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Financial Assistance Guidelines

Paws 4 A Cure is a non profit organization dedicated to helping families that are in need of non-routine veterinary financial assistance* for their dog or cat.

* At this time Paws 4 A Cure is not accepting applications from rescue groups or breeders.

If you are seeking financial assistance, please carefully read the guidelines before applying:

Paws 4 A Cure cannot assist with charges incurred prior to approval of application and receipt by veterinarian of Letter of Guarantee;

Paws 4 A Cure cannot pay for treatment in advance;

Paws 4 A Cure cannot pay a deposit;

Paws 4 A Cure cannot reimburse the applicant for payments made to the veterinarian;

Paws 4 A Cure cannot pay on an invoice showing no balance due;

Paws 4 A Cure will send a check via USPS following receipt of an itemized invoice faxed by the veterinarian;

Paws 4 A Cure will pay only up to the invoice balance due;

Paws 4 A Cure will only make payment to a veterinarian, clinic or hospital. Funds are never disbursed to an applicant;

If a pet insurance company approves a claim for any portion of a bill for treatment that was funded by Paws 4 A Cure, such reimbursement must be submitted to Paws 4 A Cure;

Paws 4 A Cure will not hold reserved funds in a pet’s account for more than 45 days. If an invoice is not received within 45 days, the funds will be redistributed to the appropriate General Fund.

Before Paws 4 A Cure can review your application, you are required to apply to CareCredit.

“CareCredit offers Special Financing and low monthly payment options, no up-front costs, and no pre-payment penalties so you can keep your pet healthy and happy”. – quoted from the CareCredit website

Please check with your veterinarian to make sure they accept payment from CareCredit. You may apply for CareCredit online via their website at http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/.

Since Paws 4 A Cure is not affiliated with CareCredit, you will need to provide Paws 4 A Cure with a copy of your approval / denial letter.

Please keep in mind, Paws 4 A Cure can only assist qualified applicants and assistance is only provided with non-routine veterinary care. This means that Paws 4 A Cure does not provide assistance for spay/neuter, vaccines, routine office visits or euthanasia.

You do NOT qualify for financial assistance through Paws 4 A Cure under any of the following circumstances:

You are not a resident of the United States of America;

Your annual household income is above 300% of the Federal Poverty Level

You do not provide Paws 4 A Cure with all the required documents;

You have been approved for the entire amount needed by CareCredit;

Your veterinarian will not accept payment from Paws 4 A Cure;

Your pet is being held at the veterinary office until payment is made;

You are seeking reimbursement for a paid bill;

You are seeking payment for an outstanding bill;

Your veterinarian has agreed to a payment plan with you;

You have received financial assistance from Paws 4 A Cure in the past. (exceptions are on a case by case basis)

You are a breeder or rescue group;

Your pet requires testing to determine a diagnosis;

You are seeking assistance for elective surgery and/or surgery that is not essential for the survival of the pet;

You cannot prove hardship;

You cannot prove ownership of the dog or cat.

For your veterinarian:

If your veterinarian requires information about Paws 4 A Cure, provide them with the Paws 4 A Cure Introduction letter. This letter can be found on the Paws 4 A Cure website, along with our payment policy.

Paws 4 A Cure will need some information about your pet before reviewing your application. The required information form can be found at the Paws 4 A Cure Veterinarian Information page. Your completed information form which can be sent, either by you or by your veterinarian, using one of the following methods:

Via fax (866) 799-5166

Scanned and emailed to grants@paws4acure.org

Or mailed to:

Paws 4 A Cure
Attn: Grants
P.O. Box 1821
Wakefield, MA 01880

Please remember that Paws 4 A Cure cannot accept your application without the completion of all the necessary documents and forms.

Please be advised that the approval process can take up to 5 business days.

If you are required by the IRS to file taxes, the following documents are needed before you may complete the application:

1. First proof of income - (All pages of your latest federal tax return for both you and your spouse/partner)

AND

2. Second proof of income (Copies of your last two bank statements for both you and your spouse/partner from all of your bank accounts)

For your protection – before sending any documents to Paws 4 A Cure, please black out all occurrences of account numbers and/or social security numbers.

If you are NOT required by the IRS to file taxes, the following documents are needed before you may complete the application:

1. First proof of income (Copies of your last two bank statements)

2. Second proof of income (A copy of your most recent pay stub or, SSI benefits letter or, proof of any federal or state assistance or, unemployment benefits letter or, W2 or 1099 from employer

For your protection – before sending any documents to Paws 4 A Cure, please black out all occurrences of account numbers and/or social security numbers.

Please provide a copy of the front and back of your pet’s insurance card (if applicable).

Please scan your documents and email them to grants@paws4acure.org or fax them to (866) 799-5166.

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