healthy canines faq

Healthy Canines FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible for a grant?

    Individuals and families may apply for a grant. Applicants must income quality. Refer to the Apply For Help page for income guidelines. Grants may cover necessary medical treatment for the dog for a one-time scenario.

  • Does your program cover the total cost of the vet bill?

    No, while each situation is different, so is the amount of the cost. As you know, veterinary care can get well into the hundreds and thousands of dollars. So that we can help as many dogs as we can, we only give grants up to $500. If the grant you receive from us is not enough the cover the total cost of your pet’s health care needs, you are responsible for the remaining balance medical cost. Please visit our Helpful Resources page for additional financial assistance organizations.

  • Do you have a phone number where you can be reached directly? How do I contact you?

    Yes, we have phone number. Visit our Contact Us page. You can also email us at grants@healthycanines.org for all your non-financial assistance related questions. Please do NOT use the Contact Us page for financial assistance help for your dog, you MUST go to our Get Help page. 

  • How does Healthy Canines fund its financial assistance program to pay for the grants?

    Our Founder and Board Members self-fund our program, we set up fundraising pages on social media, we attend fundraising events and set up a booth to promote our cause and mission, and we receive tax deductible donations from the public. The Founder and Board Members work full-time jobs and are NOT paid a salary from Healthy Canines.

  • How do I apply for assistance?

    Please visit our Ask For Help page to apply for a Grant. 

  • I don’t have internet access. Can I apply by phone, mail, or fax?

    The program only accepts requests for financial assistance through our online application. If you do not have internet access, you can visit your local library with free internet access, visit your nearest Starbucks with internet access, ask a family member or friend for help, or ask your veterinary clinic to submit your application on your behalf.

  • Do you help dogs in my state?

    Healthy Canines provides financial assistance to Georgia residents only. We plan to extend our program in more states and eventually nationwide as we continue to grow.

  • Why do you only help dogs?

    While our Founder, has an extreme love for all animals, she has a very special place in her heart for dogs. Additionally, Healthy Canines is a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Although we wish we can help all animals, we're just not able to. 

  • Will you help my Pit Bull?

    Fun Fact! Our Founder is a proud pet mom of a Pit Bull named Cleveland. Cleveland is the inspiration behind our program. She and her husband rescued Cleveland from their local animal shelter. Healthy Canines does not discriminate against breed, age, weight or diagnosis.

  • Do you help with all types of health issues no matter the prognosis?

    Healthy Canines provides financial assistance for all illnesses, diseases, and injuries. However, we do not give grants for pets who have illness or injuries that will not make a full recovery and will not sustain a good quality of life.

  • Are there other assistance programs besides Health Canines that offer grants for pet care?

    Yes, please visit our Helpful Resources page for additional financial assistance organizations. We encourage you to apply to other organizations to maximize your financial needs.

  • Do you pay for spaying/neutering, dental, routine check-ups, or vaccinations?

    Healthy Canines does not pay for routine care. Please visit our Helpful Resources page for additional financial assistance organizations.

  • What is routine care?

    Routine veterinary care is classified as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, parasite control, check-ups, and routine dental care.

  • What is routine dental care?

    Routine dental care includes dental cleaning with anesthesia, and may include extractions, as needed for the treatment of tartar, plaque, and gingivitis. Non-routine dental care refers to the treatment of atypical dental conditions, such as fractured teeth, abscesses and oral masses.

  • Do you pay for euthanasia and cremation?

    No, Healthy Canines pays for health care only.

  • What if I don’t have a veterinarian?

    To be eligible for a grant, you must have a current relationship with a licensed veterinarian who can provide a detailed estimate of costs for any medical treatment your dog needs. This is to ensure that funds donated are used for medical treatments and to determine what funds can be allocated to the grantee in question.

  • Why do you need a diagnosis before I can apply for assistance?

    Your dog must be in the care of a licensed veterinarian for the illness or injury. The veterinarian must have a treatment plan in place before you apply for assistance. 

