Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Spay CA Give.org
column divider
Best in Show Pet Photo Parade
column divider
Slideshow Image 1
Slideshow Image 2
Slideshow Image 3
column divider
SpayCalifornia, a state-wide referral network/database to connect people throughout the State of California with participating programs and veterinarians offering low cost spay/neuter services.
column divider
Contribute to Actors and Others
column divider
Support Actors and Others by using Your Ralph's Card
column divider
StormWater Program
column divider
California Pet License Plate
Programs: Spay/Neuter Help | Emergency Medical Help | Humane Education | Pet Care | Pet-Assisted Therapy | Feral Cats
Emergency Medical Assistance
 

HOW TO OBTAIN EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
 

GUIDELINES TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Please read carefully.
Emergency Medical Assistance

It is a painful reality that for many low/fixed income individuals, obtaining medical care for their pets is unattainable due to the high cost of veterinary services.  Actors and Others is one of a handful of organizations – and in some cases the only organization – providing financial assistance for veterinary procedures enabling guardians to care for and keep their companions.

Those seeking help must fill out an online application located below, and while we will do our best to help you, please know up front that we are unable to help everyone.  Each case is different and therefore the amount of financial assistance provided also differs with each case, but it is limited.  The level of assistance provided depends upon a number of factors including the type of illness or injury, the course of action needed and the funds available at the time of the request.  At no time do we cover the cost of the entire procedure. 

While we understand and empathize that many are facing unemployment, disability, foreclosure, loss of home and have very little in the way of income, if you do not have any money to assist your pet with veterinary services, we will be unable to help you.

Emergency Medical AssistanceWe are deeply grateful to veterinary science for being able to provide so many treatment advances, but many of these come at a considerable cost.  We do not have the resources to help in situations where the treatment is in the thousands of dollars.

If your pet is in need of immediate veterinary care where any delay will put the animal at risk, it is your responsibility and duty to take the animal to the veterinarian.  Do not wait to contact us and please be aware that even by doing so there is no guarantee that we will be able to provide you with any financial assistance.  Your pet’s health must take priority.

REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE HELP:
Requirements
You must live in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange or Ventura counties in the State of California.
Requirements
You must be the pet’s owner/guardian. We cannot help rescue or adoption organizations, nor those fostering an animal prior to adoption.
Requirements
Your pet must be spayed or neutered or can safely be sterilized at the time treatment is rendered. We will help pay for the spay/neuter surgery in addition to the medical assistance. We understand that there may be times when the pet cannot be sterilized at the time of treatment due to age or the nature of the illness or injury. We will not be able to provide assistance in these cases. This includes puppies with parvo.
Requirements
You must have already obtained a medical opinion identifying what is ailing your pet, the likely course of treatment and outcome and a cost estimate. We do not pay for the veterinary office call to obtain this information.
Requirements
We do not provide assistance for vaccinations, routine care, grooming or kenneling.
Requirements
We do not provide assistance for injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented through standard routine care.
Requirements
We do not provide assistance if you have bred the animal, other animals in your care, or are an animal breeder of any kind.
Requirements
We do not provide assistance if the animal’s treatment has been completed, if the bill has already been paid and you are seeking reimbursement or if the animal has been released from the veterinarian.
Requirements
Due to the overwhelming number of applications received, we can only help you once every two calendar years.
Requirements
The veterinarian or veterinary clinic must agree to accept a verbal financial pledge from us and bill us when the procedure or treatment is completed.
Requirements
You must demonstrate financial need and provide us with a truthful dollar amount you will be able to pay towards your pet’s care at the time you fill out the application. If you write “don’t know,” “none,” or anything else, we cannot help you. You must provide the name and amount of any financial assistance provided from other organizations.
Requirements
We cannot help with cancer, cataracts, specialty procedures, ongoing treatments, or those costing thousands of dollars. We simply do not have the funds.
Requirements
Applications must be submitted online.
spcr
It is very important in these economically demanding times that we remember that our pets are members of our family, and like all of us we can’t predict when illness or injury will occur.   Preventative care goes a long way to avoiding expensive problems and/or catching a problem before it manifests into a critical situation.  And while we know it is easier said than done, saving for a rainy day is also a good idea so that when a trip to the veterinarian is needed, it will not be such a financial worry.
spcr
We provide low cost veterinary referrals, which should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. We do not endorse, recommend or promote any one veterinarian over another. The ultimate decision and agreement to retain the services of the veterinarian we refer you to is your sole responsibility as the animal guardian
spcr

HOW TO RECEIVE HELP:
Medical Assistance Application
spcr