Helping Hands Grants
Helping Members Help Patients in Need
Our Helping Hands Fund allows NCVMA-member veterinarians to offer financial assistance to clients in need so more pets can enjoy a full life with their families.
Vets can apply for financial assistance for clients and pets in need.
Helping Hands at Work
Helping Hands Grants are making a difference for NC pets and their families. Since 2014, the NCVMA has awarded $43,465 to help veterinarians provide life-saving services.
$43,465
Awarded to Veterinarians since 2014.
Criteria for Funding
- The application must be made by the NCVMA-member veterinarian who is providing medical services. Members may only receive one award per year.
- The maximum amount of each award is $500. The award amount cannot exceed 50% of the total cost for care, nor exceed the amount needed to obtain a zero balance on the account.
- We strive to approve all requests within 48 business hours, but applications are subject to review and assistance is not guaranteed.
- Clients must apply for CareCredit or a similar third-party payment option, and that application must be included.
- The Helping Hands Fund is unavailable for services that have already been performed. Exceptions may be granted in emergencies where timely intervention is required. Remember that assistance is not guaranteed.
- The goal of the Helping Hands Fund is to keep owned pets, who have a good prognosis, with their family. For that reason, funds are not available for Good Samaritan Pets or those with a poor prognosis.
- Clients are permitted to use the fund one time. An individual animal may benefit from the fund one time.
After Approval:
- The member veterinarian will be notified of approval and the amount awarded via email.
- A copy of the completed invoice and medical record must be submitted to the NCVMA before funds can be released.Â
- The medical record must include the attending veterinarian’s name, animal microchip number (if chipped), and all services provided.
- The invoice must reflect all forms of payment that have already been made and the outstanding balance.
- The NCVMA will send a check made out to the hospital of the member veterinarian.
Additional Details for Partnerships with Homeless Advocacy Groups:
- A referral to the member veterinarian must be made by the homeless advocacy group, with appropriate paperwork provided. Members may only receive one award per year, whether for a client or via a homeless advocacy group.
- Medical services covered may include elective or non-elective procedures, but may not include cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping or declawing.
- The maximum amount of each award is $500. The 50% shared cost concept does not apply to homeless advocacy group clients. (Example: if an invoice is for $400 and the approved amount is $400, the entire invoice can be paid with the Helping Hands Fund.)
- The Helping Hands Fund is unavailable for services that have already been performed. Remember that assistance is not guaranteed.
