Together, we change lives

The Farley Foundation supports the relationship between pets and people by generating and allocating resources to subsidize veterinary care for Ontario families in need.

The vet connection

Veterinarians have dedicated their lives to the health and welfare of animals. Every day, they see the positive impact that sharing our lives with an animal has on our health and well-being. This bond is especially meaningful for the elderly, people who have a serious physical or mental illness, people with disabilities and others who depend heavily on their pet for companionship.

Dog ambassador Spud wearing his Farley bandanna to show his support of Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month.

OVMA

The Farley Foundation is just one of the many ways that Ontario’s veterinarians give back to their communities. The Foundation was created by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) to subsidize the cost of veterinary care for those pet owners who can’t afford unexpected or emergency treatments for their pet.

Curling fundraiser for the Farley Foundation

Fundraise for Farley

Hundreds of veterinary practices across the province run fundraising campaigns during Fundraise for Farley Month in October each year. Veterinary clinics and their communities hold events like dog walks, car washes, open houses, barbecues, and sell Farley Foundation items and paw prints. Other events are organized by OVMA, pet owners and local businesses.

How you can help

Animal lovers and veterinarians also make direct donations, often in honour or memory of a pet or person. Visit our Donate page to make an online donation.

Yorkshire Terrier staying on white background

For pet owners: how to apply

If you belong to one of the groups we help and meet the eligibility criteria, you must speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of applying for Farley Foundation funding. Applications for funding can only be submitted by veterinarians.

The Farley Foundation can’t discuss funding applications with pet owners or recommend a veterinarian. For more information, view our FAQ page or email info@farleyfoundation.org.

What's covered

The Farley Foundation subsidizes the cost of non-elective veterinary care such as surgery (including some dental surgery), hospitalization and diagnostics.

What's not covered

Ineligible treatments include routine exams, vaccinations, food (including prescription diets), routine spays/neuters and general prophylactic dental care.

For veterinarians/clinic staff

OVMA member veterinarians can learn more about accessing Farley Foundation funding and submitting applications on the OVMA website (log-in required).

With thanks to Lynn Johnston

Artist and cartoonist Lynn Johnston is a Canadian icon. Her syndicated comic strip, For Better or For Worse®, which chronicles the life of the Patterson family, has appeared in more than 2,000 newspapers worldwide.

In 2001, Lynn Johnston generously loaned one of her most beloved characters, Farley the English Sheepdog, to the Foundation. The name of the Foundation pays homage to Farley, who died in the comic strip while saving April Patterson from drowning when she fell into a river. Farley helps to promote awareness of the Foundation, making it possible for thousands of low-income pet owners to continue the relationship with their pets who mean the world to them.

To learn more about Lynn Johnston and For Better or For Worse®, visit the official web site for the comic strip at www.fborfw.com.

Board of Directors

Thank you to the Farley Foundation Board of Directors:

Dr. Gwen Jeun, President
Dr. Albert Wimmers, Vice-President
Dr. Deanne Croft
Dr. Sue Dorland
Dr. Sally Moran
Dr. Liz O’Brien
Dr. Matthew Richardson
Dr. Ellen Shapiro