The idea of keeping a pet while facing financial strain is not new. High veterinary costs mean some owners hesitate to seek needed care, and the stress of how to cover ongoing expenses adds to the worry. Yet governments and organizations are stepping in with programs designed to support pet health without forcing people to choose between their animal companions and daily essentials.
Current data shows that roughly half of households in North America include a pet. Dogs and cats are the most common, reflecting a long-standing human-animal bond. With tens of millions of dogs and cats living across homes, the affordability of routine care remains a central concern. The range in monthly pet maintenance costs is wide because expenses vary with size, diet, grooming, and medical needs, much like human healthcare expenses do.
Government programs and support systems now offer pathways to access free or low-cost services. These programs are designed to alleviate financial pressure and ensure that pets receive essential care. In many regions, recently enacted welfare initiatives extend benefits beyond medical treatment, helping pet owners navigate resources and access appropriate assistance when needed. A growing emphasis is on partnerships that pair pet owners with local agencies to streamline support and reduce barriers to care.
What is BestFriends?
BestFriends is a program launched to raise awareness about the crucial link between people and animals and to keep that connection strong even in challenging times. It has evolved since its inception, expanding to cover more scenarios and practical outcomes for households that share life with animals. The initiative is backed by a network that focuses on protecting animal welfare while supporting families in need. (Source: FAADA overview)
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing free veterinary care to animals owned by individuals who can demonstrate vulnerability.
- Advising and partnering with municipal social services to manage cases involving people living with pets.
- Equipping professionals who assist families with pets with tools and guidance to improve outcomes.
- Offering technical and legal support as well as access protocols for housing and related resources.
The program’s objectives cover preventive and essential veterinary activity to maintain the physical and emotional well-being of pets. Core actions include vaccination, identification, spay/neuter, parasite control, humane euthanasia where justified, and end-of-life cremation options when appropriate.
Who can access the program?
Public welfare authorities outline that these programs exist to support individuals and families who should not have to choose between caring for a pet and sustaining their own health and living standards. By coordinating with social workers from local agencies and other government bodies, they provide technical and legal information and practical means to help households achieve proper pet care management. (Source: government guidance)