Get Help
If you are struggling to keep your pet, don’t give up. You have options before surrendering.
Phinney’s Help
We are not a shelter or a vet clinic, and we don’t have an office. We are a group of volunteers who help people and their pets from our own homes. We help people get vet treatment and boarding for their beloved pets by paying the bill directly to the business. Our volunteers visit pet owners at home for nail trims, general pet care and dog walking. (Now temporarily suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
The fastest way to request our help is to email us by clicking here. If you can’t email us, please leave a detailed phone message at (617) 979.8705.
The fastest way to request our help is to email us by clicking here. If you can’t email us, please leave a detailed phone message at (617) 979.8705.
Other Resources
If Phinney’s cannot help you or help you as much as you need, don’t give up! Other organizations may be able to provide assistance. Each organization listed below has its own rules and guidelines, so explore their websites before applying. And remember that this list is for informational purposes only.
Spay/Neuter
Vaccinations
Massachusetts law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources works with several nonprofit animal welfare groups to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics in cities and towns throughout the state: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/animal-health/rabies-control-program/rabies-clinics.html
Most clinics charge from $5 to $15 for the rabies vaccination. Microchipping, licenses, and other services are available at some clinics.
VetCo also offers low-cost vaccinations for pets at PETCO stores all over the state: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/
Most clinics charge from $5 to $15 for the rabies vaccination. Microchipping, licenses, and other services are available at some clinics.
VetCo also offers low-cost vaccinations for pets at PETCO stores all over the state: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/
Veterinary Care
Massachusetts-based Resources
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Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals, Inc. The Merwin Memorial Free Clinic provides free office visits and free outpatient veterinary services including physical exams, vaccinations, nail-cutting, and free medications for sick animals. The clinic does not schedule appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals Phone: 617-782-5420 542 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134 Check website for hours of operation (first-come, first-served; arrive at least one hour before closing) |
Pet Care Assistance – MSPCA Angell MSPCA Angell Pet Care Assistance helps pet owners with limited income pay for medical care for their sick or injured pets at MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Centers. Pet Care Assistance 617-541-5028 or 5030 Available for pets treated at MSPCA Angell Boston or Nantucket To apply, call the MSPCA Angell Financial Office at 617-541-5028 or 5030 |
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Sampson Fund for Veterinary Care The Sampson Fund helps pay for medical care for critically ill or injured cats and dogs when their owners cannot afford the cost of treatment. Sampson Fund 508-240-7387 Service area: Cape Cod and the Islands Call the Sampson Fund at 508-240-7387 or apply at a Member Hospital |
Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic Tufts Veterinary School, together with the veterinary assistant program at Worcester Technical High School (WTHS), runs a low-cost primary care pet clinic at WTHS on Skyline Drive in Worcester, MA. Clinic services include vaccinations, checkups, stable urgent care, simple surgeries, diagnostics, and dentistry, all at low cost. The clinic serves pet owners in the Greater Worcester area who cannot afford vet care. To qualify, you must have an ID card from WIC, SNAP, the Worcester Housing Authority or another qualified Housing Authority, or a student ID from WTHS, as well as photo ID. See Tufts at Tech Financial Policies for more information. Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic 508-751-7670 Call for hours and directions |
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Wellness Waggin’ (part of Animal Rescue League of Boston) The Animal Rescue League of Boston has partnered with Action for Boston Community Development to offer low-cost pet wellness care for residents of Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. A wellness package is offered that includes a physical, rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination, flea treatment and microchip. Appointments are encouraged Website 857-350-8720 Appointments |
Fairy Dog Parents Assistance with food, medical needs and general wellness for dogs www.fairydogparents.org Lillys’ Fund Grants of $250 for pit bull-related needs http://lillytheheropitbull.com/pit-bull-resources/pit-bull-grants MSPCA – Angell at Nashoba The clinic provides discounted spay/neuter services, vaccinations and basic veterinary care. https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/nashoba/ |
National Programs (Grant Programs)
The Pet Fund provides financial assistance to pet owners who cannot afford expensive surgery or medical treatment that their pets need. Assists in covering medical costs beyond the normal expenses of vaccination, spay and neuter surgeries, food and routine veterinary care. www.thepetfund.com
Red Rover (formerly the United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund) helps pet owners care for their animals in life-threatening situations.
