In order to receive assistance, you must:

1. Complete the application process.
2. Provide proof of financial need, such as a statement of income and expenses, documentation of public assistance, etc.
3. Research other possible funding sources such as friends and family and CareCredit.
4. Ask the veterinary clinic if they have a payment plan.
5. Sign an agreement specifying expenses to be covered by the Hands-4-Paws and your responsibilities. Hands-4-Paws will agree to pay a portion of your pet’s treatment.

 

You must submit:

1. This completed application and all information requested.
2. Proof of financial need, such as proof of income and expenses, public assistance, etc.
3. A copy of a treatment estimate from your veterinary office.
4. A copy of denial letter from CareCredit (www.carecredit.com or call 800-677-0718), if your veterinarian takes CareCredit.

 

 

Submitting the Application:

- Download the form from our website

- Call 217-508-5310 and request a form

- Email hands4pawsinc@yahoo.com to request a form and email it back

- Mail a self addressed stamped envelope to: Hands-4-Paws, P.O. Box 204, Tuscola, IL   

   61953

 

Application Review and Fund Distribution:

- The Hands-4-Paws board will review complete applications and respond within seven days from the day we receive your application.

 

Please email hands4pawsinc@yahoo.com with questions. Visit your local library if you don’t have a computer.

Thank you for your interest in providing medical care for your pet. Hands-4-Paws wants to help pets in Douglas County by 1) helping keep pets healthy and 2) educating owners about caring for their pets.

 

We have set up a Pay it Paw-ward Fund to help cover part of the cost of a dog or cat’s care for people who qualify.

 

Please read and follow the directions thoroughly; there are no shortcuts. We are looking to help those who are truly in need.

A cat dragging a large metal hunting trap caught on his front leg was found by a good Samaritan. The trap had been on his leg for some time and was crushing and slowly killing the cat’s leg. The cat was clearly in severe pain and was taken to local veterinarian Dr. Kyla Kuhns for care. The good Samaritan who found the injured cat named him Baby. The hunting trap had so badly damaged his front leg, that the veterinarian was forced to remove it. He recovered from his surgery and has continued to receive care. He has had antibiotics and pain medications, as well as his daily boarding care at Okaw Veterinary Clinic.

 

Baby has no owner and therefore, no one to pay his bills. Hands-4-Paws has stepped up and paid a portion of his care. This is the first use of the Pay it Paw-ward Fund. This fund has been set up to help pets who are in need of veterinary care. The fund will be used to help owners who are in financial need and have an unexpected veterinary expense. An owner must fill out an application to apply for this fund. Hands-4-Paws will review the fund and contact the owner. If approved, Hands-4-Paws will work with the owner and veterinarian to see your pet gets care.