Helping Hand Fund

About Helping Hand Fund: Assisting Needy Pets of the Treasure Valley

The Helping Hand Fund was established in 2012 by founders who witnessed the incredible gifts found in the bond between humans and animals. In establishing this fund, the founders acknowledged:

The hearts of people comforted by the love of a faithful pet

A need for veterinary services when financial resources are not available

A need for client education on preventative care

Helping Idaho Dogs is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose motto is “strengthening the canine-human relationship through education and support”. Our mission is to improve the lives of pets in the Treasure Valley by providing the needed funding so that all pets can get the care that they need. We know that a dog, cat or any pet is not just a pet, but a family member. If you are experiencing a financial crisis, we are here to help you get the services your family pet needs. 

Pending available funds, assistance is granted after applicants complete a needs assessment, which must be approved by the Funding Committee.

Money from the Helping Hand Fund supports service and rescue organizations in the Treasure Valley. A percentage of donated funds are available to other non-profit animal organizations (i.e. rescue groups, shelters, etc) that DO NOT already provide veterinary care as a non-profit entity.

If you have a pet in need of assistance, please review the following guidelines. Applications can be downloaded and emailed to us via our email address:  info@idahohelpinghandfund.com

The purpose of the Helping Hand Fund (HHF) is to help those patients whose owners are not able to afford essential veterinary care for their pets.

The Fund’s sources of income include The Helping Hand Fun Run and Pet Fair, private donations, and pet memorial donations.

Please note—Approval of funds is based on fund availability.  There may or may not be funding available at any given time.

1. A.    Eligibility
   1. List of considerations for eligibility:  Applicant must meet ALL of the following stipulations.
      • The owner must prove low income based on the previous year’s tax return and the previous month’s paycheck stub.  Other extenuating circumstances can be considered on a case by case basis.
      • Other alternatives of payment must have been exhausted (i.e. relatives/friends of the owner) See list below.
      • The medical prognosis must be reasonable based on the judgment of attending veterinarian.  The age of the patient must be taken into consideration.
      • There must be an obvious need and emotional bond between the owner and the pet.
      • The owner must be capable or have a plan for aftercare or ongoing treatments.
2. B.    Non-Eligible
   • Clients who have already received a contribution
   • Stray or relinquished pets (refer to Idaho Humane Society)
   • Wildlife
   • The Fund shall not be used for euthanasia or disposal.  Refer to IHS
   • Elective procedures (vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental prophylaxis, etc)
   • Services rendered from a veterinary clinic operating as a 5013(c).

Administrative procedures

1. A.    Administrative Process and Protocols
   1. The HHF is to be used for veterinary services only, at any veterinary hospital in the Treasure Valley with the exception of a veterinary hospital operating as a 5013(c).  It can pay a maximum of 100% of the costs after approval from the board (majority vote).  Applicants must submit an invoice for services that must be approved.  In an emergency situation when approval is needed right away, the executive committee can approve applications with a majority vote. (2 of 3 signatures). A sliding discount schedule based on income is applied with a maximum payout from the fund of $1,000.
   2. The board assigns a discount category to every case based on poverty level and need.
      1. The sliding scale is defined as:
   • i: A- 100% discount
   • ii: B- 75% discount
   • iii: C- 50% discount
   • iv: D- 25% discount
   • v: Maximum gift per qualified applicant is $1,000.
2. The amount that is not covered by the HHF is to be paid by the owner of the pet.
3. The Helping Hand Fund will have a separate account and will make a payment to the client account after approval from the board and services have been invoiced.  The board must make sure that the items on the invoice meet qualifying criteria.  (Example will not cover cremation services)
4. If the owner is unable to pay the remaining amount, the case is to be referred to the Idaho Humane Society.

The following resources can be helpful solutions for financial difficulties for you to consider:

1. Apply for Care Credit
2. Register with a local temporary agency
3. Exchange services with family, friends, or neighbors in exchange for payment for needed veterinary care – e.g. babysitting, home repair or cleaning, yard work.
4. Hold a garage sale and get rid of unused appliances or furniture
5. Sell unwanted items of value on Internet Auction sites.
6. Ask your credit card companies to increase your available credit.
7. Apply to a bank or credit union for a short-term loan.
8. Set up a savings plan for proposed procedures.
9. Consider meeting with a credit counseling service if your credit rating is poor to reduce your debt and arrange an affordable payment plan with creditors
10. Temporarily reduce the amount of your paycheck going to employer contributions/retirement accounts if you are currently employed.
11. Evaluate your monthly budget-cutting extras like cable TV fees, eating out, etc. to help raise funds.

Helping Hands Assistance Application-2015 (PDF)