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Other free and low-cost vet care options

We understand that you may need support with the cost of your dog’s vet care even if you’re not experiencing homelessness. Here are some services that may be able to support you.

  • PDSA 
    The PDSA offer free treatments and medications for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their pet hospitals and who receive at least one of the following state benefits:
  1. Housing benefit (means tested)
  2. Council tax support (means tested)
  3. Universal Credit with housing element


The PDSA offer low-cost treatments and medications for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their pet hospitals and who receive at least one of the following state benefits:

  1. Jobseekers’ Allowance
  2. Universal Credit without housing element
  3. Pension Credit
  4. Income Support
  5. Child tax and working tax credits
  6. ESA Employment Support Allowance
  7. Disability living allowance / personal independence payment (PIP)
  8. State retired pensioners who are householders living in council tax bands A-D

You can check if you’re eligible for any support from the PDSA here.

  • Blue Cross
    The Blue Cross provide free vet treatment for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their animal hospitals and receive any of the following benefits:
  1. Universal Credit (no reduction in payment due to work, other income or savings)
  2. Income support
  3. Jobseekers’ Allowance (income-based) 
  4. Employment and support allowance (income-related)
  5. Pension Credit

The Blue Cross provide low-cost vet treatment for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their animal hospitals and receive any of the following benefits:

  1. Universal Credit (with a reduction in payment due to work, other income or savings)
  2. Working tax credit
  3. Child tax credit
  4. Housing benefit with no other benefit
  5. Council tax reduction with no other benefit

You can check if you’re eligible for any support from the Blue Cross here.

  • RSPCA
    The RSPCA can provide veterinary financial assistance at some of their local animal hospitals. You can find your nearest RSPCA hospital here and check if it offers vet financial assistance. Please contact your local hospital to make sure you are eligible before you travel.
  • Local charities and organisations 
    There may be local charities or groups that can support you with the cost of vet care for your dog. Speak to your vet practice about any local organisations that may be able to support you.

It’s very important to never give your dog human medication if they’re unwell and you’re struggling to access vet care for them. Many types of human medication are highly toxic to dogs. Even drugs that can be used in dogs need a dose carefully calculated by a vet and may not be suitable for all dogs, if they have underlying health conditions you may not be aware of.

It’s always best to speak to a vet and they will be able to advise on the best way forward for your dog. If you think your dog may have ingested human medication, contact your local vet practice immediately.