CARE PROGRAM: 

What is the TLC program?

The Last Chance (TLC) program, part of Animal Care PA’s CARE initiative, offers veterinary care grants for animals whose owners or guardians are facing a true financial hardship that would prevent them from affording life-saving treatment.

Animal Care PA (ACPA) is the charitable arm of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA). ACPA has programs that help to FEED pets in need along with provide medical CARE grants. ACPA also has an EDUCATE scholarship program for veterinary and veterinary technology students.

This program began in 2009 to help ensure a source of funding for the care of abused or neglected, companion animals that might otherwise be euthanized or turned over to an animal shelter. The program has since evolved to include funding for care of pets whose owners are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship, and might not get the proper care without this program. The program is a true partnership between veterinary practices, their clients, other pet owners, and the animal-loving public.

How does it work?

1. The veterinary hospital must be a participating practice with the TLC program.
2. The veterinary practice will complete the application process on behalf of the pet owner. It is at the veterinarian’s discretion to decide to apply.
3. Once an application is completed, it is reviewed by ACPA’s TLC Committee. They have 48 hours to review the case and provide an approval amount.
4. ACPA will then send a check directly to the veterinary practice for the approval amount to apply to the patient’s bill.

How much financial assistance does the program provide?

The Last Chance Program can provide up to $1,500, however, there is no guarantee that the maximum amount will be awarded.

Am I (the pet owner/guardian) responsible for the remaining amount?

Yes, any amount not covered by the TLC program is the owner’s responsibility. ACPA is not responsible for any outstanding invoices.

Who can apply?

Only the veterinarian or veterinary staff can apply. Pet owners are not eligible to apply.

Can I apply for financial assistance for past invoices that have been paid?

No. ACPA will not cover costs that have already been paid. Grants are only considered for unpaid invoices.

Who is eligible?

1. To be eligible to apply for a TLC case, all veterinarians on staff must be PVMA Members in good standing.
2. We will support 50% of the invoice, up to $1,500.
3. Patient must have a good/reasonable prognosis with life-saving treatment. The veterinarian requesting funds from the program must give assurance that there will be a reasonably good prognosis in the outcome of the case and the funding is necessary for life-saving treatment.

Do I need to contact ACPA to apply?

No, there is no need for the pet owner to contact ACPA. All communication regarding the program is between the veterinary practice and ACPA.

What kind of cases/patients qualify for the assistance?

• Grants are intended for patients who need unexpected medical care, due to illness or injury, where the expenses of treatment go far beyond what the owner can afford.
• Grants are intended for clients who are facing true financial hardships and the medical bills go above and beyond the owner’s ability to pay without assistance.
• Grants are intended for Good Samaritans who bring a stray, unowned, or neglected animal in for urgent veterinary care.
• Patient must have a reasonable prognosis with life-saving treatment.
• Grants are non-transferable from practice to practice.
• If a client seeks out a different veterinarian after the request is submitted, the new practice needs to resubmit for that owner and the original request is voided.

How are we funded?

Funding for the TLC program is generated primarily through generous donations from pet owners and animal lovers. We encourage veterinarians to promote the TLC program in their practices to clients. In fact, it is a prerequisite for participation in the program. Each donation received for the TLC program will go to the direct care of companion animals.

What is the qualifying criteria for veterinary practices to participate?

A veterinary practice that wishes to participate in the TLC program and be eligible for reimbursement for services provided to animals in need must:

• Actively promote the program to its clientele through the distribution of brochures and information about how to donate;
• Must have at least one veterinarian on staff who is a PVMA Member; and
• Must complete a participation application which outlines contact information, veterinarians on staff, and marketing plans for the distribution of materials and promotion of the program.

Is your veterinary practice interested in becoming a TLC Participating Practice?>

Become a TLC Participating Practice