  • What are diagnostics?

    Diagnostics are tests, x-rays, bloodwork, MRI, CT scan, etc. to diagnose an illness or injury. 

  • Do you pay for medication?

    Yes, for prescription medication for illnesses or injuries. Excludes flea, tick and monthly heartworm medication. Please know, we will only pay for the first/initial fill of prescription medication. We do not pay for ongoing medication treatment. We do not pay for food.

  • Will you pay for a wheelchair for my dog?

    Yes, Healthy Canines will assist with the cost of a wheelchair and other medical equipment.

  • What if I no longer need the grant?

    If you no longer need the grant to help your dog, please let us know by emailing grants@healthycanines.org. This helps us re-distribute the funds to a dog in need.

  • How long does the application process take?

    Once the online application and all the required documentation are received by the applicant and treating veterinarian, the case file is reviewed. You will receive a response within 48 hours.

  • Do you only help low-income families?

    No, Healthy Canines will help eligible pet parents who meet our grant program guidelines.

  • Why do you need information on all people living in my home?

    Healthy Canines needs proof of hardship for all adult members of the family to establish a financial need.

  • Is my information protected?

    Yes! You can rest assured that your personal and financial information is safe as all submitted documentation is secured and is accessed only by Healthy Canines team involved in the application process. All documents are shredded when no longer required.

  • Do you share my information?

    No, Healthy Canines does not share or sell any of your personal information provided. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.

  • If I have received assistance in the past, can I apply for assistance again?

    Yes. Each application is reviewed on a case by case basis. If you have received assistance within a 12-month time period, we will review your case to determine the significance of your pet’s health care needs. Otherwise, you will be placed on our wait list to allow first time applicants an opportunity to receive a grant.

  • Why won't you reimburse me for veterinary bills that I have already paid or pay my outstanding veterinary bill?

    Healthy Canines will not pay for charges incurred prior to the acceptance of an application.

  • Why won’t you submit payment directly to me?

    Healthy Canines will not remit payment to grant recipients; we will only pay directly to the presiding veterinarian. This ensures that funds are used for the medical treatment of grant recipients. This also helps assure donors that their generous contributions help dogs in need.

    Checks that are not cashed within 30 days of the approval date are eligible for cancellation. Please notify Healthy Canines at grants@healthycanines.org immediately if you’ve received a grant and there are delays in the medical treatment of your dog.

  • Why do you require a photo of my dog?

    We require a photo so we can share it with current donors to thank them for their support and with future donors to encourage them to make additional donations. Please visit our Pups We’ve Helped page to see how your photo and story will be shared.

  • Will you accept email requests for financial assistance?

    No. Please visit our Ask For Help page to apply for financial assistance.

  • I applied for assistance. Why haven't I heard back from anyone?

    We make every effort to respond back to applications within 48 hours of receipt. Please check your spam folder. If a response is not in your inbox or spam folder, please email grants@healthycanines.org.

  • Why do you not help more dogs?

    Healthy Canines processes applications once all the required documentation is received. Unfortunately, 1 out of 20 applicants complete the application process. 

  • Where do the funds come from to pay for the veterinary care?

    The funds come from generous donations from the public. Healthy Canines works very hard year-round to generate contributions.

  • Do you receive government grants?

    Not currently.

  • Is my donation tax deductible?

    Yes, your donation is tax deductible. Healthy Canines is a public, nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

  • Does your team get paid?

    No, Healthy Canines is an all-volunteer organization. All of the day-to-day operations are handled by our Founder. She and members of the Board work regular full-time jobs. They are never paid for the hard work they do to make our program a success. Events are run by volunteers as well.

  • How can an individual or business hosting an event, benefit to help Healthy Canines?

    We are so thankful for those individuals and businesses that want to help Healthy Canines. Please email us at grants@healthycanines.org

  • How can I spread the word about Healthy Canines?

    Visit the Healthy Canines Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages to share and repost your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers about Healthy Canines. 

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