12 Free or Low-Cost Echocardiograms for Dogs Near Me

A canine echocardiogram — sometimes called a “dog echo,” “heart ultrasound,” or “cardiac ultrasound” — is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a real-time moving picture of your dog’s heart. It is the single most informative tool available for diagnosing and monitoring heart disease in dogs, according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Despite its clinical importance, the cost can be a significant barrier for many families. This guide covers the 10 most important questions about dog echocardiograms, with a specific focus on finding affordable care in the United States.

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  How much does a dog echocardiogram cost in the USA? National average: $500–$1,200 at a specialist or referral hospital · Low-cost options: $250–$425 at mobile services and nonprofit clinics · University teaching hospitals: typically 20–40% below specialist private practice rates · Cost varies by geographic location, whether a board-certified cardiologist performs and interprets the study, and whether additional tests (chest X-rays, EKG) are performed at the same visit

  The cost of a canine echocardiogram in the United States varies considerably depending on where you have it performed and by whom. Per CostInsightHub (Q2 2026), the average dog echocardiogram runs $500 to $1,200 nationally when performed at a veterinary specialty or referral hospital by or in consultation with a board-certified cardiologist (DACVIM Cardiology). In metropolitan areas — particularly New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago — costs can exceed this range. However, several lower-cost pathways exist. The Low Cost Vet Mobile (New York area) performs echocardiograms with board-certified cardiologist interpretation for $395 to $425. University veterinary teaching hospitals across the country — including UC Davis, Cornell, Texas A&M, NC State, Colorado State, Oregon State, and others — typically charge 20 to 40% less than private specialty practices for the same procedure while maintaining equivalent clinical quality. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 35 minutes, does not require general anesthesia in most cases (a small amount of hair is shaved from the chest, and the dog lies comfortably on a padded table), and results are typically available same-day or within 24 to 48 hours depending on whether images are sent for remote specialist interpretation.
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  Does my dog really need an echocardiogram? Yes, if: your vet has detected a heart murmur (grade 3/6 or higher) · Your dog shows symptoms of heart disease (persistent cough, labored breathing, exercise intolerance, fainting) · Your dog is a breed predisposed to heart disease (see below) · Your vet is planning anesthesia for a senior dog with cardiac history · An echocardiogram is needed to stage disease and guide treatment — without it, medication decisions are largely guesswork per the ACVIM consensus guidelines

  Per the ACVIM Consensus Guidelines for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) — the most common heart disease in dogs — an echocardiogram is the most reliable way to identify dogs expected to benefit from treatment. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (vet.cornell.edu) explicitly states that if a heart murmur is detected, an echocardiogram is typically recommended to confirm the diagnosis and establish a baseline cardiac function measurement. VCA Animal Hospitals confirms that the three main tools used to investigate a heart murmur are chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and an echocardiogram — and that the echocardiogram provides information no other test can match, including whether heart chambers are enlarged, whether valves are leaking, and whether the heart muscle is weakening. Critically, per the ACVIM staging system for MMVD: distinguishing between Stage B1 (murmur present, no structural changes yet — no treatment needed) and Stage B2 (murmur present AND echocardiographic evidence of heart enlargement — treatment IS indicated to slow disease progression) requires an echocardiogram. Without it, your vet cannot determine whether your dog needs medication or not. This is the core clinical reason why an echocardiogram is not optional for a dog with a significant murmur — it directly determines the treatment path.
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  Where can I find a free or low-cost echocardiogram for my dog near me? University veterinary teaching hospitals (20–40% below private specialist rates; some offer breed-screening clinics at reduced cost) · Low-cost mobile veterinary services (some as low as $395–$425 with cardiologist interpretation) · Breed-specific cardiac screening clinics (reduced fee or free for qualifying dogs — Texas A&M, NC State, and others periodically offer these) · Nonprofit financial assistance: The Pet Fund (thepetfund.com), Paws 4 A Cure (paws4acure.org), Onyx & Breezy Foundation · Payment plans: CareCredit and Scratchpay at most veterinary offices

