  

• Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Fur-Ever Friends Pet Program– open to existing YMOW clients, this program offers free delivery of food, litter, and other supplies to help clients care for their pets. Call (734) 487-9669 for more information.  

 

Discount Vet Services 

• FluffyRx– free drug card (printable from their website) that allows you to pick up your pet’s medication at your local pharmacy for a lower cost. The website also allows you to compare medication prices. Visit their website to see participating pharmacies, print your card, or download the app.  

• Humane Society of Huron Valley 
  • Offers free pet vaccine clinics. Check out their website for eligibility and upcoming dates.  
  • Also offers low-cost vaccine clinics. Visit their website for dates, pricing, and additional information.  
  • HSHV Vet Clinic offers affordable vet care. See the full list of services on their website or call (734) 662-4365 for more information. Offer in-home appointments within a 20-mile driving radius of the clinic. Appointment required. 

• Kat Snips– this nonprofit organization offers low-cost spay and neutering for cats. Charges a flat fee for spay/neutering under anesthesia and a one-year rabies vaccine. Visit their website for more information. Located in Manchester.  

 

Emergency Financial Assistance 

• Banfield Pet Hospital HOPE Funds– offers financial assistance to pet owners who meet qualifications and has a pet who is suffering from “an immediately life-threatening condition.” Call Banfield Ann Arbor at (734) 302-1650 for more information.  

• BluePearl Cares HOPE Funds– offers financial assistance to pet owners who meet qualifications and has a pet who is suffering from “an immediately life-threatening condition.” Contact BluePearl Ann Arbor at (734) 971-8774 for more information.  

• Frankie’s Friends Fund– provides grants to pet owners so they can afford special treatment and/or life-saving emergency vet care for their pets. Must complete application. Grants are not guaranteed. Visit their website for more information.  

• Help-A-Pet– this nonprofit agency provides financial assistance to cover the cost of vet care, medicine, and/or medical supplies for a sick pet. Must complete an application. Visit the website for more information.  

• Paws 4 A Cure– provides financial assistance for “urgent veterinary care to dogs and cats in need across the United States for the treatment of illnesses and injuries.” Must complete application. Grants are not guaranteed. Visit the website for more information.  

• Violet’s Friends– offers financial assistance for “urgent or critical veterinary care, surgeries, therapies or mobility solutions” that are too expensive for pet owners. Must complete application. Visit the website for more information.  

 

End of Life Care

• Humane Society of Huron Valley- offers in-home humane euthanasia. You can also call (734) 662-4365 to set up a consultation with a vet.
• Lap Of Love– offers in-home euthanasia services and pet loss support. Accept care credit and many pet insurances.

 

Grief Support

• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement– offers a variety of different online pet loss support groups. Visit their website to see upcoming dates.
• Humane Society of Huron Valley offers an monthly in-person pet loss support group (virtual also available). Visit their website to see upcoming dates.
• Veterinary Chaplaincy Services– offers weekly online support group (Tuesdays 7:00-8:15pm). Also offers a “warm line” for support.
  • Fill out this form on their website to be send an invitation to their support group (scroll near the bottom of the page).
  • “Warm” lines are like hotlines, but instead of being live, your call is returned within 24-48 hours. Their warmline can be reached at (833) 483-8247.