MILTON, ON, June 5, 2017 – The Farley Foundation, a charity helping low-income pet owners in Ontario, has reached a milestone by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for its 8,000th pet.
Established in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the foundation assists Ontario pet owners in financial need — including seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse and others receiving government assistance — by covering the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets.
In total, more than $3.3 million has been disbursed to assist pets and pet owners in need.
“The Farley Foundation is based on a belief in the human-animal bond — that the relationship between humans and animals has an impact on the physical and emotional well-being of both parties,” says Dr. Dale Scott, the foundation’s president. “The foundation was created to help those who depend the most on their pets for love and companionship to continue to enjoy the company of their pets.”
To date, 4,734 dogs and 3,208 cats have been helped, along with a variety of other pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, ferrets and reptiles.
“I’m sure you understand how incredibly stressful the financial aspects of veterinary emergencies are on top of the surgical and emotional components,” says one disabled cat owner, who received funding when her best friend Murphy required emergency care for feline lower urinary tract disease treatment. “This has absolutely taken some of the pressure off, so I can focus more positively on Murphy’s recovery.”
The foundation subsidizes up to 100 per cent of the cost of care to a maximum $1,000 per pet or pet owner per year for vital treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and medications. Pet owners demonstrating financial need can apply for funding through their veterinarian.
For more information about the Farley Foundation, visit farleyfoundation.org.
I require assistance. My 5 mth old Rottweiler broke his elbow and requires expensive surgery that I can’t afford. I’ve been disabled since January 1994 and receive a cpp disability and survivor amount from my wife who passed in 2016.
Hi Daniel – If you’re interested in applying for funding from the Farley Foundation, you’ll need to speak with your veterinarian, as a veterinarian applies for funding on behalf of a pet owner.
Would my sister qualify her dog might need surgery for a stone. She is a senior
If your sister is interested in applying for funding from the Farley Foundation, she’ll need to speak with her veterinarian, as only a veterinarian can apply on behalf of a pet owner. You can visit farleyfoundation.org/who-we-help to learn more about who we help.
Hello,
Does the Farley Foundation only assist with upcoming expenses or is the organization permitted to help with a large vet bill which was just paid?
My Rotti was diagnosed with diabetes 1 week ago. Her vet bills to date have set me back almost $1000 which I had to borrow from friends and family.
I’ve been on ODSP for almost 10 years now.
Hi Vicky – You’ll need to speak with a veterinarian, as only a veterinarian can apply for funding on behalf of a pet owner.
I understand that this is for people who do *not* have a veterinarian. I do not know if my situation invalidates that requirement.
I am on ODSP & live alone / solely responsible for all of the rent and utilities. My senior cat has never seen a vet since his initial neuter & shots, EXCEPT for 1 time when my son offered to pay for a check-up during his visit last year. I was greatful for his help, but it was a 1-time only thing = my birthday gift. Does this mean that I now have a vet = disqualified from receiving help through your program? Or am I still permitted to apply?
Hi there – if you call the veterinarian, they should be able to provide guidance on this.