  The most reliable way to get a significantly reduced-cost echocardiogram for your dog in the United States is to contact a veterinary teaching hospital in your region. Schools such as UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (Davis, CA), Cornell University CVM (Ithaca, NY), NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (Raleigh, NC), Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine (College Station, TX), Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Blacksburg, VA), Colorado State University VTH (Fort Collins, CO), Oregon State University VTH (Corvallis, OR), and Louisiana State University VTH (Baton Rouge, LA) all offer cardiology services at substantially lower rates than private specialty hospitals. Texas A&M specifically advertises a reduced-fee breed-specific cardiac screening clinic for apparently healthy dogs at elevated cardiac risk — no referral required; contact 979-845-2351 or [email protected]. For dogs who need financial assistance, The Pet Fund (thepetfund.com) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides grants toward non-emergency veterinary care including cardiac diagnostics. Paws 4 A Cure (paws4acure.org) is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 that provides financial assistance nationally for all illnesses and injuries in dogs and cats. Always apply to these programs before the procedure date, as approval takes time. CareCredit and Scratchpay offer interest-free financing periods and are accepted at most veterinary offices — apply online in minutes.
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  Which dog breeds most need regular echocardiogram screening? Small breeds prone to Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers · Large breeds prone to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, Dilated Cardiomyopathy-associated Golden Retrievers · Heart disease incidence in dogs over 7 years old increases by 60% or more per Boehringer Ingelheim/ACVIM data · Any mixed breed with a detected heart murmur should also be evaluated

  Veterinary cardiologists and the ACVIM identify two primary categories of inherited heart disease in dogs — each affecting different breeds and requiring specific monitoring approaches. Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD), the most common heart disease in dogs overall, affects primarily small and medium-sized breeds. Per Boehringer Ingelheim and the ACVIM, breeds with the highest documented predisposition include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (where a genetic link has been specifically identified), Dachshunds, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Cocker Spaniels. In these breeds, the ACVIM consensus guidelines recommend periodic cardiac auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) beginning in early adulthood to detect the first appearance of a murmur, followed by an echocardiogram once a murmur is identified. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) — where the heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges — predominantly affects large and giant breeds. PetMD and VCA Animal Hospitals identify Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Great Danes as breeds with the highest DCM prevalence. Boxers additionally experience a distinct form of arrhythmia called Boxer Cardiomyopathy that can cause sudden death even in young dogs. Per the ACVIM, dogs in these at-risk large breeds should have periodic cardiac monitoring beginning around age 3 to 5 to detect early DCM before symptoms appear, as treatment initiated early can meaningfully extend quality of life.
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  What does a dog echocardiogram involve, and is it painful? Non-invasive and virtually painless · Takes 15–35 minutes · No anesthesia required in most cases · A small area of hair is shaved on each side of the chest · Dog lies on a padded, specially designed table · Ultrasound gel applied to skin · Transducer moved against the chest to capture real-time heart images · Can be done on awake, calm dogs; mild sedation only in rare cases for very anxious dogs · Results often available same day; written report within 24–48 hours

  Per UC Davis Veterinary Medicine and NC State CVM, a canine echocardiogram is performed with the dog lying on a padded table — often a specialized table with a cut-out section that allows the imaging transducer to be directed upward from below. This “from beneath” approach actually improves image quality compared to placing the transducer directly on top of the dog. A small area of hair is shaved from each side of the chest, and acoustic gel is applied to improve sound-wave contact. The cardiologist or trained sonographer then moves a transducer probe against the skin, generating real-time moving images of the heart’s chambers, walls, valves, and blood flow on a monitor. The entire procedure typically takes between 15 and 35 minutes. The overwhelming majority of dogs tolerate this completely without any form of sedation — the position and gentle handling are generally well accepted. In the rare case of a highly anxious dog that cannot stay still, a very mild sedative may be used, and the veterinary team will take appropriate precautions. There is no radiation exposure (unlike X-rays), no needles, and no discomfort associated with the sound waves themselves. Most dogs remain calm throughout. Results are frequently available same-day from the performing cardiologist; if images are sent remotely for board-certified specialist interpretation (a common arrangement in practices that perform echos but refer interpretation), a written report typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours.
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  What do vets do if you can’t afford an echocardiogram or cardiac treatment? Discuss your financial constraints openly — veterinarians cannot help you access lower-cost options if they don’t know cost is a barrier · Request a referral to a university teaching hospital · Ask about payment plans through CareCredit or Scratchpay · Apply to nonprofit financial assistance programs (The Pet Fund, Paws 4 A Cure, Onyx & Breezy Foundation) · Ask your vet about performing the echo themselves with remote cardiologist interpretation (often significantly cheaper than a full specialist referral) · Ask if your dog qualifies for a breed-specific screening clinic at a nearby teaching hospital

