Nina Schaefer, American Kennel Club (AKC) Board member and President of the PA Federation of Dog Clubs, recently asked the AKC for a list of organizations whose mission it is to help companion pet owners when it seems they cannot pay for necessary services. The following information was compiled by the AKC at her request. I am only listing here organizations that will help with pets–not just dogs or those with cancer. The organizations serve companion animals that have a permanent home and whose owners need help with emergency vet bills when finances may be the difference in a critical decision. The listed organizations also accept donations and the help goes directly to the animal in need. Accidents requiring immediate care as well as long-term health needs that may require surgery or ongoing treatment are covered.
AAHA Helping Pets Fund http://www.aahahelpingpets.org. The American Animal Hospital Association helps those in need to access quality veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. They raise funds and award grants supporting veterinary care for pets that have been abandoned or whose owners are experiencing financial hardship.
Angels for Animals http://www.angels4animals.org. A non-profit organization and a program in the Inner Voice Community services, its mission is to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals they believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals they love. Their work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across the country. The services offered range from financial aid to complete treatment of pets in need.
Help-A-Pet http://www.help-apet.org. This organization helps with vet bills for pets of the physically and mentally challenged, the elderly on fixed incomes and children of the poor. Proof of income is required and the pet owner must pay as much of the bill as they can to show the pet owner’s commitment to the well-being of their pet.
IMOM http://www.imom.org. (Acronym for “In Memory of Magic”) The mission of this group is to help people help pets. They are dedicated to ensuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. This is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charity.
The Pet Fund http://thepetfund.com. This group provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals that need veterinary care. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect medical needs because of the cost involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future in which such decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost.
Apr 10, 2009 | | Uncategorized