Pets are an important part of people’s lives. Yet sometimes, owners who are elderly, disabled, or on a fixed income find themselves unable to pay for their pet’s medical care if the animal becomes seriously ill.

At times like this, a financial boost can make a tremendous difference to the animal and its owners. Sometimes it’s the difference between life and death.

The RESPOND Fund (REcognizing and Supporting Pets and Owners in NeeD) is not designed to provide maintenance or ongoing care for healthy animals. Instead it’s a resource to be used for medical care for animals and their owners with special needs. Recipients must be under the care of a University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine clinician. Requests for funding will be reviewed by the attending veterinarian and a RESPOND panel of volunteers and professionals.

Generally, recipients are able to meet the day-to-day costs associated with veterinary medical care, but are unable to assume the financial costs associated with extraordinary circumstances such as cancers, hip dysplasia, recurring infections, etc. When no money for veterinary care is available, these animals are at risk of being euthanized.

Because the School of Veterinary Medicine believes strongly in the human/animal bond and the benefits that pets bring to the sick, elderly, and disabled, we are committed to securing funding to help provide these animals with needed medical care.