  Many veterinarians are acutely aware that the cost of specialty diagnostics creates a barrier for families, and most are willing to work with you to find alternatives — but only if you communicate your constraints clearly and directly. The first step is always transparency: tell your vet at the beginning of the appointment that cost is a significant concern. This allows them to present tiered options rather than defaulting to the most comprehensive approach. One cost-reduction pathway that is frequently available but underutilized is having your primary care veterinarian perform the echocardiogram themselves using your clinic’s ultrasound machine and then sending the recorded images to a board-certified cardiologist for remote interpretation. This “hub-and-spoke” model can substantially reduce cost compared to a full referral to a specialty hospital, while still providing the gold-standard board-certified cardiologist interpretation that makes the echo clinically meaningful. Ask your vet whether they perform ultrasound and whether remote cardiology interpretation is available through a service like Sound (soundveterinaryimaging.com) or similar teleradiology/telemedicine platforms. If the echo is genuinely not achievable at any cost in the near term, your vet may be able to use a combination of chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and pro-BNP blood testing (a blood marker that rises when cardiac muscle is under stress, per Cornell CVM) to partially guide management decisions while you work toward accessing the full echocardiogram.
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  What is the difference between an echocardiogram, an EKG, and a chest X-ray for dogs? Echocardiogram (echo): Real-time ultrasound of the heart — shows heart structure, chamber size, valve function, blood flow; the most informative cardiac test · EKG / ECG: Records the electrical activity of the heart; identifies arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms) but does NOT show heart structure · Chest X-ray (thoracic radiograph): Shows the overall heart size and shape, and whether fluid has accumulated in the lungs (pulmonary edema in heart failure) — useful but less specific than echo · All three tests are complementary; a full cardiac workup typically uses all three together

  Each of these three cardiac diagnostic tools answers a different question about your dog’s heart, which is why they are frequently used together rather than in isolation. Per VCA Animal Hospitals and the ACVIM, the echocardiogram is the most informative single cardiac test available — it provides a live moving image of the heart’s interior, showing the thickness of the heart walls, the size of each chamber, whether valves are opening and closing properly, whether blood is leaking backward (regurgitation), and how well the heart muscle contracts. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records only the electrical signals that trigger heartbeats. It cannot see the heart’s structure at all, but it is irreplaceable for identifying arrhythmias — abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or heart block, which require different treatment than structural valve disease. Boxers, for example, commonly develop a ventricular arrhythmia that may be missed entirely on echo but is identified on Holter monitoring (a 24-hour ambulatory EKG). Chest X-rays provide a two-dimensional silhouette of the heart and lungs. They are useful for detecting overall heart enlargement and for identifying fluid accumulation in the lungs — a key sign of congestive heart failure. For the ACVIM’s staging system for MMVD, X-rays use a measurement called Vertebral Heart Size (VHS) that can partially correlate with echocardiographic findings, but per the ACVIM consensus guidelines, echocardiographic enlargement criteria are considered more reliable than X-ray criteria for treatment decisions.
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  Do I need a referral to go to a university veterinary cardiology service? Usually no — most university veterinary teaching hospitals accept direct owner appointments for cardiology without a prior referral · A referral from your primary vet is helpful (provides medical history, prior test results) but is typically not required · Texas A&M’s breed screening clinic explicitly states “A referral is not needed” · Call the hospital’s cardiology department directly to confirm their policy and schedule

  A common misconception is that you must go through a specialist referral process — and pay for the associated consultation fees — to access cardiology services at a university veterinary hospital. In practice, most accredited veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States accept direct appointments from pet owners for cardiology evaluations without requiring a prior referral from a primary care veterinarian. Texas A&M’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital explicitly states on their breed screening clinic page that no referral is needed. Cornell University’s cardiology page (vet.cornell.edu) states that “anyone may request an appointment for their animal to be examined.” Virginia Tech’s VTH similarly notes that appointments are available for cardiac workups including echocardiography on an outpatient basis. That said, bringing medical records, any prior chest X-ray or blood work results, a list of current medications, and any prior cardiac test results will make your appointment more efficient and valuable — and a summary from your primary vet speeds the cardiologist’s assessment. When calling to schedule, ask specifically about current wait times (university hospitals can have 2–6 week waits for non-emergency appointments), whether a cardiac workup is included in the initial consultation fee, and what the expected total cost range is for a complete evaluation including echocardiogram.
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  Does pet insurance cover echocardiograms for dogs? Yes — if the heart condition was not pre-existing when the policy was purchased · Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover diagnostic tests including echocardiograms when medically necessary · Key caveat: policies do NOT cover pre-existing conditions — buy insurance before any murmur or cardiac symptom is diagnosed · Nationwide’s pet insurance offers specialist visit coverage including veterinary cardiologists · Wellness add-ons may partially offset screening echocardiogram costs for at-risk breeds

  Pet insurance can be a meaningful resource for offsetting echocardiogram costs — but only if the policy was in place before the relevant heart condition was first identified. This is the most important rule of pet insurance for cardiac conditions: if a heart murmur is detected at any veterinary visit, that murmur — and all conditions related to it — becomes a pre-existing condition for any insurance policy purchased afterward, and will not be covered. This means that for breeds genetically predisposed to heart disease (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermans, Boxers, etc.), purchasing pet insurance while your dog is still young and healthy is especially important. Per BestiePaws, Nationwide offers plans that specifically include coverage for specialist visits and diagnostic workups with veterinary cardiologists. Most comprehensive pet insurance plans (as opposed to accident-only plans) include coverage for internal medicine consultations, cardiac diagnostics including echocardiograms, and follow-up monitoring when the condition is not pre-existing. When comparing policies, ask specifically: Does the plan cover specialist referrals? Does it cover diagnostic tests ordered by a specialist? Is there a specific cardiology or specialist sub-limit? What is the process for submitting claims after a cardiology appointment? Enrolling early — ideally before 6 to 8 weeks of age if your insurer permits — gives the broadest possible coverage window.
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  How often does a dog need a repeat echocardiogram? Once a murmur is detected and staged: every 6–12 months depending on disease stage · ACVIM Stage B1 (murmur, no enlargement): repeat echo every 12 months · ACVIM Stage B2 (murmur + heart enlargement, on medication): every 6 months or more frequently if condition changes · Cornell CVM recommends annual echocardiograms as a good way to monitor progression once baseline is established · At-risk breeds with no murmur detected: annual cardiac auscultation; echo if murmur develops

  Once your dog’s first echocardiogram establishes a baseline measurement of heart chamber sizes and valve function, subsequent echocardiograms serve to monitor whether the condition is progressing and whether treatment adjustments are needed. Per Cornell University CVM (vet.cornell.edu), repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor disease progression in dogs with identified mitral valve disease. The ACVIM staging framework for MMVD provides more specific guidance: dogs in Stage B1 (heart murmur present but no echocardiographic enlargement) do not yet require medication but should have a follow-up echocardiogram every 12 months to detect progression to Stage B2. Dogs in Stage B2 (murmur plus documented cardiac enlargement, on medication to slow progression) should be re-evaluated every 6 months, and monitoring intervals may become shorter as disease advances toward Stage C (symptomatic heart failure). For large breeds with DCM, annual echocardiograms from age 3 to 5 onward are recommended for at-risk breeds even before symptoms or murmurs appear. The cumulative cost of repeat echocardiograms over a dog’s lifespan is a real financial planning consideration for owners of at-risk breeds — which is one of the strongest arguments for purchasing breed-appropriate pet insurance early and seeking the most cost-effective echo provider in your region for long-term monitoring.

Sources: ACVIM (acvim.org — DACVIM Cardiology credential; MMVD staging guidelines; treatment thresholds; acvim.org); Cornell University CVM (vet.cornell.edu — echocardiogram for heart murmurs; annual monitoring; pro-BNP; cardiology service); VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com — heart murmurs; DCM; cardiologist credentials; echocardiogram vs EKG vs X-ray); NC State CVM (hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu — cardiology service; CareCredit; board-certified cardiologists); Texas A&M VMTH (vethospital.tamu.edu — breed screening clinics; no referral required; [email protected]); Boehringer Ingelheim (boehringer-ingelheim.com — MMVD ACVIM stages; 60% increase heart disease over age 7; breeds); The Pet Fund (thepetfund.com — 501c3 nonprofit financial assistance); Paws 4 A Cure (paws4acure.org — 501c3 all-volunteer financial assistance); CostInsightHub Q2 2026 (costinsighthub.com — $500–$1,200 canine echo average; teaching hospitals 30% lower); Low Cost Vet Mobile (lowcostvet.org — $395–$425 with cardiologist interpretation); BestiePaws Jun 2025 (bestiepaws.com — low-cost options; pet insurance; Nationwide specialist coverage)

Sources: CostInsightHub Q2 2026; Low Cost Vet Mobile (lowcostvet.org); ACVIM consensus guidelines; Cornell University CVM (vet.cornell.edu)

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  🎓 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine — Cardiology Service

  What they offer: Full cardiac workup including echocardiography, ECG, Holter monitoring, and interventional cardiology by board-certified cardiologists and residents. Clinical trials and training programs occasionally offer reduced-fee or sponsored cardiac diagnostics. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates — typically 20–35% below private specialty practices. Who can go: Anyone — no referral required; referral helpful but not mandatory. Contact: UC Davis VMTH 530-752-1393 · vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/small-animal/cardiology-services · 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates (20–35% lower)📋 Referral helpful but not required📞 530-752-1393🌐 vetmed.ucdavis.edu
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  🎓 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Cardiology

  What they offer: The clinical cardiology program offers the most current diagnostics and treatment for small animals. Full echocardiographic evaluation, cardiac ablation, pacemaker implantation. Board-certified cardiologists and cardiology residents. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates; direct owner appointments accepted. Who can go: “Anyone may request an appointment” per Cornell’s official website. Contact: Cornell Companion Animal Hospital 607-253-3060 · vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/services/cardiology · Ithaca, NY 14853

  🏫 Direct owner appointments accepted📞 607-253-3060🌐 vet.cornell.edu📍 Ithaca, NY
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  🎓 Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital — Breed Screening Clinics

  What they offer: Full cardiology service PLUS reduced-cost breed-specific cardiac screening clinics for apparently healthy dogs at elevated cardiac risk. No referral required for the screening clinics. Dogs requiring sedation are not eligible for the reduced-cost clinics but can schedule a regular cardiology appointment. Cost advantage: Reduced fees for qualifying screening clinic participants. Contact: 979-845-2351 · [email protected] · vethospital.tamu.edu/small-animal/cardiology · College Station, TX 77843

  💰 Reduced-fee breed screening clinics📋 No referral required📞 979-845-2351✉️ [email protected]🌐 vethospital.tamu.edu
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  🎓 NC State College of Veterinary Medicine — Cardiology Service

  What they offer: Board-certified cardiologists, residents, and veterinary nursing staff. Full echocardiography, ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, blood pressure assessment. DNA testing for breed-specific cardiomyopathies. Accepts CareCredit. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates below private specialty. Contact: NC State Veterinary Hospital 919-513-6911 (emergency); main line for appointments · hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu/services/small-animals/cardiology · Raleigh, NC 27607

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates💳 Accepts CareCredit📞 919-513-6911🌐 hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu📍 Raleigh, NC
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  🎓 Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital — Cardiology

  What they offer: Full cardiac workup on outpatient basis with same-day results. Typical workup includes chest radiographs, ECG, and full echocardiogram. Primary veterinarian receives a copy of all results. Board-certified cardiologist on faculty (Dr. Sunshine M. Lahmers, DVM, PhD, DACVIM–Cardiology). Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates. Contact: VT Veterinary Teaching Hospital · vth.vetmed.vt.edu/inpatient-outpatient-services/cardiology.html · Blacksburg, VA 24061

  🏫 Same-day results📋 Full workup: echo + ECG + X-ray🌐 vth.vetmed.vt.edu📍 Blacksburg, VA
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  🎓 Colorado State University VTH — Cardiology

  What they offer: Board-certified cardiologist-led service offering echocardiography, ECG, interventional procedures including transcatheter mitral valve repair (TEER). Accepts dogs and cats. Direct appointment or referral. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates. Contact: CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital · vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/cardiology · Fort Collins, CO 80523. Use the appointment inquiry form on their website for non-surgical cardiac appointments.

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates🫀 Advanced procedures available🌐 vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu📍 Fort Collins, CO
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  🎓 Oregon State University VTH — Cardiology

  What they offer: Board-certified cardiologists and residents; echocardiography (including advanced Doppler), electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiac CT, and interventional procedures for congenital defects. Small and large animals. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates. Contact: OSU Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital · vetmed.oregonstate.edu/hospital/cardiology · Corvallis, OR 97331

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates🫀 Cardiac CT available🌐 vetmed.oregonstate.edu📍 Corvallis, OR
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  🎓 LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital — Cardiology

  What they offer: Two board-certified cardiologists on staff. Advanced 2D and 3D echocardiography with full Doppler evaluation. ECG, Holter monitoring, and interventional cardiology including pacemaker implantation. Referral and direct client appointments. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates. Contact: LSU VTH · lsu.edu/vetmed/veterinary_hospital/cardiology.php · Baton Rouge, LA 70803

