In an emergency - a veterinary clinic can contact PAWS directly at apply@pawscanada.ca for quick review and confirmation of funding for emergency care.
Application Criteria
If you’re struggling with low income, are unhoused or displaced or fleeing violence, you can apply for a vet care subsidy for your cat or dog. Read full details before applying. Currently only available in Southwest Ontario, Canada. If you don’t meet the qualifications, Read these tips to find help.
Areas we currently serve
We currently are able to serve 4 specific counties:
Middlesex, Brant, Hamilton, Waterloo
Application Criteria
Individuals must meet at least one of the following criteria to apply for vet care subsidy:
- Meet the CRA’s Low Income Cutoff Criteria for household income; proof of income must be shown via CRA Notice of Assessment
- The following table shows LICO for 2023*
| Size of Family Unit | LICO – 12 Months | LICO – 6 Months |
|---|---|---|
| one person | $28,217 | $14,109 |
| two persons | $35,128 | $17,564 |
| three persons | $43,187 | $21,593 |
| four persons | $52,434 | $26,217 |
| five persons | $59,470 | $29,735 |
| six persons | $67,073 | $33,536 |
| seven persons | $74,675 | $37,337 |
| If more than seven persons, for each additional person, add | $7,602 | $3,801 |
- Resident of a temporary shelter, including women’s shelters and homeless shelters
- Persons in-crisis, including but not limited to:
- Homelessness
- Fleeing violence
- Medical crisis requiring temporary care in a medical facility, including mental health
- Addiction crisis requiring treatment in a residential facility
- Receiving government assistance, and able to show proof of registered program membership, including but not limited to:
- Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODSP)
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Payment (CPP Disability)
- Ontario Works Program (OWP)
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) (for those whose main residence is neither at university or with their parents, or who are aged 25 and over)
- Community agencies and Veterinary clinics may apply on behalf of their clients who meet the above criteria.
- Print/download Application Criteria
FAQ's
- Notes about how to apply for vet care subsidy
- If your circumstances are not covered in our list, but you wish to make a case for an exception to help keep a companion animal safe and with its family, email us at apply@pawscanada.ca
- Whilst PAWS is open to applications for all types of companion animals, the relative expense of veterinary care for exotic pets will mean that our per animal allowances fall far short.
- We cannot guarantee a subsidy for any animal. The minimum you must pay is $25 and our allowances seldom cover all other costs.
- Do your own research to find the right veterinarian clinic for your companion animal. Good tips here!
- Not Covered:
- Medically unnecessary procedures not for the benefit of the animal, eg declaw, tail dock, etc.
- Procedures that are not veterinarian-recommended for the animal’s quality of life.
- Applications from breeders or anyone convicted of animal cruelty.
- Subsidy Allowances
- Up to $150 for a cat’s preventive care (spay/neuter, vaccines)
- Up to $350 for a dog’s preventive care (spay/neuter, vaccines)
- Up to $400 per animal for diagnostics, essential and urgent medical care
How to Apply
A pet owner may apply for a maximum of two animals. Each animal requires a separate form. Sorry for the extra work 🙁
OR
Download a fillable PAWS Service Application Form.
Once you have completed the fillable PDF form, save the form and email it along with proof of income (dated within the last year) to apply@pawscanada.ca.
- 1 form per pet and a maximum of 2 pets.