Rusk Veterinary Assistance Grants

Purpose: Provides supplemental financial assistance to veterinarians' charitable care for animals of low-income families or families experiencing undue financial burden due to extenuating circumstances.

Geographic Scope: Texas

Background: The program was established in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Colton Rusk, who gave his life to save fellow soldiers in December 2010. His bomb-sniffing canine companion, Eli, stayed with the fallen soldier until Marines arrived at the scene. The program honors the strength of the human-animal bond.

Focus Areas:

• Emergency veterinary care for low-income pet owners
• Life-saving or life-changing veterinary procedures
• Examples include: dental surgery, cataract surgery, bladder stone removal, and other critical medical interventions

Eligibility:

• Pet owners with low income or significant financial hardship
• Animals requiring emergency or critical medical care
• Applications submitted by or on behalf of pet owners through their veterinarian

Application Process: Veterinarians apply on behalf of pet owners. Applications are reviewed and approved by the TVMF Board of Trustees Grants Committee.

Application Process

1. Pet owner consults with their veterinarian about their pet's medical needs and financial constraints
2. Veterinarian submits grant application on behalf of the pet owner to TVMF
3. TVMF Board of Trustees Grants Committee reviews and approves applications
4. Applicants are notified of approval decision

Application Materials (based on case examples):

• Veterinarian statement of support describing the pet and medical condition
• Documentation of the animal's medical needs and recommended treatment
• Pet owner's financial situation and inability to afford care
• Details about how the veterinarian has already provided charitable care or will provide it

Note: Specific application forms and detailed submission instructions are not provided in the available website content.