No family should go into debt to save a treatable animal. It’s time for federal support.

Every year, millions of Americans face heartbreaking decisions simply because they cannot afford emergency veterinary care. A single hospitalization or procedure can cost $5,000–$20,000 — a financial burden that many households cannot shoulder. Families are forced to take out credit, drain savings, or choose euthanasia for treatable conditions.

This isn’t acceptable in a country where pets are considered family and adoption is highly encouraged! However, the reality is owning a pet is a liability on your financial future. 

Veterinarians are not the problem — they face high medical costs, staffing, equipment fees, and burnout. But the lack of federal support is the gap we can fix.

We are calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create a national veterinary subsidy program to ensure that emergency and essential medical care is accessible to all pet owners, regardless of income.

We request the following from the federal government:

1) Income-based subsidies for emergency veterinary treatments:

• So middle-class and low-income families don’t go bankrupt saving their pets.

2) Federal grant funding for veterinary hospitals

• To offset equipment, staffing, and medication costs so prices can stabilize nationwide.

3) Support for nonprofit and low-cost clinics

• Helping expand access to quality care without long wait times.

4) A national emergency veterinary fund

• Similar to FEMA disaster funding, but for life-threatening animal medical needs — especially for service animals and emotional support animals who help individuals with disabilities.

5) Tax credits for pet medical expenses

• Allow families to deduct a portion of their veterinary bills, just like medical expenses for humans.

Why this matters:

• 70% of American households have pets.
• The average emergency vet bill is now $1,000–$15,000.
• Many families simply cannot pay upfront — even with pet insurance.
  Unnecessary animal deaths occur daily due to unaffordable care.
  Service animals, who are critical for people with disabilities, often face financial barriers to treatment.
• Veterinary subsidies would reduce animal suffering, strengthen mental health outcomes for owners, support veterinarians, and prevent financial crises for ordinary families.

By signing this petition, you’re urging our federal government to treat essential veterinary care as a public good — not a luxury reserved for the wealthy. If you do not act, our system will continue. Hopefully you won't be placed in that position to choose your wallet or your pet over a treatable condition. 

Pets are family. Families deserve support. It’s time for affordable vet care