PAWS works with multiple veterinary clinics across Ontario to help people in need get access to veterinary services.
If you own or work at a veterinary clinic, and want to help make animal companion care accessible to low income and in-crisis families, here are some simple ways to be part of the solution:
If you’d like to work with us or learn more, please email us at outreach@pawscanada.ca.
By contacting us at apply@pawscanada.ca, applications can often be done in real-time, as our Program Administrator closely monitors incoming applications and can usually respond in a timely manner. However, we would not be able to immediately respond to clients that come in during the evening or early morning hours, as we do not have the volunteer base to monitor the applications 24/7.
Additionally, with over half of women experiencing domestic violence delaying leaving a dangerous home because of concern for their pets, offering a safe refuge for people and their pet companions enables those feeling unsafe situations to do so sooner.
Yes, veterinary clinics are welcome to apply on behalf of their clients and use their clinic’s contact information, as we understand not everyone has access to an e-mail or a phone number. We still require that the entire application form be completed and the proof of income before any application can be approved.
i). application completed online and proof of income is sent in
ii). the application is reviewed by the Program Administrator, to confirm if our criteria are met. The location of the applicant and family income are the key criteria components. Income requirements are based on the LICO table that is published annually by Stats Canada and is posted on our website.
iii). the Program Administrator checks to insure we have the available funds before approving any applications
iv). the applicant is then contacted:
Once the vet has completed treatment(s), we then request that the vet e-mails us a copy of the invoice issued to the applicant. Upon receipt of the invoice, a cheque is issued and sent out within approx. 48 hrs or 2 business days. If the vet will not accept a cheque, we can sometimes make exceptions and pay the bill using our Visa card.
In the event that a companion animal needs to be treated by more than one veterinary professional or will require medication for the same illness/procedure, we would pay a max of $400 to be used for all services. For example, if the total vet bill is less than $400, we would be able to payout anything remaining from the original $400 to a specialist, for medications, etc.
