Explore Our Programs

The Dog Health Fund advances canine well-being through three core programs:

Mini Grants

  • Purpose: Provide financial assistance to help owners cover preventative or unexpected (non-emergency) veterinary expenses.

  • Impact: Enables timely care that prevents conditions from worsening and reduces the need for more extensive treatment.

Navigation to Care

  • Purpose: Help owners find affordable, appropriate health support for their dogs.

  • Outcome: Removes barriers to care by connecting families with practical, cost-conscious pathways to veterinary treatment.

Education & Resources

  • Purpose: Build community knowledge so dogs receive better preventive and ongoing care.

  • Delivery: Presentations, workshops, and outreach conducted in community settings, tailored to local needs and audiences.

Together these programs create a coordinated approach: immediate financial relief, guided access to care, and community education to improve long-term canine health outcomes.

What We Offer

Mini Grants

The Dog Health Fund offers mini grants to help dog owners cover preventative or critical (non-emergency) veterinary costs that might otherwise prevent dogs from getting timely care.

These small awards prioritize medical needs that improve quality of life and prevent worsening conditions.

Mini-grants will range from $25-$300, are paid directly to the veterinarian/clinic, and are available currently for Hudson County, NJ, residents.

IMPORTANT:

The Dog Health Fund provides $25–$300 in financial assistance through our mini grant program to eligible pet owners who need help accessing veterinary care for their dogs. Please note maximum grant of $300 per pet per year.

Eligibility:

  • Dogs only

  • Currently restricted to Hudson County, NJ residents

  • Preventative Care, minor sick visits, and spay/neuter assistance

  • Financial Need

Before you begin

Please have the following required documents ready to upload:

  • Proof of financial need — government assistance (ex. SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or SSI) or income documentation (most recent tax return and/or recent pay stubs)

  • Itemized veterinary estimate — from the veterinary clinic providing the recommended care

  • Patient medical record (SOAP notes) — from the veterinary clinic for the dog included in this application

  • CareCredit or Scratchpay denial or partial approval letter — required for sick visit applicants only

Applications submitted without the required documentation WILL NOT be reviewed.

Applications are reviewed within up to 7 business days. Funding is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

If approved, grant funds are paid directly to the veterinary clinic and are not provided directly to applicants.

This program is not intended for veterinary emergencies. If your dog requires urgent or emergency care, please seek veterinary attention immediately rather than waiting for a grant decision.

You may save your application and return to finish it later. Please note that uploaded documents are not saved in drafts, so we recommend having all required documents ready before uploading them.

To begin the application CLICK HERE. Any questions regarding the application, please email support@thedoghealthfund.org.

Additional vet bill resource guide available CLICK HERE.

Navigation to Care

The Dog Health Fund provides navigation to help dog owners access the care they need:
  • Practical support and resources: assistance finding affordable providers, and connecting owners to financial aid when needed.

Email us your inquiry: navigation@thedoghealthfund.org

Support provided is not medical advice nor intended to replace your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Education & Resources

The Dog Health Fund provides evidence-based education and practical resources to help dog owners make informed canine health decisions. We translate veterinary research into actionable guidance on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Offerings include:

  • Expert guides and concise fact sheets on common and emerging issues

  • Education webinars and specialist-led workshops

  • Decision tools and checklists for diagnostics, treatment, and quality-of-life discussions

  • Financial navigation: care-plan budgeting templates

Our materials are compassion-centered and designed for practical use so every dog owner can access trustworthy support when it matters.