Supporting the relationship between pets and people
The Farley Foundation helps pet owners who are struggling financially to pay for unexpected or emergency vet care for their pets. By subsidizing the cost of veterinary services for low-income families in Ontario, we help keep people and pets together.
We help any animal whose primary purpose is companionship—there are no species restrictions. Since 2002, the Farley Foundation has helped more than 17,700 pets.
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Rabbits
Pocket Pets
(Guinea Pigs, Ferrets & Hamsters)
Reptiles
(Turtles, Lizards & Snakes)
Rodents
(Mice, Rats
& Chinchillas)
Horses & Ponies
The pet effect: a powerful bond for health and happiness
Sharing our lives with an animal helps treat stress, depression, and high blood pressure and increases social interaction and physical activity. The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to lower one’s heart rate and increase a sense of well-being. Looking after our pets also contributes to our sense of purpose. For many who are elderly, have a disability, or are suffering from financial hardship, this is critical to their well-being.
Tails of thanks
“We have never been in the situation of being unable to afford care for our ferrets. Unfortunately, our pets' savings account was nearly depleted due to the increased cost of living. I'm so glad you exist to help pet owners when they need it most."
"I would like to extend many thanks for helping me with Seven's surgery to have foreign matter removed from his stomach. I was desperate and heartbroken, as my affordable option was euthanasia. I will never forget what your organization has done for us."
“The emotional support and love Dumpling gives me keeps me going. Sometimes our pets are the closest family we have in life. I’m so grateful that you have given me the ability to provide her with the quality care she needs and deserves. There will never be enough words to express my gratitude.”
Pet owners: how to apply
If you belong to one of the following groups and meet the eligibility criteria, you can speak to your veterinarian about Farley Foundation funding. Applications for funding can only be submitted by veterinarians. We can’t discuss funding applications with pet owners or recommend a veterinarian.
- Seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement.
- Disabled individuals receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment or the Canada Pension Plan Disability Payment.
- Individuals receiving assistance through the Ontario Works Program.
- Persons with an annual household income of less than $35,000.
- Supportive housing for seniors, retirement homes or long-term care facilities with live-in pets.
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 but are not limited to routine exams, vaccinations, food (including prescription diets), routine spays/neuters and general prophylactic dental care.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of pets do you help?
Any animal whose primary purpose is companionship. There are no restrictions on species.
What kind of veterinary care/treatment qualifies for funding?
The Farley Foundation subsidizes the cost of non-elective vet care such as surgery (including some dental surgery), hospitalization and diagnostics. The foundation doesn’t cover routine exams, vaccinations, food (including prescription diets), routine spays/neuters and general prophylactic dental care.
How do I get help?
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.
Do all veterinary clinics work with the Farley Foundation?
To be eligible for funding, a veterinarian/clinic must be a member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). About 80 percent of veterinary clinics in Ontario are OVMA members. Please note, the Farley Foundation cannot recommend a veterinarian.
My veterinarian says they can’t help me. Why not?
The Farley Foundation is a charity and relies on the generosity of donors to help pet owners and their pets, and we help as many pet owners as we can. The foundation limits the amount of funding veterinary hospitals receive each year. It’s possible that your veterinarian has exhausted their funding for the year.
I don’t have a veterinarian. What should I do?
To be eligible for funding, you must have an existing relationship with a veterinarian. If you don’t have a veterinarian, you may be eligible for our Pets to Vets funding, which helps low-income pet owners establish a relationship with a veterinarian by subsidizing the cost of an initial exam and needed core vaccinations. To learn if you qualify, speak to a local veterinarian (visit cvo.org to find a clinic in your area).
I qualify for funding, so why won’t you help me?
Pet owners may qualify based on their income, but funding availability goes beyond falling into one of the groups we help. For example, your veterinarian must be an OVMA member, they must have funding still available, the treatment must be eligible, etc. The decision to apply for funding on behalf of eligible pet owners resides with each veterinary practice.
How can I find out the status of my application?
The Farley Foundation can’t discuss funding applications with pet owners. For information about your application, speak to your veterinarian.
Can I apply for funding if I live in another province?
Our foundation helps low-income pet owners residing in Ontario only.
What is the Pets to Vets program?
Our Pets to Vets program enables low-income pet owners to establish a relationship with a veterinarian (a funding eligibility criteria) by covering the cost of their pet’s first veterinary exam, along with any needed core vaccinations. To qualify for the Pets to Vets program, pet owners must otherwise be eligible for funding from the Farley Foundation, be without a veterinarian and be a first-time recipient of funding assistance from the foundation. Pet owners meeting these criteria can apply through a local veterinarian.
Where can I find vet services for low-income families in Ontario?
You can visit cvo.org to find a veterinary clinic in your area. Please note, we can’t recommend a veterinarian.
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