Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

During 2025, Feeding Pets of the Homeless provided veterinary care to 134 pets belonging to 119 veterans. Of those veterans, 64 were participating in a VA program. The average cost per pet was $687. Care included 197 veterinary appointments, of which 32% were follow-up visits, helping ensure pets could continue to heal while reducing financial barriers for their veteran guardians. In total, Feeding Pets of the Homeless provided $92,059 in veterinary care.

This veteran is connected with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs case manager in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Hello, my name is Willow, and I am a 3-year-old Pit Bull. My dad and I live in a motel through a VA voucher because we are currently experiencing homelessness. My dad served three tours with the Marines, and I am his emotional support dog and provide comfort and companionship when he experiences symptoms of PTSD. Loud noises and large crowds are often overwhelming for him.

While getting ready for bed one night, my dad noticed a large mass on my neck that was growing in size. He began to panic, thinking that it could be cancer. My dad knew he did not have money for surgery, so he started searching the internet for resources. That is when he came across Feeding Pets of the Homeless online. He filled out an Emergency Veterinary Care application and worked with his VA case manager to complete the required verification.

Once the application was approved, I was assigned a case manager who found a local veterinary hospital that was willing to help us. I went in for an examination, and the doctor said the mass needed to be removed. My surgery was scheduled, and I returned to the hospital for the procedure.

On the day of surgery, I was sedated while the doctor performed a lumpectomy. I remained at the hospital for the day and received fluids. The veterinary technician contacted my dad and let him know that the surgery went well and I could be picked up. I was sent home with an e-collar and pain medication. Now I am back with my dad recovering.

Thank you, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, for helping me feel better.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless contributed $1,603 toward Willow’s veterinary care after a discount from the veterinary hospital.

Text from owner:

Thanks so much Michelle and the whole team. Your organization truly is amazing! I am so grateful for your much needed help with Willow. God Bless!

Willow was fortunate to receive the veterinary care she needed before the mass grew larger. Unfortunately, not every case has the same outcome. In 2025, eight pets belonging to veterans required humane euthanasia.

With your support, we can help even more pets belonging to veterans and others experiencing homelessness access essential veterinary care when their guardians cannot afford it.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless

Hello, my name is Bob and I am a 4-year-old German Shepard. I live with my dad in a tent under a bridge in Saint Louis, MO. I am a service dog who helps my dad with epilepsy, trained to detect an oncoming seizure before it happens and warns him. I am a great comfort to him in times of distress and he is my family.

I was hit by a car a few years ago, but my dad did not have money for a veterinarian. My left leg never healed correctly and caused me pain. My dad reached out to his social worker who provided a list of organizations to reach out to. That’s when my dad filled out an application with Feeding Pets of the Homeless. I was assigned a case manager who helped find a local veterinarian for me to go to.

At the vet, the doctor did x-rays and let my dad know that my leg needed to be amputated. Feeding Pets of the Homeless agreed to pay for the surgery and the doctor performing the amputation gave a $1,900 discount!

The surgery went well and I was sent home with pain and inflammatory medication. Now I am back home with my dad healing. Thank you, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, for helping my pain go away and giving me peace.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless contributed $616 towards Bob’s care

Call from owner:

Thank you so much for help with Bob. He is my service animal, and I do not know what I would do without him.

I am so grateful for your gift to Bob. Bob has been in pain for his entire life and living on the streets wasn't helping. Now he can get around so much better. His life has changed because of you all.

Being homeless is so hard and unbearable at times, I just could not do it without Bob. It's horrible. I don't know how to live on the streets. Bob is my everything in every way. He is protective of me and our bond is so amazing.

I have applied for disability due to the epilepsy, HIV, bipolar disorder and anxiety with the help of my social worker. I would be dead if not for them. We are hopeful one day Bob and I can have a home again.

Bob is such an amazing girl, beyond words. He's just the best creature. He is a gift from God. Of course, dog spelled backwards is God. Your organization and the veterinarian are truly angels!

Thank you so much!

Of the 2,077 hospitals we work with many are very generous with their discounts.  This is just one example in Saint Louis. 

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless