Help for Injured Animals

We receive phone calls every week from people whose pets have a sudden illness or accident and can't find veterinary care.  I can understand a veterinarian's point of view.  They are self employed and have expenses to pay and earn a living.  If they have people who come to them all of a sudden with no established baseline, they ask for payment up front.  The pet owner will swear that they will pet the veterinarian, but once the pet recovers, they forget the promise.  So a veterinarian gets stiffed several times and then develops a policy of not treating unknown clients without payment first.  Is it right?

I, unfortunately see many, many pet owners who do not provide any vet care.  We receive animals with half their fur missing; flea infestations, parasite infestations, limps, lumps, injuries, emaciation, etc.  It is extremely frustrating for shelter workers and the Humane Officers to see this on a daily basis.

I believe that every pet owner should establish a relationship with a veterinarian.  That way, a pet will receive necessary vet care and, should it be injured; the vet will be more willing to let pet owners make payments.

What I would like to see is a free to low cost vet clinic where people pay based on their income.  I can dream can't I?