If you are struggling to keep your pet, don’t give up
You have options before surrendering
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 care and boarding for their pets by paying the bill directly to the vet clinic or boarding place. Our volunteers visit pet owners for nail trims, general pet care and dog walking. (Now suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic)
If you are a regular client, we can help you. 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) 203.2053.
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If you are a regular client, we can help you. 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) 203.2053.
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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
Check the Mass Animal Coalition website for spay and neuter information.
Vaccinations
Massachusetts law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (click here to go to their website) works with several nonprofit animal welfare groups to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics in cities and towns throughout the state.
Most clinics charge from $5 to $15 for the rabies vaccination.
Microchipping, licenses, and other services are available at some clinics.
VetCo (click here to access VetCo website) also offers low-cost vaccinations for pets at PETCO stores all over the state.
Most clinics charge from $5 to $15 for the rabies vaccination.
Microchipping, licenses, and other services are available at some clinics.
VetCo (click here to access VetCo website) also offers low-cost vaccinations for pets at PETCO stores all over the state.
Affordable 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 website 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) |
Financial Assistance at MSPCA Angell Angell Animal Medical Center and Angell West may award assistance for hospitalized, recently hospitalized, or soon-to-be hospitalized Angell patients that meet prognosis requirements, and families that meet the organization's pre-determined income guidelines. Contact the Admitting Office at angelladmittingoffice@mspca.org if you are a client interested in seeing if you may qualify for their Financial Assistance program. |
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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 website 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 website Phone: 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. Wellness Waggin' website 857-350-8720 Appointments |
MSPCA – Angell at Nashoba The clinic provides discounted spay/neuter services, vaccinations and basic veterinary care. The clinic has no restriction for people's area of residence. Angell at Nashoba website |
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Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic The Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic provides veterinary services for cats and dogs of resource-limited families within the Monty Tech district (Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Barre, Fitchburg, Gardner, Harvard, Holden, Hubbardston, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Sterling, Templeton, Westminster, and Winchendon). The clinic provides subsidized veterinary care that ranges from routine preventative care visits and affordable medications and vaccinations to diagnostic services and dentistry. To qualify a pet owner must: (1) Present a valid EBT card, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, and a matching valid ID (2) Reside in one of the towns listed above Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic website Phone: 978-516-0888 218 State Rd. E Westminster, MA 01473 Check the website for hours of operation. The clinic is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the clinic directly. Community Veterinary Clinic at Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst The community veterinary clinic in Newton offers vaccines and other non-urgent wellness care to the Newton area and surrounding communities. There is an option of sliding scale pricing for qualified families. The clinic aims to provide more affordable vet care in order to allow families to have somewhere to turn for routine care. Services include physical exams, blood work, nail trims, vaccines, and more. Community Veterinary Clinic at Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst Phone: 617-243-1640 100 Carlson Avenue Newton, MA 02459 The clinic is currently only open during allotted times on Fridays and is by appointment only. Call or email for more information or to schedule an appointment. |
Luke & Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic The Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic (LSNC) provides students at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University with opportunities for surgical training while serving pets in need. For low-income pet owners in the surrounding community, the clinic offers a free spay/neuter clinic. Availability is limited and requirements must be met for a pet to be eligible. Luke & Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic website Phone: 508-887-4326 200 Westboro Rd. North Grafton, MA 01536 Contact Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic for availability and scheduling. Henry & Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals The Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals is part of Tufts Cummings Veterinary Medical Center. The hospital provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year and offers consultation, referral, and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. The hospital has no restriction for people's area of residence. Henry & Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals website Phone: 508-839-5395 55 Willard St. N. Grafton, MA 01536 |
National Programs (Grant Programs)
The Pet Lifeline Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income pet owners who are having trouble paying for veterinary care. https://petnewsdaily.com/financial-assistance/
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
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
Frankie’s Friends provides financial assistance grants to family-owned pets in need of lifesaving emergency or specialty veterinary care whose caregivers cannot afford the full cost of treatment. https://www.frankiesfriends.org
The Binky Foundation
www.binkyfoundation.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 Pantry https://animalsheltersma.com/metrowest-pet-pantry-inc/ |
Petco Food Banks www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_foundationfoodbank_Nav_1483.aspx |
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Berkshire Humane Society 214 Baker Rd. Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 413-447-7878 http://Berkshirehumane.org/pet-food-b |
Ginny’s Thrift Shop and Food Pantry 52 Mechanic St. Leominster, Massachusetts 01453 888-530-6779 http://www.ginnyshelpinghand.org/ |
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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 Behavior counseling
If you interested in getting some help or learning more about your cats behavior below is an organization that can help. Please contact the organization directly to learn more about the program.
All Cats All the Time, Inc. provides free cat behavior counseling to address issues like spraying, scratching, biting, and aggression toward other pets and people. Rachel Geller, Ed.D., the nonprofit’s president and founder, is dedicated to preventing the surrender and abandonment of cats by helping pet parents access critical behavior counseling for the cats who otherwise could not afford it. She is a certified Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist through the Humane Society and Humane Education Specialist through the Academy of Prosocial Learning and a certified Pet Chaplain® through the Association of Veterinary Pastoral Education. For more information visit https://drrachelcatbehavior.com.
All Cats All the Time, Inc. provides free cat behavior counseling to address issues like spraying, scratching, biting, and aggression toward other pets and people. Rachel Geller, Ed.D., the nonprofit’s president and founder, is dedicated to preventing the surrender and abandonment of cats by helping pet parents access critical behavior counseling for the cats who otherwise could not afford it. She is a certified Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist through the Humane Society and Humane Education Specialist through the Academy of Prosocial Learning and a certified Pet Chaplain® through the Association of Veterinary Pastoral Education. For more information visit https://drrachelcatbehavior.com.
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
Phinney's Care Corner – phinneys.org/care
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
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