www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-grants and domestic violence: www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources
Brown Dog Foundation offers pet owners in temporary financial crisis an alternative when their pets face a treatable but life-threatening condition or illness. www.browndogfoundation.org
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance provides financial assistance to cat guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. www.fveap.org
Canine Cancer Awareness raises awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and treatment options. Helps dog owners pay for veterinary care for dogs with cancer. www.caninecancerawareness.org
Cody’s Club provides financial support for dogs who need radiation treatment. Offers emotional support through a hotline and in-person group that meets monthly. www.dogdoggiedog.com/pwcAcodysclub.htm
The Mosby Foundation assists in the care of sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public education. www.themosbyfoundation.org
Magic Bullet Fund provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment when the family is financially unable to provide treatment. www.themagicbulletfund.org
God’s Creatures Ministry Veterinarian Charity Fund spreads God’s compassion to all animals God has made according to the scriptures. Helps with up to $50.00 toward vet bills. www.all-creatures.org
The Big Hearts Fund offers financial assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline heart disease.
www.bigheartsfund.org
The Binky Foundation
www.binkyfoundation.org
The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund
www.dccfund.org
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation
www.onyxandbreezy.org
Paws 4 A Cure
www.paws4acure.org
Pets of the Homeless provide pet food and veterinary care assistance for homeless.
www.petsofthehomeless.org
Rose’s Fund
www.rosesfund.org
Harley’s Hope Foundation
http://www.harleys-hopefoundation.org
Red Rover (formerly the United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund) helps pet owners care for their animals in life-threatening situations.
www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-grants and domestic violence: www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources
Brown Dog Foundation offers pet owners in temporary financial crisis an alternative when their pets face a treatable but life-threatening condition or illness. www.browndogfoundation.org
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance provides financial assistance to cat guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. www.fveap.org
Canine Cancer Awareness raises awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and treatment options. Helps dog owners pay for veterinary care for dogs with cancer. www.caninecancerawareness.org
Cody’s Club provides financial support for dogs who need radiation treatment. Offers emotional support through a hotline and in-person group that meets monthly. www.dogdoggiedog.com/pwcAcodysclub.htm
The Mosby Foundation assists in the care of sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public education. www.themosbyfoundation.org
Magic Bullet Fund provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment when the family is financially unable to provide treatment. www.themagicbulletfund.org
God’s Creatures Ministry Veterinarian Charity Fund spreads God’s compassion to all animals God has made according to the scriptures. Helps with up to $50.00 toward vet bills. www.all-creatures.org
The Big Hearts Fund offers financial assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline heart disease.
www.bigheartsfund.org
The Binky Foundation
www.binkyfoundation.org
The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund
www.dccfund.org
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation
www.onyxandbreezy.org
Paws 4 A Cure
www.paws4acure.org
Pets of the Homeless provide pet food and veterinary care assistance for homeless.
www.petsofthehomeless.org
Rose’s Fund
www.rosesfund.org
Harley’s Hope Foundation
http://www.harleys-hopefoundation.org
Pet Food
Many Massachusetts food pantries and animal welfare groups offer free pet food to pet owners in need. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) maintains a list of pet food pantries by region. MSPCA pet food pantry statewide list: http://www.mspca.org/programs/animal-protection-legislation/massachusetts-food-pantries.html
In addition, other local food pantries may have pet food available or may be able to provide it if you ask.
