Financial assistance for pet care available to owners experiencing hardship

Posted 5/6/20

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the economy and its workforce, financial assistance for pet care is being made available to owners experiencing hardship and unable to afford to take their pet to a veterinarian. The

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Financial assistance for pet care available to owners experiencing hardship

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the economy and its workforce, financial assistance for pet care is being made available to owners experiencing hardship and unable to afford to take their pet to a veterinarian. The assistance is offered through the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association’s (RIVMA) Companion Animal Foundation (CAF).

Established in 2004, the CAF was the first veterinary-based assistance program in the United States and has since been used as a model for other programs in the country. Its mission is to make compassionate veterinary care available to pets of low-income owners by funding the cost of routine exams and vaccines, and treatment for illness and injury. The foundation’s voucher program offers eligible owners a certificate valued at up to $200 that can be used to take their pet to a participating veterinarian.

“These are unprecedented times that are having a tremendous impact on people’s ability to pay for basic expenses, including pet care,” said Elizabeth Suever, president of the Companion Animal Foundation’s Board of Directors, and an attorney with Adler, Pollock & Sheehan, P.C. “We are already seeing an increase in applications from Rhode Islanders who need vet care for their pet but cannot afford it.”

Rhode Islanders struggling and seeking assistance may apply online at CompanionAnimalFoundation.org using the “Pet Owners” tab, or by calling (401) 751-0944. Those who qualify for support will receive a financial voucher to be used for care for their pet. More than 40 veterinary clinics in the state participate in the program and accept vouchers.

“The state recognizes that veterinary services are essential and many practices remain open, underscoring the importance of animal welfare and owners’ access to and relationships with their vets,” said Dr. Erin M. Dahill, president of RIVMA and a veterinarian at Providence River Animal Hospital. “At the same time, we need to make sure people can afford the costs, particularly if they’ve fallen on tough times.”

RIVMA is a 250-member nonprofit organization committed to animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and public health. Its members and their practices help support the CAF through providing funding recommendations and clinical services. The CAF voucher program serves an average of 180 pets annually, a figure expected to exceed 300 in 2020. Additionally, the maximum value of each voucher has been increased as a result of the current environment and needs.

For more information about the RI Veterinary Medical Association, including about pets and COVID-19, visit rivma.org or follow RIVMA on Facebook (facebook.com/RhodeIslandVMA).

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