We at Angell know that financing care for your pet can be an unexpected burden. We hope that this reference page, which outlines some general guidelines of our financial policies, will help to answer any questions you may have about providing payment for care. If at any time during your pet’s stay, you find that you have questions, concerns, or specific needs that you would like addressed regarding payments, please don’t hesitate to present them to your doctor or the staff in the Admitting Office. Please know that Angell is committed to treating pet owners expressing the inability to pay for services in a professional, consistent, and compassionate manner.
Angell is a specialty referral hospital and we’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While the costs associated with around the clock specialty care may be higher than those you are used to at your local, general practice, we are committed to always trying to provide practical payment options. The staff in our Admissions Office and the doctor overseeing your case will be available to discuss those payment options at any time.
The Process
If you arrive through Angell’s ER service, a doctor will give your pet a full examination and recommend a diagnostic and treatment plan. The fee for this exam is $225. Clients expressing financial concern regarding that fee can choose to defer payment and be billed for the exam for payment at a later date. It should be noted though that elective or diagnostic services cannot be billed. If you choose to add any tests, treatments, or medications to that fee, the entire amount will be due at the time of your visit.
If the treatment plan for your pet (as determined by our Emergency service or specialist recommendation) includes hospitalization, you will receive an estimate of what the costs will likely be to implement the plan. If you approve the estimate, then you will be asked to leave a prepayment based on that estimate. The balance (the difference between deposit and visit total) will be due at the end of hospitalization. If, due to changes in your pet’s condition, new test results, and/or their response to treatment, it seems as though the balance is going to exceed the high end of the original estimate, Angell will make every effort to inform you of any additional charges before they are incurred.
Accepted Payment Methods
Angell Animal Medical Center accepts cash, all major credit cards (including American Express), and checks (from established clients for amounts less than $1,000) as payment for services. We also accept CareCredit®.
What is CareCredit®?
CareCredit® is a line of credit extended by Synchrony Financial that is reserved for healthcare expenses (including veterinary care). Qualification for CareCredit® (and the amount that will be approved) is determined by Synchrony Financial depending on your credit rating. There is no interest charged on CareCredit®, provided your balance is paid in full within the given promotional period (usually 6 months or 12 months, depending on your balance).
The Admitting Office staff will be happy to provide you with an application, if you wish to apply. Or, if you choose to apply on your own, you can visit CARECREDIT.COM or call (800) 677-0718. For further details on financing options (including healthcare financing rates), please review the Credit Card Account Agreement found in the application. Please note that Angell is in no way directly affiliated with Care Credit or Synchrony Financial.
Pet Insurance
Which pet insurance is best? Or the best for your pet? Choosing the right pet insurance provider can be challenging. We can help you make informed decisions about getting pet insurance that fits your and your pet’s needs. Our licensed Pet Insurance Coordinator, Harrison Stenson, can guide you through the options and help you choose the best policy.
Harrison Stenson, Pet Insurance Coordinator
(617) 655-9628
insurancecoordinator@angell.org
The MSPCA-Angell’s Pet Insurance Coordinator is intended to be a local resource for clients interested in learning more about pet insurance. We do not sell pet insurance or have exclusive arrangements with specific insurance providers; our goal is to support you and provide information to help you.
Discounts
Angell offers discounted rates for the following:
- Active military personnel
- Certified service dogs (Police K9s or certified/documented assistance dogs)
- Staff of veterinary referral hospitals
- Other Nonprofit organizations
If you think you may be eligible for a discount, please provide appropriate supporting documents to the Angell Admitting Office.
Financial Assistance
Angell is a unique specialty referral hospital in that we subsidize over one million dollars in pet care costs each year through donated funds like our MSPCA-Angell Pet Care Assistance Fund. This fund supports medical care at Angell for: sick or injured animals whose owners have limited financial resources; abused or neglected animals connected with our Law Enforcement efforts; and homeless animals in our adoption centers.
If you intend to apply for financial assistance, please note the following:
- In order to serve as many clients and animals as possible, qualified clients may access the full benefit of our Financial Assistance program only once. If the costs for your visit result in your receiving less than the maximum benefit, then you will be allowed to apply the difference to future visits. (Please note, you may be required to apply again to confirm future eligibility.)
- In addition to meeting the economic requirements for Financial Assistance, your pet’s prognosis may impact whether or not your application is approved.
Applying for Financial Assistance
To apply for Financial Assistance, please ask for an application, fill it out and return it to us along with copies of the following:
- Most recent US Income Tax Return, or
- 3 consecutive pay stubs, or
- Most recent W-2 form
Financial assistance is awarded based on pre-determined income guidelines. We are able to take the number of dependents into consideration, but only when a US Income Tax Return is provided as a supporting document. If pay stubs or W-2 are submitted for consideration, those documents only represent you as an individual and therefore we do not factor in any dependents you have into your eligibility.
You can submit your application and documentation to us in the following ways:
- Email to: financialoffice@mspca.org (PREFERRED)
- Deliver directly to the Admitting Office at Angell Boston
- Fax information to 617-522-1682
- Mail to:
Angell Animal Medical Center
350 S. Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130-4884
Attn: Admitting Office
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Admitting Office at 617-541-5028.