Financial Assistance Programs - Which is right for you?

"There are three assistance programs offered through CRHS: Heart2Heart Pet Lifeline Grant, Franke Fund Loan, and SNAP. Compare each assistance program below to determine which best fits your needs. The Heart2Heart Grants and the Franke Fund Loan may be used together for qualifying emergency vet care.

If you, or someone you know, is currently experiencing homelessness but residing in La Crosse County, and are in need of cat or dog vaccinations and/or spay/neuter services please email Megan.Manley@couleehumane.com for more information on assistance.

Additional Resources

Click below for additional veterinary care financial resources and spay/neuter options not through CRHS.

Assistance Options not through CRHS.

Heart2Heart Grant

Provides grants that help cover veterinary costs for pet owners who otherwise couldn't afford care.

Apply for Heart2Heart

Franke Fund Loan

No-interest loan designed to help with immediate or emergency veterinary care.


Apply for Franke Fund

SNAP

Low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination assistance for qualifying La Crosse County residents.

Apply for SNAP

At a Glance: Best For…

EMERGENCY

Heart2Heart Grant and Franke Fund

SPAY NEUTER

Heart2Heart Grant (up to $100/pet) and SNAP

VACCINATIONS

Heart2Heart Grant (temporary boarding and unsheltered only) and SNAP


Program Features

Immediate/Emergency Need

Routine Care

Spay/Neuter

Boarding

Vaccinations

Repayment Required

Income Verification

La Crosse County Resident

Can Combine W/Heart2Heart

Heart2Heart Grant

✅ Up to $500 Grant

✅ Limited

✅ Up to $100/Pet

✅ Temporary Boarding

❌ No

✅ Required

✅ Required

✅ Required

_

Franke Fund Loan

✅ Up to $200 Loan

❌ No

❌ No

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

✅ Required

✅ Required

✅ Yes

SNAP

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

❌ No

✅ Yes

❌ No

❌ No

❌ Not Required

_


Additional Resources

The following programs are not affiliated with CRHS. If you have any questions regarding these assistance programs please contact the organization that coordinates them directly.

Additional resources for emergency veterinary care:

  • The Pet Fund - Provides financial assistance for non-basic, non-urgent care, such as medication for chronic conditions.

  • Brown Dog Foundation - Helps with the cost of medication and treatment when a pet is sick but has a good prognosis.

  • Paws 4 A Cure - Offers assistance for various illnesses and injuries for dogs and cats.

  • The Onyx and Breezy Foundation - Funds medical supplies and medicine for pets in need.

  • Diabetic Cats in Need -  Specializes in helping with insulin and diabetic supplies.

  • RedRover Relief - Provides grants for urgent, life-threatening veterinary care.

  • The Mosby Foundation - Assists with veterinary costs, primarily for dogs. 

  • Care Credit - a credit card offering special financing for out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, cosmetic, and veterinary expenses not covered by insurance, with promotional plans like no interest if paid within a set period or low-APR extended terms.

  • ScratchPay - is a veterinary financing service that allows pet owners to pay for emergency, routine, or preventive pet care via, monthly, or deferred-interest payment plans rather than upfront, lump-sum payments.

Additional resources for spay/neuter assistance: