The Helping Paws Foundation is committed to making responsible pet ownership affordable for active-duty military families, Veterans, and underserved community members. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to unexpected medical emergencies, we strive to keep beloved pets with the families who love them. No one should have to face heartbreaking, life-altering decisions—such as economic euthanasia—simply because of financial hardship.
While the foundation helps supplement veterinary costs, we encourage you to explore additional sources of support as well. For a list of partner and community organizations that may provide further assistance, please click on Additional Resources.
To Qualify for Help:
- Pet and the owner live in San Diego County (or a neighboring county) and is willing to come to one of three Mohnacky Animal Hospitals for care.
- Owner is an active duty service member, Veteran or immediate family member such as a spouse or widow.
- Owner is in financial hardship.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Help Request Form
- Call the Mohnacky Animal Hospital closest to you and set up an appointment. Tell them you have filled out a foundation application for assistance and your pet’s exam will be free.
- Mohnacky Animal Hospital Carlsbad: 2505 S. Vista Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 760.729.3330
- Mohnacky Animal Hospital Escondido: 2550 S. Escondido Boulevard. #105, Escondido, CA 92025 | 760.480.1934
- Mohnacky Animal Hospital Vista: 971 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084 | 760.758.8004
- Bring military ID with you and any veterinary records you may have.
At the Time of Your Pet’s Exam:
- One of our veterinarians will examine your pet, make a diagnosis and create an estimate of cost.
- Once there is an estimate, we ask the clients to apply to either Scratch Pay or Care Credit to see if one of these businesses might provide partial or complete coverage for your pet. This can be done while you are still at the office.
- Regardless of whether you qualify for any coverage with these businesses, the Helping Paws Foundation can make an almost immediate determination regarding coverage for part or all of the estimate.
Terms
- Your application must be complete to be considered.
- If you do not apply for Scratch Pay or Care Credit, you will be asked to provide proof of financial hardship.
- Applicants pay what they can toward the pet’s treatment.
- Applicants will be asked to fill out a testimonial after their pet has been treated.
- Applicants agree on the Request Form that the foundation may use their story, photos and video on our website and social media.
- The Helping Paws Foundation does not provide funding for treatment that has already occurred or if you proceed with treatment before you receive a decision on a grant amount from the foundation.
