Resources to help you provide care for your pet
Options was founded to help people who cannot afford needed veterinary care for their pets. If you need financial help for a pet, please reach out to us at info@optionsveterinarycare.org OR call 775- 499-3700 and ask for our financial assistance coordinator.
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Options is not an emergency clinic, but sometimes we can help with some situations, dependent upon having a veterinarian on duty who can assist with the particular situation at the time of need.
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Unfortunately, there are also limits to the services we are able to provide. The clinic is unable to provide some specialized surgeries that require very specific expertise such as orthopedic surgeries and sensitive tumor removals, and we are unable to provide overnight hospitalization. Additionally, those who live out of our area may need help. For these reasons, we offer the following resources and advice for getting the care your pet needs—even if you live out of our area or your pet has a condition we are not able to treat.
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If you are within driving distance of Reno, Nevada and your pet needs veterinary care which you cannot afford, please contact us. We may be able to find financial assistance for senior citizens living on a limited income, those who are receiving disability or other public support, those experiencing homelessness, or those experiencing temporary financial hardship due to illness or other unforeseen challenges. Many people find that Options’ rates are affordable. If not, we will do our best to help you. Please talk with our financial assistance coordinator before you arrive at the clinic. Talking with us in advance can help your pet get the care they need.
Things to try to get the care your pet needs
IF WE CANNOT ASSIST YOU AT OPTIONS:
Create a crowdfunding page
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Explore a loan program
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Scratchpay: Be sure to ask the clinic you hope to use accepts Scratch Pay
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Care Credit: Options does not accept Care Credit at this time, but many other clinics do.​
Seek assistance
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Local assistance (Northern Nevada):
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Shakespeare Animal Fund: Must be in Washoe County and live at or below poverty line. Most assistance is for $75.
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Todd's Medical Fund: Provided by the SPCA of Northern Nevada to qualifying people.
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Pets of the Homeless: Part of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, a national organization with a branch in Carson City, NV. Provides food, and may assist with wellness appointments, and emergency care for pets of homeless individuals.
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Jackie’s Community Cats: TNR vouchers provided by the SPCA of Northern Nevada to qualifying people.
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Nationwide assistance: Each of these national organizations provides financial assistance to pet owners in need. They are independent and have their own set of rules and guidelines; therefore, you will have to investigate each one separately to determine if you qualify for assistance.​
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Cancer related:
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​​​Canine Cancer Awareness​
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Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation: Grants can be provided only for pets under the care of a board-certified veterinary oncologist.
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Land of Pure Gold Foundation: Cancer treatment grants for working dogs (e.g., assistance, search, and rescue, animal-assisted therapy).
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Magic Bullet Fund: Cancer-specific
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Other:
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American Veterinary Medical Foundation: Veterinary care charitable fund
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Help-a-Pet​
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Pets of the Homeless: Pet food and veterinary care assistance for people who are homeless​
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Breed-specific assistance:​​
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Great Pyrenees: Pyramedic Trust
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West Highland White Terriers: WestieMed
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Pet Food Pantries:
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Food Banks: Find a comprehensive list here https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/find-locations/food-bank-of-northern-nevada/ Call to ask if pet food is available and ask about requirements.
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Options offers a food pantry on an as-available basis during normal clinic hours. Call ahead for availability of the food you need.
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Nevada Humane Society's pet food assistance program in Reno
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Other Pet Related Information:
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Deterrents to Keep Outdoor Cats Out of Your Yard:
Humane deterrents for outdoor cats
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Dog Behavior and Park Safety Presentation:
This is a recording of the Dog Behavior and Park Safety Presentation from September 2024 in Reno, NV. Certified Animal Behaviorist Kelley Bollen will share how to understand dog body language, spot and stop the potential for dog fights before they happen, break up dog fights safely, and other ways to socialize your dog beyond going to a dog park. Watch the recording here!