Costs & Financial Aid

Every patient is different, but we do everything we can to give you a clear estimate once we’ve examined your pet. See what to expect.

How much will the visit cost?

Every visit is different, because every patient is different. Advanced emergency and critical care can be expensive – just like going to a human emergency room or ICU. When a patient comes to DoveLewis, they are charged an emergency fee that covers the doctor’s initial exam and consultation. After the initial exam, you'll receive an estimate for any additional services needed to treat your pet such as diagnostics or treatments. No treatment is performed on your pet without your prior approval.

We can't give estimates over the phone.

Emergencies are serious and recommending a treatment plan is a sensitive process that starts with an in-person exam. We don’t give medical diagnoses, advice or estimates over the phone or through email because we must see and touch our patients to give them the best care possible. 

How can I qualify for financial aid?  

Financial aid options are available so we can help treat animals from low-income families and stray, wild and abused animals. Our financial and medical aid programs are designed to give animals the best chance at a healthy future, so there are requirements to qualify to receive the funds.

  • You must state a financial need at check-in.
  • You must apply for Care Credit or Scratch Pay first, a financing company aimed at people who don’t have a credit card available to them. If you are approved, the full limit must be used before additional financial aid is applied.
  • You can qualify once per year.

Financial assistance covers an emergency exam with a veterinarian to address your pet’s immediate issue. If needed, the veterinarian can offer basic care and write any necessary prescriptions for you to fill. If you have questions about low-cost primary care clinics, our team has plenty of suggestions.

Please note that we offer financial assistance to over 160 families each month. To make sure it’s available to all in need, financial assistance can only be used for the exam and minor treatments. If you choose additional treatment at DoveLewis, you’ll be responsible for the remaining balance.

Questions?

Call to speak with an experienced veterinary technician.

About Our Donor-Supported Programs

As a 501c3 nonprofit, many of our programs are supported exclusively by the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is emergency and ICU care more expensive?

Advanced emergency and critical care can be expensive – just like going to the human emergency room or ICU. These fees reflect the cost of operating a fully staffed advanced emergency care and critical care hospital around the clock.

What are the options for low income and financially restricted families?

There are financial aid options available, but our resources are limited. Clients experiencing financial difficulties may apply for help from Care Credit. Care Credit is a financing company assisting people who don’t have a credit card available to them.

DoveLewis clients may also apply for money from our donor-funded Velvet Assistance Fund. Clients who qualify for financial assistance through the Velvet Assistance Fund may have a portion of their medical bill covered up to $250.

What is CareCredit?

Care Credit is a financing company aimed at people who don’t have a credit card available to them. Clients experiencing financial difficulties may apply for help from Care Credit, and it is accepted at DoveLewis.