Helping Hands Grant

Geographic Scope: North Carolina

Overview:
The 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. This fund helps veterinarians provide life-saving services to pets whose owners face financial hardship.

Total Since 2014: $43,465 awarded to help veterinarians provide life-saving services

Eligibility Requirements - Standard Clients

• Application must be made by NCVMA-member veterinarian providing medical services
• Members may only receive one award per year
• Clients must apply for CareCredit or similar third-party payment option (application must be included)
• Clients are permitted to use the fund one time
• Individual animal may benefit from the fund one time
• Pet must have good prognosis (not available for Good Samaritan Pets or those with poor prognosis)
• Pet must be owned (not a Good Samaritan case)

Eligibility Requirements - Homeless Advocacy Groups

• Referral from homeless advocacy group with appropriate paperwork
• Members may only receive one award per year (whether for client or via homeless advocacy group)
• The 50% shared cost concept does not apply to homeless advocacy group clients

Award Criteria

• Maximum award: $500
• Award cannot exceed 50% of total cost for care (standard clients)
• Award cannot exceed amount needed to obtain zero balance on account
• No percentage cap for homeless advocacy group clients
• The goal is to keep owned pets with their family (good prognosis only)

What Is NOT Funded

• Services that have already been performed (exceptions may be granted in emergencies)
• Cosmetic procedures (ear cropping, declawing)
• Good Samaritan Pets
• Pets with poor prognosis

Processing

• NCVMA strives to approve all requests within 48 business hours
• Applications subject to review; assistance is not guaranteed
• Member veterinarian notified of approval and amount awarded via email
• Check made out to hospital of member veterinarian

Post-Approval Requirements

Before funds released, member veterinarian must submit:

• Copy of completed invoice
• Copy of medical record
• Medical record must include: attending veterinarian's name, animal microchip number (if chipped), all services provided
• Invoice must reflect all forms of payment already made and outstanding balance

How to Apply

1. NCVMA member veterinarian logs into member portal
2. Completes Helping Hands Grant application
3. Submits application through portal

Required Information

• Veterinarian member information
• Client/pet information
• Description of medical services needed
• Itemized estimate of costs
• Documentation that client has applied for CareCredit or similar third-party payment (application copy required)
• Client account information showing amount owed

Timeline

• Approval typically within 48 business hours
• Post-approval, member submits: completed invoice copy, medical record, and payment documentation
• Funds dispersed by check to veterinary hospital