While no program can help all pets at all times and in any amount, there are national, local, and breed-specific resources available to help with veterinary bills in times of need.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than hearing from a devoted pet owner whose pet needs veterinary care they can't afford. While credit programs and pet insurance can help some owners, for others, only charitable funds can fill the void.

While no program can help all pets at all times and in any amount, there are national, local and breed-specific resources available to help with veterinary bills in times of need. Here are a few from VeterinaryPartner.com:

Big Hearts Fund, for heart disease.

Canine Cancer Awareness, cancer treatment for dogs.

Cats in Crisis, for cats with kidney, thyroid, neurological or cardiac disease.

Diabetic Cats in Need, for shelters, rescues, low-income owners.

Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, cancer treatment.

FETCH a Cure, for pets with cancer.

Joshua Lewis Cancer Foundation, pets with cancer.

Magic Bullet Fund, dogs with cancer.

PieFund, focuses on cancer.

Riedel Cody Fund, cancer treatment.

Stymie Canine Cancer Foundation, dogs with cancer.

American Humane Association's Second Chance Fund, for nonprofits helping homeless victims of abuse or neglect (numerous species).

Brown Dog Foundation, for sick pets that would likely respond to treatment.

Buddy Care Foundation, for critical medical care.

Cody's Club, [not a 501(c)(3)] radiation treatment at nonprofits.

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance, for cats with life-threatening illness or injury.

Frankie's Friends, for emergency and specialty care.

Handicapped Pets Foundation, provides equipment.

IMOM (In Memory of Magic), non-routine care for companion animals.

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, for assistance dogs.

Mosby Foundation, critically sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs.

National Equine Resource Network, life-saving surgeries or treatments.

Onyx and Breezy Foundation, medical treatment for hardship.

Paws 4 a Cure, illnesses and injuries.

Pet Fund, medical costs beyond normal expenses.

RedRover/United Animal Nations, grants between $100 and $200 to fill small funding gaps. 

Shakespeare Animal Fund, for those meeting federal poverty guidelines.

To read the complete list, click here.