Hardship Emergency Loan Program for Pets

What would you do if your pet were involved in a serious accident that required extensive veterinary care? What if you were then placed in a position in which you were forced to euthanize that beloved pet due simply to finances? This question has been all too real for some unfortunate pet owners in Clinton County. Good people who would willingly repay a no- interest loan have had no place to turn prior to HELP for Pets.

HELP for Pets Mission Statement: To provide no-interest loans to pet owners who have exhausted all other financial means to allow for urgent treatment of their pets, thus alleviating unnecessary euthanasia.

Incorporated July 13, 2010 Achieved Federal income tax 501(c)(3) status April 25, 2011, thus making all contributions and memorials to our group deductible for income tax purposes.

2012 Board of Directors Pam Blesh – president Jackie Parucha – vice president Teresa Miller – secretary Jean Hessler – treasurer Christina Livingston Frank Krish Pillai Jessica Sanford Bud Hessler

How does the program work? The client completes the loan application. The veterinarian identifies a client with an immediate need. The veterinarian submits the bill and is paid directly from HELP for Pets. Approval is immediate. Care is initiated. The client repays HELP for Pets directly.

Criteria for Aid Specific veterinary conditions exist Demonstrate need Clinton County resident

Covered Medical Conditions Accidents/fractures/trauma Pyometra/obstetrics Spay/neuter Endocrine emergencies (diabetes, Addision’s, etc.) Diagnostics performed toward diagnosis Treatment of congenital anomalies

Covered Medical Conditions (con’t) Cancer treatment * other reasonable procedures at the veterinarian’s discretion* Pharmacologic treatment (up to 2 months) Exploratory surgery Basic disposal fees Prescribed food for a specific medical condition (up to 2 months)

Specific Exclusions  Vaccines  Relief from prior financial obligations  Routine flea treatment, heartworm prevention  Elective procedures – grooming, declaw  Cosmetic Surgery  Heroics

Why is there a need for HELP for Pets? Meet Sampson!

We were forced to amputate his leg because the owner could not afford orthopedic surgery at a referral center.

That was before HELP for Pets!

Meet Skippy!

Helps Families!

How is our group funded? Entirely through donations and fundraisers!

Events January – Wine and Cheese Reception Booths: Best of Clinton County, Riverfest, Clinton County Fair, Farm-City Festival, Christmas in the Barns November – Halloween Dance

Christmas in the Barns

Halloween Gala

Riverfest

2012 T-shirt design

Community Presentations Mill Hall Kiwanis Cosmopolitan Club Sugar Valley Elementary School for “Dimes on a Line” project Mill Hall Elementary School

All of the “work” is done by unpaid volunteers, including all administrative work.

Thanks to: All of the volunteers who man booths at events

Expenses 2012

To make our mission a reality, local veterinary hospitals and emergency clinics have vowed participation. All welcomed this program as a way to end financial euthanasia and make it a thing of the past in Clinton County.

Participating Veterinarians Animal Medical Center of Nittany Valley Dr. Larry Bason Central PA Veterinary Emergency Services Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic Metzger Animal Hospital Pine Creek Veterinary Associates

Membership Currently at 158 individuals Board of directors have included “any person that contributes $5.00 or more” as a member. Benefit of membership: Being part of a group that believes in helping others to help themselves.

Membership meeting Thursday, February 7 th at 6:30 Rebecca Gross Room of the Ross Library Called for the purpose of electing officers All members are encouraged to attend!

Who have we helped? Beginning in April of 2011, 14 Clinton County families/14 pets Loans of over $10, for urgent veterinary care All of this loaned money came from fundraising and loan repayment.

Goal for the future We really have only one… …to continue to provide no- interest loans on an unlimited basis to save Clinton County pets from financial euthanasia.

Please join us! P.O. Box 541 Lock Haven, PA Help4petspa.org