Funding for Pet Emergencies

Last week I received an email from Linda Moore, a volunteer at Independent Cat Society (www.catsociety.org). She writes, “Kiwi is one of the sweetest cats and was recently diagnosed with cancer. With the proper treatment, her prognosis is good. Since the shelter operates strictly on donations, we are struggling with how to find the funds to cover the radiation treatment that Kiwi needs.” In these trying times, owners don’t always have the funds to help their pets—certainly, rescue organizations rely on outside funding. Linda’s group has set up a fundraising effort through fundable.com for Kiwi’s medical care, and asks for donations—or spreading the word to other cat-loving folks who may help. Kiwi There are a few organizations that offer help, but each has specific requirements how to qualify for assistance. Some may focus on helping senior citizens with pets, the working poor, or those with other challenges. Some are designated not-for-profit and part of a larger organization, while others are mom-and-pop grass roots organizations. For instance, as a part of the American Animal Hospital Association the Helping Pets Fund assists owners of pets in need. Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance offers help specifically to cats in need. Starfleet Canine Aid Foundation (SCAF) offers financial aid to dog owners unable to fund the veterinary cost associated with a recoverable injury or catastrophic illness. And United Animal Nations offers Lifeline Grants for individual pets in need, rescue operations, and animal welfare organizations. Most of these organizations rely on donations--and when the money runs out, so does the funding. All of us may someday be in need of a good Samaritan to help us help our pets--so think about donating to one of these worthy causes now. A pet somewhere will benefit.