PETAID initial care
PetAid Initial Care grants are to be used when a pet has not yet seen the vet for a critical illness or injury. If your pet has already received a diagnosis and you need financial assistance to pursue a treatment plan, please visit the page for our PetAid Complex Care grants instead.
PetAid Initial Care grants typically range from $250 - $500, although the exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis. The pet must see one of our Veterinary Partners, and funds will be paid directly to the vet. Costs incurred that exceed the amount of the PetAid Initial Care grant are the full responsibility of the pet owner.
To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements, including:
You must be a resident of San Benito, Santa Cruz, or Monterey County.
You must be willing to take your pet to one of our Veterinary Partners.
You must have applied for CareCredit or ScratchPay and been denied credit or offered insufficient credit to cover your pet's immediate needs.
Your other financial resources (eg. credit cards, savings, etc.) must be inadequate.
Your total household income must be within 300% of the federal poverty guidelines (as shown in chart at the bottom of this page).
Your pet must be spayed or neutered, or you must be willing to get your pet spayed or neutered.
You must agree to provide a testimonial to BirchBark for a success story after your pet is treated.
If any one of these conditions is not true for you, please visit this page for other fundraising options.
If all of the conditions listed above are true, please click the button below to apply for assistance, and feel free to call our help-line at (831) 471-7912 if you have questions. Our help-line is open on weekdays from 9 am until 5 pm. You must complete the application in full or your application cannot be processed.
NOTE: We do not reimburse applicants for funds already paid to the vet, including deposits, at the time of your application.
We realize that having a critically ill pet is a very emotional time for those who love them. BirchBark employees and Vet Partners are here to help and support you during this time. We are committed to treating you and your pet with respect and expect the same in return. BirchBark maintains a strict policy that any PetAid applicant that exhibits abusive, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior will not be eligible for assistance.
| Household Size | Maximum Income to Qualify for PetAid Support |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $43,740 or less |
| 2 people | $59,160 or less |
| 3 people | $74,580 or less |
| 4 people | $90,000 or less |
| 5 people | $105,420 or less |
| 6 people | $120,840 or less |
| 7 people | $136,260 or less |
| 8 people | $151,680 or less |