HART for Animals has been awarded a $10,000 Big Bet for Pets Boost Grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation to support Neil’s Helping Fund, a program that helps eligible pet owners afford emergency veterinary care for their beloved animals.
The Boost Grant program supports nonprofit organizations working to improve access to veterinary care, helping organizations like HART address barriers to treatment and ensure pets receive the care they need.
Named in honor of Neil, a former HART rescue, Neil’s Helping Fund honors his legacy by helping pets in the community receive emergency veterinary care.
“Neil was a rescued cat who became the resident feline in our clinic,” says Dr. “Jessy” Vandevender, HART’s Bredel Clinic director. “Neil’s Helping Fund reflects our commitment to the well-being of animals in our care and throughout the community.”
Through Neil’s Helping Fund, eligible pet owners whose household income falls within (WIC) program guidelines may receive up to $1,000 in assistance for emergency veterinary care at HART’s on-site Bredel Veterinary Clinic. This program helps cover urgent, potentially lifesaving treatment for conditions such as intestinal obstructions, broken bones, wounds requiring stitches, poisoning, and parvovirus (Parvo). Follow-up appointments related to qualifying emergencies are also included.
When a beloved pet experiences a medical emergency, the cost of treatment can be overwhelming for families already facing financial challenges. Neil’s Helping Fund helps bridge that gap by providing access to critical veterinary care when pets need it most. The $10,000 grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation will sustain this vital program, supporting HART’s mission to keep pets and their families together and reduce the likelihood of beloved pets being surrendered to local shelters due to the cost of emergency medical care.
By providing emergency veterinary services to owned pets, HART helps families avoid the heartbreaking choice between obtaining necessary medical treatment and keeping a beloved companion. The program is part of HART’s broader mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them through rescue, adoption, veterinary care, and community outreach.
“We are so thankful to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation for helping ensure that more pets receive the treatment they need,” says Dr. Jessy. “Helping our community, regardless of their financial circumstances, is so rewarding.”
For more information about HART for Animals, the HART Animal Center, its programs, or ways to donate, visit www.hartforanimals.org or follow HART on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HARTforAnimals.
Photo: Dr. “Jessy” Vandevender with Neil
