Guidelines/Policies


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Below are Paws 4 A Cure's guidelines and policies. If you meet the qualifications then apply for assistance.

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

  • Paws 4 A Cure cannot assist with charges from before the approval of application;
  • You must be a resident of the United States and the veterinary practice must be located in the Unites States;
  • Paws 4 A Cure cannot reimburse the applicant for any payments made to the veterinarian;
  • If the applicant has CareCredit or ScratchPay, you MUST use it first. Paws 4 A Cure cannot reimburse for a CareCredit or ScratchPay payment or any other payment made;

  • A diagnosis is required before you apply for assistance;

  • Paws 4 A Cure will send a check via the U.S. mail to the veterinary practice within a week following receipt of an itemized invoice emailed or faxed by the veterinary practice;

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

  • Paws 4 A Cure will pay only up to the invoice balance due;
  • Paws 4 A Cure cannot pay on an invoice showing no balance due;

Before your application for financial assistance can be reviewed, you are required to email or fax the following documents for all members of your household that are over 18 years of age that contribute to the monthly household expenses. Do not mail your documents, it delays the process.

You MUST prove hardship. 
Below is a list of documents that are acceptable proof of hardship. You do not have to provide all of the documents, you just need to prove why you cannot afford to pay for the veterinary care on your own.
    • Copy of your license or ID for all members of your household over 18 years of age that contribute towards the household expenses. (required)

    • Copies of your most recent bank statement for all members of your household over the age of 18 that contribute towards the household expenses. (required) 
    • Last pay stub (if employed) for all members of your household over 18 years of age that contribute towards the household expenses.

    • A copy of your latest tax return for all members of your household over 18 years of age that contribute towards the household expenses. 
    • Letter of acceptance from any form of Social Security, proof of current Social Security, Unemployment, Disability, SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, WIC, Public Housing, Section 8, Transitional Assistance.
    • Copy of your approval/denial letter from CareCredit (if your veterinary office accepts) for all members of your household over 18 years of age and your most recent CareCredit statement (if applicable) for all members of your household over 18 years of age that contribute towards the household expenses. 
    • A copy of the front and back of your pet’s insurance card (if applicable).

    • Do not provide any veterinary documents, that will come from the treating veterinarian.

    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 they show, please be ensured that your private information will not be shared.

    Treating Veterinary Practice

    Paws 4 A Cure will need some information from your treating veterinarian about your dog or cat before reviewing your application. Please call the treating veterinary practice to get their email address, then add their email address in the bottom section of your application and Paws 4 A Cure will email the Veterinary Packet below to them. 

    Click on the Application For Assistance below to open and type into each field. 
    Using the pdf Application For Assistance:
    • Using a computer or laptop - you will be able to type in each field and sign the document. Then  press the arrow down on the top right. Click With your changes. A file location box will open and save the completed application to your computer or laptop.
    • Using an Android phone - click on the application then click the edit pen at the top of the screen. This will allow you to type in each field. 
      • Once you get to the Signature sections on the second page, click The pen on the top right of the page and tap where you want to sign.
      • The app would switch to landscape mode and present you an empty space where you need to draw your signature.
      • Click the check mark in the top right when you are done signing.
      • It will bring you back to the document and you press Sign in additional places. 
      • Click the check mark in the top right when you are done signing.
      • After you application is completed, press the three dots at the top right of the page to Save As - This device and choose the location. 
      • Email to [email protected] and attach your proof of hardship.
    • Using an iPhone - Adobe Fill & Sign is designed to make filling PDFs files on iPhones effortless.  (below copied from https://techwiser.com/fill-pdf-form-iphone/ half way dow on the screen labeled 2. Fill Out PDF Forms With Adobe Fill & Sign)
      • Start by downloading the PDF form that you wish to fill on your iPhone.
      •  Download and open the Adobe Fill and Sign app and before we start filling out the form let’s fill in the personal information on the Adobe app. It would help you in the future if you’re going to use this app frequently. Tap the Profile button on the bottom. It stores all your information such as name, address, contact details, and birth date that you can later autofill with a tap.
      • Select a PDF form to fill out. You can open a PDF from the Files app, email attachment, web URL, or even just a picture. Once the PDF form is opened, you can start filling out the form.
      • Adding text to PDF forms is easy, and you just tap anywhere to bring up the text field. It’s so much better than Markup. Zoom in on the PDF form and tap where you wish to enter the text. A text box would appear and you can enter the details. If you’ve saved information in the app, it would pop a suggestion above the keyboard, and you can tap to instantly fill out the field.
      • Filling checkboxes is a breeze with Adobe Fill & Sign because the app intelligently recognizes the boxes and lets you put in the symbol with a tap. Even if it can’t detect a box accurately, you can long-press on the desired location on the form to bring up the symbols. You can put a tick, a cross, a dot, a dash, or a box. Simply tap and hold the element, and then slide to move around.
      • Adding a signature is just as easy as it was with Markup. You create one and use it wherever and whenever you wish. Tap the signature button on the bottom and select “Create Signature“. The app would switch to landscape mode and present you an empty space where you need to draw your signature and tap Done, to save the signature. Now, place the signature anywhere on the form and you’re done. The app also lets you create initials as well. To send this PDF form via email, tap the Share button on the bottom right corner, and select Mail from the Share sheet.
      • To send this PDF form via email, 
      • Email to [email protected] and attach your proof of hardship.
    Applicant Packet

    Your completed documentation and application for assistance are to be sent using one of the following methods:

    • Via fax (866) 799-5166. Do not fax more than once as we have to pay per page.
    • Scanned as a pdf and emailed to [email protected] 
    • Do NOT mail your documents. It slows the process as the PO Box is picked up monthly.
    Image files must be legible (not blurry). The documentation must be close-up for Paws 4 A Cure to read. We cannot process your application if we cannot read them.

    Scanners and faxes are available at copy stores (Staples), libraries and business offices.
    As a reminder, your application for assistance will not be responded to until Paws 4 A Cure receives your completed application for assistance AND your proof of hardship documentation. 
    If the application is approved, the applicant must supply a photo of the dog or cat and their story for a fundraising page to be created by Paws 4 A Cure. Paws 4 A Cure cannot use your already existing GoFundMe page or another fundraising page on another platform other than created by Paws 4 A Cure. If the requirements are not received, Paws 4 A Cure is unable to fundraise for the applicant’s dog or cat therefore, no payment will be released and you will be responsible for the charges. We ask that each approved applicant helps to fundraise for their dog or cat's care by sharing the fundraising page that Paws 4 A Cure creates to bring in much needed funds so that we can continue to help those in need.
    Paws 4 A Cure reserves the right to suspend or revoke fundraising privileges, or suspend or close ongoing sponsor cases, at any time with an email provided to you stating why.
    Copyright 2008-2023 © Paws 4 A Cure.  All Rights Reserved.
    Paws 4 A Cure, P.O. Box 1821, Wakefield, MA, 01880  
    Paws 4 A Cure is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance throughout the United States to those who cannot afford veterinary care for their beloved furry family members. Paws 4 A Cure helps dogs and cats with all illnesses and injuries. Paws 4 A Cure does not discriminate against breed, age, or diagnosis.

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