With all the joy our furry friends bring us, it's natural we want to give them the best healthcare. However, this can become hard when costs pile up, especially for specialty or emergency services.  

“Having open conversations with your veterinarian is one of the biggest things. Don't be shy to say these things. We're always happy to help,” said Carrie Koskela, Boothbay Animal Hospital practice manager.   

Koskela said the clinic is willing to help keep services within budget, spread out care over time to migrate lump sum costs and provide estimates over the phone, so people aren’t “blindsided” at the office. Any donation made to Boothbay Animal Hospital’s “Paws Cause” fund is doubled by the organization and goes towards providing care.   

The office also keeps a master list of organizations that offer grants, ranging from conditions (diabetes, cancer, etc.) to breed-specific. 

She also recommended clients look into a CareCredit card, a credit card designed to help pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, or pet insurance.  

“I know it sounds absolutely bizarre, and it's another premium to pay, but there's a big conversation, and has been for a number of years, about pet health insurance.”   

People can compare different insurances for everyday care or accident coverage at www.petinsurancereview.com

Several local organizations also provide financial help:  

Midcoast Humane 

Midcoat Humane has multiple initiatives under its “Pawsitive” Assistance Programs, for those who live in one of the 39 towns the organization serves. This includes spay and neuter, low-cost wellness clinics, situational urgent pet care for those with low income and more. Information for each can be found at https://midcoasthumane.org/services/public-assistance/ 

Executive Director Jess Townsend explained, these measures are an “intake diversion tactic” for the shelters.  

”It is easier and less expensive for us to help folks keep the pet they already have than to house a pet and put them through the shelter process,” she said. In addition to the housing costs, the shelter will still need to address whatever the pet's medical issue may be. These fees can quickly accumulate. For instance, it costs an average of $500 to $600 just to house one dog from intake to adoption, Townsend said.  

The same philosophy goes into their spay and neuter programs, as it is cheaper to perform a one-time surgery than to have to eventually care for multiple litters.   

Midcoast Humane has spent $22,000 so far this year on the programs and is looking for more funding, as previous grants have been denied.  

“The more people give to the program, the more we're able to help.” 

Donations can also be made online; please specify it is for Pawsitive Assistance.  

Action for Animals Maine 

A nonprofit that helps Lincoln County residents pay for emergency veterinary care they otherwise could not afford. Those in need of help can receive up to $500 per year for expenses, which are dispersed directly to the veterinary clinic. Applications can be found at https://www.actionforanimalsmaine.com/apply-for-assistance/