Why did AAHA create the Fund?
An urgent need exists to make sure no pet goes without necessary care because of lack of money. To meet this need, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Foundation Board of Trustees established the AAHA Helping Pets Fund in 2005 as a benevolent fund focused on providing veterinary care to sick and injured pets.

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Who is eligible for grant money?
The AAHA Helping Pets Fund can provide assistance in three types of cases:

• When pet owners are on government assistance for low-income individuals
• When pet owners are experiencing a temporary financial hardship
• When veterinary clinics act as Good Samaritans to relinquished and abandoned pets

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How does the grant money get distributed?
The Fund does not grant money directly to individuals. A veterinary practice applies for a grant on behalf of the animal in need. Pending approval, grant money is awarded directly to the veterinary practice. For specifics on how to determine eligibility, please review our Guidelines for Grant Seekers available online at www.aahahelpingpets.org.

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How is financial hardship proven?
Documented financial hardship – Pet owners receiving one of the following forms of government assistance for low income individuals or families are eligible. In these cases, documentation proving current participation (i.e., a copy of the approval letter) in one of the following government assistance programs must be submitted with a grant application.

Temporary financial hardship – Under rare circumstances, pet owners experiencing temporary financial hardship may be eligible. The financial hardship must be unrelated to the veterinary expenses themselves. A letter or email authorized by the veterinarian that describes the circumstances causing the financial hardship must be submitted with the grant application. Supporting documentation from an impartial third party is also required.

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How can I get help for my pet?
To determine if you are eligible, please refer to the Guidelines for Grant Seekers available online at www.aahahelpingpets.org. You will need to ask your veterinarian’s office to apply for grant money on your behalf. To keep our costs down and to manage high demand, we do not work directly with the public on grant funding. We ask that veterinary practices follow up with clients on applications and grants.

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Is my veterinarian in this program?
To efficiently manage demand, grant awards are limited to AAHA-accredited practices only. Approximately 3,000 AAHA-accredited practices can be found throughout the U.S. and Canada. Locate an AAHA-accredited practice online at www.healthypet.com.

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What do you consider an elective procedure?
A few examples of elective procedures include routine physical examinations, vaccinations and general prophylactic dental care. Spays and neuters will not be funded unless it can be demonstrated that the procedure is essential for the immediate health of the animal. Euthanasia and cremation services are not eligible. Please contact the Fund at 866/443-5738 if you are uncertain about treatment eligibility.

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What is your turnaround time on case approval?
Following receipt of a completed application, the veterinary practice will be notified of approval status for documented financial hardship and Good Samaritan cases within one business day. Temporary financial hardship cases will be decided within one month of receipt of a completed application.

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What if I need an approval decision faster?
In emergency situations, client eligibility information may not be fully available and time may limit the opportunity to submit a grant application. The Fund cannot approve funding without a completed grant application. In such circumstances, the veterinary practice will have to decide whether to proceed with treatment and subsequently submit an application. In such cases, the completed grant application must be received by the Fund within three weeks following treatment.

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Does the Fund cover euthanasia?
The Fund will award a grant only for needed medical care (non-elective or emergency procedures) for sick and injured companion animals. Euthanasia, routine physical examinations, vaccinations, etc. will not be funded.

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How much can I apply for?
Each AAHA-accredited practice is limited to $500 per calendar year for financial hardship cases and $200 per calendar year for Good Samaritan cases. Pet owners are subject to a limit of $500 per calendar year and $1,000 lifetime. Applicants may submit as many applications as necessary to reach the annual funding limits.

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How can I contribute to the AAHA Helping Pets Fund?
Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Checks can be mailed to: AAHA Helping Pets Fund, 12575 W. Bayaud Avenue, Denver, CO 80228. You can also make your gift online at www.aahahelpingpets.org. Please call 866/443-5738 to learn about the AAHA Helping Pets Fund Gift Program.

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What are your funding sources?
In addition to support from the American Animal Hospital Association, the majority of our funds currently are donated by veterinary practices through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund Gift Program. The Foundation also receives funds through donations from private individuals, corporations, and professional associations. For a full list of AAHA Helping Pets Fund donors, please visit www.aahahelpingpets.org and click on the Impact button.

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Are my contributions tax-deductible?
The AAHA Helping Pets Fund is a program of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Foundation, a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Fund may also be tax deductible under Canadian tax law. Consult your tax advisor regarding tax treatment in your specific case.

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How much of my donation goes to helping pets?
More than 90 cents of every dollar donated to the Fund has been awarded in grants. The Fund began accepting grant applications from AAHA-accredited practices on April 1, 2005. To date, more than 3,000 pets have been helped, through grants totaling nearly $1 million.

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How can I get your logo to use on my website or newsletter?
If you are a Gift Program participant and would like to use the AAHA Helping Pets Fund logo in your newsletter or website, please call 866/4HELPETS (866/443-5738) and give us your name and email address, and we will send you the logo electronically.

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Does the Fund cover non-emergency procedures?
The Fund will provide financial assistance up to allowable limits to pay for non-elective or emergency medical care for sick and injured pets. Examples of ineligible treatments include routine physical examinations, vaccinations, and general prophylactic dental care. We cannot fund euthanasia or cremation services. Please work with your veterinarian to determine if the Fund can help in your case.

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Why am I not eligible?
The Fund has established criteria for determining those most in need of financial assistance. Please review the Guidelines for Grant Seekers. If you believe you are eligible, we encourage you to work with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to apply for a grant.

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Where else can I find financial assistance?
The AAHA Helping Pets Fund is currently the only charitable organization that provides financial aid for necessary veterinary treatment of sick and injured pets throughout the U.S. and Canada. However, there are several organizations with similar causes that have been established at the state, provincial or practice level. Ask your veterinarian about possible sources of assistance in your area.

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