In some Massachusetts communities, Meals on Wheels partners with local animal welfare groups to provide pet food to homebound Meals on Wheels pet owners. If you receive Meals on Wheels and need pet food for your dog or cat, ask your meal delivery driver if Meals on Wheels pet food is available in your area. For more information visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
In addition, other local food pantries may have pet food available or may be able to provide it if you ask.
In some Massachusetts communities, Meals on Wheels partners with local animal welfare groups to provide pet food to homebound Meals on Wheels pet owners. If you receive Meals on Wheels and need pet food for your dog or cat, ask your meal delivery driver if Meals on Wheels pet food is available in your area. For more information visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
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MetroWest Pet Food Pantry www.metrowestpetpantry.org |
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Petco Food Banks www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_foundationfoodbank_Nav_1483.aspx |
Berkshire Humane Society 214 Baker Rd. Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 413-447-7878 http://Berkshirehumane.org/pet-food-b |
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Ginny’s Thrift Shop and Food Pantry 52 Mechanic St. Leominster, Massachusetts 01453 888-530-6779 http://www.ginnyshelpinghand.org/ |
Lighthouse Outreach Center – Feed My Sheep Food Pantry 65 Middle St. Fall River, Massachusetts 02723 774-644-7142 http://www.myfallriver.org/content/lighthouse-outreach-center |
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Pet Partners of the Tri-State West Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01266 518-781-0362 www.petpartnersberkshires.org |
The Pet Pantry PO Box 333- Last Saturday of every month at Coyle and Cassidy High School Easton, Massachusetts 02334 www.helpfeedpets.org |
Pet Surrender Options
Phinney’s Friends is not an adoption agency or center, therefore we are not able to accept surrenders except under special circumstances (from pet owners we have had a long lasting relationship). Below is a list of organizations that accept pet surrenders under certain circumstances. Please contact these organizations directly to learn more about their surrender options.
Gifford’s Cat Shelter
www.giffordcatshelter.org
MSPCA
www.mspca.org
MSPCA at Nevin’s Farm
www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/
Pittie Love Rescue
www.pittieloverescue.org
Worcester Animal Rescue League
worcesterarl.org/programs-resources/surrendering-a-pet/
Animal Rescue League Boston
www.arlboston.org/surrender-an-animal/
Second Chance Animal Shelter
www.secondchanceanimals.org/
Gifford’s Cat Shelter
www.giffordcatshelter.org
MSPCA
www.mspca.org
MSPCA at Nevin’s Farm
www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/
Pittie Love Rescue
www.pittieloverescue.org
Worcester Animal Rescue League
worcesterarl.org/programs-resources/surrendering-a-pet/
Animal Rescue League Boston
www.arlboston.org/surrender-an-animal/
Second Chance Animal Shelter
www.secondchanceanimals.org/
Other Resources
Pet Financial Aid Organizations – HumaneSociety.org
Pit Bull-Friendly Housing Database – Mypitbullisfamily.org
Assistance Dog Resources – Autismspeaks.org
Pet Emergency Planning – Ready.gov
List of Sources for Vet Cost Assistance – Petsforpatriots.org
Pit Bull Resources – lillytheheropitbull.com
List of Resources Compiled by Pets for Patriots – https://petsforpatriots.org/resources/
Pet Owner Guide – couponfollow.com/research/pet-owner-guide
Effects of Air Pollution on Pets – breazy.com/blogs/education/effects-of-air-pollution-on-pets
Pit Bull-Friendly Housing Database – Mypitbullisfamily.org
Assistance Dog Resources – Autismspeaks.org
Pet Emergency Planning – Ready.gov
List of Sources for Vet Cost Assistance – Petsforpatriots.org
Pit Bull Resources – lillytheheropitbull.com
List of Resources Compiled by Pets for Patriots – https://petsforpatriots.org/resources/
Pet Owner Guide – couponfollow.com/research/pet-owner-guide
Effects of Air Pollution on Pets – breazy.com/blogs/education/effects-of-air-pollution-on-pets