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates🫀 2 board-certified cardiologists🌐 lsu.edu/vetmed📍 Baton Rouge, LA
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  🎓 Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital — Cardiology

  What they offer: Cardiology team with board-certified cardiologists and residents. Echocardiography, Holter monitoring (24-hr portable ECG), pacemaker procedures. Participates in Dog Aging Project research. Cost advantage: Teaching hospital rates; research trial involvement may offer additional reduced-cost opportunities. Contact: WSU VTH · hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/small-animal/cats-and-dogs/cardiology · Pullman, WA 99164

  🏫 Teaching hospital rates🔬 Research trial participation🌐 hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu📍 Pullman, WA
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  💚 The Pet Fund — Nonprofit Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care

  What they offer: Registered 501(c)3 nonprofit providing financial assistance toward non-emergency veterinary care — including cardiac diagnostics such as echocardiograms. Accepts applications from pet owners across the United States who cannot afford necessary veterinary treatment. Apply before scheduling the procedure — processing takes time. Must have a veterinary recommendation in writing. Contact: thepetfund.com · Apply online via the application portal on their website. No phone-based applications.

  💚 501(c)3 nonprofit📋 Apply BEFORE scheduling🌐 thepetfund.com📍 National — all U.S. states
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  💚 Paws 4 A Cure — All-Volunteer Nonprofit Financial Assistance

  What they offer: All-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit providing financial assistance nationally to pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care for dogs and cats with all illnesses and injuries — including cardiac disease. Does not discriminate against breed, age, or diagnosis. Applications reviewed and grants paid directly to veterinary providers. Contact: paws4acure.org · Apply online at paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php · 📧 through website contact form

  💚 501(c)3 all-volunteer🐾 All breeds, ages, diagnoses🌐 paws4acure.org📍 National — all U.S. states
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  💳 CareCredit + Scratchpay — Veterinary Payment Plans (0% Interest Periods Available)

  What they offer: CareCredit and Scratchpay are healthcare financing services accepted at the majority of veterinary hospitals, specialty clinics, and university teaching hospitals across the United States. Both offer promotional interest-free periods (typically 6–24 months depending on purchase amount), allowing you to pay for an echocardiogram — and any related treatment — over time without interest if the balance is paid within the promotional window. Apply online in minutes with same-day decisions in most cases. CareCredit: carecredit.com · 1-800-365-8295 · accepted at most veterinary offices including NC State VTH. Scratchpay: scratchpay.com · often accepted alongside CareCredit at many practices.

  💳 0% interest promotional periods⚡ Same-day approval in most cases🌐 carecredit.com · scratchpay.com📞 CareCredit: 1-800-365-8295📍 Accepted at most U.S. vet offices

Sources: UC Davis VMTH (vetmed.ucdavis.edu — cardiology services; clinical trials); Cornell CVM (vet.cornell.edu — “anyone may request an appointment”; heart murmur information); Texas A&M VMTH (vethospital.tamu.edu — breed screening reduced cost; no referral required; 979-845-2351); NC State CVM (hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu — board-certified cardiologists; CareCredit); Virginia Tech VTH (vth.vetmed.vt.edu — same-day results; outpatient); Colorado State VTH (vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu — TEER procedure; cardiology); Oregon State VTH (vetmed.oregonstate.edu — cardiac CT; cardiology); WSU VTH (hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu — Dog Aging Project; Holter monitoring); LSU VTH (lsu.edu/vetmed — two board-certified cardiologists); The Pet Fund (thepetfund.com — 501c3 nonprofit; cardiac diagnostics); Paws 4 A Cure (paws4acure.org — 501c3 all-volunteer; all breeds/diagnoses); CareCredit (carecredit.com — 1-800-365-8295; NC State VTH payment option); BestiePaws Jun 2025 (bestiepaws.com — clinical trials; The Pet Fund; Onyx & Breezy; Nationwide insurance)

Sources: ACVIM consensus guidelines (MMVD staging B1/B2; treatment thresholds; acvim.org); Cornell CVM (vet.cornell.edu — annual echo monitoring; murmur baseline); Boehringer Ingelheim (boehringer-ingelheim.com — MMVD stages; screening in at-risk breeds); Texas A&M VMTH (vethospital.tamu.edu — breed screening; 979-845-2351)

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