With the cost of living crisis and inflation rises, many people in the UK have found themselves in a time of unexpected financial insecurity. For many households this means having to cut down on heating their homes and resorting to using resources like food banks. It also affects households with pets, with veterinary treatment and pet food as an added financial strain, meaning some households finding themselves needing to consider charity help to take care of their pet’s health needs. This article will look at the eligibility criteria of some of the top UK charities, as well as how to apply.

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PDSA

The PDSA is a UK charity that has 48 pet hospitals nationwide. It provides both preventative health services, such as vaccines and neutering, as well as emergency treatment if you meet the eligibility criteria. They offer variable levels of help depending on financial need, free pet care is available for one pet per household if your household is receiving one of the following: 

  • Housing benefit (means tested)
  • Council tax support (means tested)
  • Universal credit with housing element

Any additional pets, or if your household is receiving one of the following benefits, would make you eligible for the PDSA low-cost treatment, this is usually around 20- 30% cheaper than the average vets.

Qualifying benefits:

  • Child tax and working tax credits
  • Universal credit without housing element
  • Pension credit
  • Income support
  • Job seekers allowance
  • ESA – (Income Based Only) Employment Support Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
  • State retired pensioners who are householders living in council tax bands a – 

To be able to qualify for free or low-cost treatment, you would also need to live in the catchment area of one of the PDSA hospitals. If you don’t, but you are still receiving benefits, you would qualify for the PDSA Pet Care Scheme. This collaborates with partner vet practices and allows you to pay in smaller monthly instalments and get access to lower cost treatments. 

You can check your eligibility using the link PDSA Eligibility Checker.

RSPCA

The RSPCA mainly helps animals that have been abandoned or mistreated, but they do also run a service to help pet owners who need financial support to care for their pet. The main way they are able to do this is by offering vouchers to contribute towards care at your own vets, to get assistance you can contact the welfare line. They will be able to guide you on if you would be eligible for aid. You can also visit their website for further information on financial aid – looking after your pets in the cost of living crisis.

Your local RSPCA can also carry out routine services, such as neutering and microchipping at lower costs. To find out what services your local RSPCA centre carries out, contact your local RSPCA animal rescue centre, hospital or shop 

Blue Cross

Similar to the PDSA, the blue cross offers variable levels of financial support depending on what kind of government benefits your household receives, this is split into Band A and B support. Band A will mean that the Blue Cross will fund veterinary treatment for two of your pets. To qualify for Band A you must be receiving one of the following:

  • universal credit where there has not been a reduction in payment due to work or other income such as savings
  • income support
  • jobseeker’s allowance (income-based)
  • employment and support allowance (income-related)
  • pension credit

Band B means that the Blue Cross will provide veterinary treatment at a discounted rate. To qualify for Band B, you must be receiving one of the following:

  • universal credit where there has been a reduction in payment due to work or other income such as savings
  • working tax credit
  • child tax credit
  • housing benefit with no other benefit
  • council tax reduction with no other benefit (not the 25 per cent single person discount)

To receive the benefits of either band, you must also live in the catchment area for one of the Blue Cross animal hospitals or pet care clinics. To find out if you live in one of these areas, use the link below. You must also provide your benefit award letter which is dated within the last 12 months and states your name and address.

Low cost vet treatment | Check eligibility | Blue Cross

If you do not qualify for the above benefits, the Blue Cross also offer a Veterinary Care Fund of up to £300 to aid with costs at a private veterinary hospital. Your veterinary practice can apply on your behalf for this funding. Further information can be found at Veterinary Care Fund – Client Information

The Dogs Trust

The Dogs Trust can provide free veterinary care if you are experiencing homelessness. This includes if you are at risk of becoming homeless, such as if you have received an eviction notice. This is under the “together through homelessness” scheme and works with partner practices throughout the UK. If you are unable to get to one of these practices however, arrangements can be made with your local vet. You can find more information using the link help with free vet care.

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