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Pet surgery financing

You have options to cover your fur baby’s surgery. From pet loans to vet financing, we’ll walk you through what to expect.

Whether your pet needs routine surgery or emergency care, understanding the expenses involved and exploring various financing options can help ease the stress. This article will help you understand the best course of action for your specific scenario.

How much does pet surgery cost?

Pet surgery for cats or dogs can cost around $500 to $7,000, according to MetLife Pet Insurance. Common cat surgeries include mass removal, bladder surgery and wound surgery, which cost around $500 to $4,000. For dogs, common surgeries include hip dysplasia, cataract surgery, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and much more, which cost up to about $7,000.

Pet surgery financing options

With pet surgery and other medical needs, costs can run high. Fortunately, various financing options are available to help you manage the costs and financial stress — even if you need immediate funding. Let’s go over your loan options in more detail.

Pet loan

Pet loans are a form of personal loan used to fund pet-related expenses, including surgeries, adoption costs, veterinary bills and other emergency pet care costs. Some lenders like LendingUSA and CareCredit offer dedicated pet loans. In some cases, pet loan lenders may allow you to pay no interest on your principal if you can pay off your loan in full within a specified time.

Like personal loans, pet loans are unsecured debt, which means the bank doesn’t require you to put up any collateral. However, lenders often have stricter eligibility requirements to make up for the risk.

Pros

  • Specifically tailored for pet-related expenses
  • Fixed interest rates provide predictable monthly payments
  • Quick funding

Cons

  • Interest rates can be high for those with poor credit
  • May include additional fees, such as origination fees

Personal loans

Personal loans are another unsecured debt option for financing large and unexpected pet expenses. Many financial institutions offer personal loans, so you can easily find options with a track record of positive customer reviews.

Interest rates can range from about 6% to 36%, depending on your creditworthiness. Personal loans generally have fixed interest rates, with terms from two to seven years.

Pros

  • Possible immediate funding
  • Fixed interest rates and predictable payments
  • Easy application

Cons

  • Interest rates may be higher compared to pet-specific loans
  • Higher interest rates for borrowers with bad credit
  • Potential for additional fees, such as origination fees
Name Product USFPL Filter Values APR Min. credit score Loan amount
Best Egg personal loans
Finder Score: 3.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Best Egg logo
7.99% to 35.99%
640
$2,000 to $50,000
Fast and easy personal loan application process. See options first without affecting your credit score.
Upstart personal loans
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Bankrate logo
7.40% to 35.99%
300
$1,000 to $50,000
This service looks beyond your credit score to get you a competitive-rate personal loan.
SoFi personal loans
Finder Score: 4.4 / 5: ★★★★★
Bankrate logo
8.99% to 29.99% fixed APR
680
$5,000 to $100,000
A highly-rated lender with competitive rates, high loan amounts and no required fees.
Upgrade
Finder Score: 4 / 5: ★★★★★
Bankrate logo
9.99% to 35.99%
580
$1,000 to $50,000
Check your rates with this online lender without impacting your credit score.
LendingPoint personal loans
Finder Score: 3.3 / 5: ★★★★★
Bankrate logo
7.99% to 35.99%
Not stated
$2,000 to $36,500
Get a personal loan with reasonable rates even if you have a fair credit score in the 600s.
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Credit cards

Another option is to use credit cards to finance pet surgery, especially if you have a card with a high credit limit or a promotional interest rate.

Credit cards offer immediate access to funds, which can be crucial in emergencies. Some cards offer introductory 0% APR periods, which can help you finance the surgery interest-free for a limited time. However, once the promotional period ends, interest rates can be high, making it an expensive option if the balance isn’t paid off quickly. Basically, if you have other options, you may consider a high-interest credit card a last resort.

Pros

  • Immediate access to funds
  • Possible 0% APR promotional periods
  • Convenient and widely accepted

Cons

  • High interest rates after promotional periods
  • Can lead to significant debt if not managed carefully
  • Credit limit may not be high enough

Vet financing plans

Many veterinary clinics offer financing plans to help pet owners manage the cost of surgeries and other medical expenses. These plans often come with low or no interest for a set period.

Vet financing plans are tailored to your pet’s medical needs and can be convenient if you prefer to work directly with your veterinarian. The terms and conditions vary, so it’s important to understand the repayment schedule and any potential fees.

