We all know that sudden medical expenses can be scary and feel overwhelming. Occasionally your local veterinarian will work with their long-term clients on an installment plan.
If your cat has immediate needs and is in pain or suffering from an injury or condition your local humane society or animal advocacy group might be able to help with the needed veterinary services. In addition, don’t forget to check with colleges or universities with veterinary medicine programs, they might be able to assist with treatment or surgery at a much lower cost.
These additional companies are yet another option for medical expenses and have a variety of payment plans or financial assistance.
Credit Assistance
Care Credit – A healthcare only credit card that can be used for both animals and their human counterparts.
Medicard – Offering financing options for medical care and convenient payment plans for treatment.
Online Assistance
Banfield Charitable Trust
Financial assistance for pet owners that pays for both preventative and emergency veterinary care for pets.
Cats In Crisis
A non-profit organization that dedicates their efforts to assists owners of kittens and cats with special medical needs by assisting with veterinary treatment.
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
A non-profit charitable organization that assists with emergency financial assistance to feline owners who are not able to afford veterinary services where there are life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE)
A non-profit charity that aims to aid in the quality of life for felines providing resources to needed medical care.
God’s Creatures Ministry (GCM)
A non-profit organization to assist the animals with kindness and necessary treatment. GCM will send up to $50 to the veterinarian for qualifying situations.
No one wants their beloved kitty going hungry! Please reach out to these resources if you find yourself in need of assistance! They might be able to offer assistance to you and your furry friend!
Suburban Pet Food Pantries
Westchester, IL
Every Wednesday, 4:30-7 pm and Every Saturday, 9-11 am
Email: we*******************@gm***.com Tel: 708-927-4826
The Dupage Senior Citizen Council Pet Care and Food Assistance
Lombard, IL
Email: in**@du*****************.org Tel: 630-620-0804
Bruno’s Pro-Bone-O Pet Pantry
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, 834 N. Highland, Aurora, IL 60506
2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 12-2p and the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 1-4p
Wet Nose Pet Food Pantry
Lemont, IL
Food pick up is available by appointment only – Available once a month
Email: we******************@gm***.com Tel: 708-480-2548
Loaves & Fishes Community Services
1871 High Grove Lane Naperville. IL 60540
Tel: 630-355-3663
Tuesday: 8:30 am-12 pm, Thursday: 8:30 am -12 pm & 4:30 -6:30 pm Saturday: 7:30-11:30a
(Primarily serving all of Naperville, Aurora, all of DuPage Co., and parts of Will County)
Fox Valley Animal Welfare League
11 John Street, North Aurora, IL 60542
Email: cl****@fv***.org Tel: 630-800-2254
Rock River Valley Food Pantry
421 S. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61102
Tel: 815-965-2466
City of Chicago Pet Food Pantries
One Tail at a Time
The Bloc
1345 N Karlov Ave., Chicago, IL 60651
Email: pm*@on*****.org
Frequency: First Friday of the month 11:30a-until food runs out
One Tail at a Time
Pilsen Food Pantry
1850 S Throop St., Chicago, IL 60608
Email: pm*@on*****.org
Frequency: Third Thursday of the month 2:30-until food runs out
Paws Chicago Pet Food Bank
3516 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60623
Tel: 773-475-9426
Offering contactless drop offs for residents of Englewood and Back of the Yards only. Residents can call 773-217-9113 to register. No current plans to return to an in-person monthly event.
Care for Real
5341 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640
Tel: 773-769-6182
Provisions: Pet food
Frequency: First Thursday of the month 3-5p
Friendship Pet Food Pantry
2711 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Tel: 773-907-6388
Available Items: Pet food; Cat litter, toys, leashes when available
Frequency: Third Thursday of every month 9-11am
Requirements: Chicago resident and proof of spay or neuter
Obies Pet Pantry
5023 W 64th Pl., Chicago, IL 60638
Tel: 773-680-5819
Email: ob***********@gm***.com
According to the World Animal Organization, 46.5 million families own a cat. However, there is a crisis facing those who are not able to gain access to pet-friendly housing in Chicago and the suburbs. Many of those families feel that the only option they have is to give up their loved, furry companions, we are working hard to change that!
Find Pet-Friendly Housing
An Emotional Support Pet Might Be An Option!
The companionship, affection and unconditional love they provide can make owners happier and less stressed. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, reported that owning a pet could “decrease stress, blood pressure, anxiety levels and depression symptoms.” (Forbes, 2024)
ESA Housing Laws
The first area that is covered by the ESA laws is housing and addresses how emotional support animals are considered under the Fair Housing Act. According to this portion of the ESA laws, your landlord, owner, or building manager is required to make reasonable accommodations to allow your emotional support animal, regardless of a “no pets” housing policy. (Supportpets.com)
American Service Pets Get Your Emotional Support Animal Letter
Emotional Support Animal and Psychiatric Service Dog Letters (emotionalpetsupport.com)
Emotional Support Animal Laws – ESA Dog Laws – Support Pets
Get an Emotional Support Animal Home Letter in less than 24 hours (mypetcerts.com)