Pros

  • Directly managed by your veterinarian
  • Often low or no interest for a promotional period
  • Tailored to cover specific veterinary costs

Cons

  • Terms and conditions vary widely between clinics
  • May include interest or fees after the promotional period
  • Limited to the services provided by the specific clinic

Local nonprofits

Several local nonprofits offer financial assistance for pet surgeries. These organizations can provide grants or low-cost loans to help cover veterinary expenses.

Examples include organizations like RedRover and The Mosby Foundation, which offer financial aid for emergency veterinary care. These nonprofits aim to assist pet owners in need, making surgery more affordable for those who qualify.

Pros

  • Financial assistance may be provided as grants, reducing or eliminating the need for repayment
  • Support from compassionate organizations dedicated to pet welfare
  • Can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses

Cons

  • Eligibility criteria may be strict
  • Funding availability can be limited and competitive
  • May require extensive application processes and documentation

How to get pet surgery financing?

Financing your pet’s surgery depends on several factors, including urgency, eligibility, how much funding you need and other factors specific to your situation. However, here’s a general idea of how to start the process.

  1. Find out how much you need. It’s best to start your search after you have the exact cost of the surgery and aftercare in mind. This will help you find out which loans and lenders may or may not work.
  2. Compare financing options including several loans and lenders. Start by checking local nonprofits to see if you’re eligible for a grant or extra help. If you can’t find a 0% interest way to finance the surgery, compare personal loans that may fit the bill.
  3. Check your eligibility. You’ll want to know where your credit history and credit score fall to understand what kind of loans and rates you may qualify for.
  4. Apply for a loan. If you’ve decided a loan is your best option, gather the documents you’ll need to apply for the loan for a more seamless process.
  5. Read the fine print and get funding. Make sure to read the fine print of your loan agreement before signing.

Calculate your loan costs for pet surgery

Pet surgery loan repayment calculator

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Fill out the form and click on “Calculate” to see your estimated monthly payment.

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Are there pet loans for bad credit?

Companies like LendingUSA partner with online lenders with flexible eligibility requirements specifically for pet loans. There is no minimum credit score requirement needed to apply, making it an attractive option for those with bad credit.

You can also explore companies like Fiona, a personal finance service that helps borrowers compare online lenders for personal loans with flexible eligibility requirements and quick funding.

Does pet insurance cover surgery?

Pet insurance can cover surgery, including emergencies and some preventative procedures. There are two main types of pet insurance that cover surgeries: accident and illness and accident-only.

Accident-only pet insurance policies, such as those offered by ASPCA Pet Insurance, typically cover surgeries resulting from accidents like fractures or ingestion of foreign objects. On the other hand, comprehensive plans from providers like Spot and Lemonade cover a broader range of surgeries, including those needed for chronic conditions or diseases, as long as they are not pre-existing.

It’s crucial to review the details of your pet insurance policy to understand what surgeries are covered, any exclusions and if there are waiting periods before coverage begins. Finder US Banking Publisher, Gabrielle Pastorek, says she recently looked into pet insurance for her older dog and “found that there is a ton of red tape around getting insurance for older dogs or dogs with existing conditions.” Contacting the insurance provider directly can clarify coverage details and help you choose the best plan for your pet’s needs.

Keep in mind, many types of pet insurance are reimbursement policies, which means you’ll still need to have the money to pay for any surgeries up front.

Bottom line

Each financing option has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on your finances and credit score. Nonprofits can also be a great resource, offering grants or low-cost loans for those in need. Exploring your options can help you find the best way to get your family pet the care they need.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Pet Fund legit?

Greatnonprofits.org gives The Pet Fund a five-star rating, with over 50 positive reviews from volunteers, supporters and donors. However, they are not rated on Charity Navigator.

The Pet Fund is a legitimate non-profit organization. However, it is important to note that The Pet Fund works only on non-basic, non-urgent care, including cancer, heart disease and so on.

What credit score do you need for pet financing?

Most lenders prefer a credit score of 620 or higher. However, platforms like LendingUSA, which allow you to compare lending options, don’t require a minimum credit score to apply.

Can I get pet financing with no credit check?

Some lenders offer pet loans without a hard credit check, meaning your credit score won’t be affected when you apply. Plus, you may be able to qualify based on your job instead of your credit.

Megan B. Shepherd's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
Gabriel Vito's headshot
Written by

Writer

Gabriel Vito is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder. With over four years of experience, he has crafted helpful guides and articles covering various personal finance topics, including credit cards, investing and banking. Gabriel's work has been featured on Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, GoBankingRates, and more. He has a Bachelor's Degree in English and is passionate about helping others navigate their financial journey. See full bio

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