Cost of medical care, for both human and animals, is on the rise. Ballooning costs of utilities, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and essential inventory are forcing medical professionals to increase their prices. It is the sad truth that many people have to choose between their health (and the health of their pets) and other necessities like food, shelter, and transportation. Pet owners who are struggling financially often face the impossible choice between expensive treatment and euthanasia, and often have to choose the latter due to the hardship the cost of treatment would place on their families. This is referred to as "economic euthanasia" - and it can be even more devastating to a family than euthanasia due to terminal illness. In honor of Missy's memory, we want to help prevent as many economic euthanasia procedures as possible. To achieve this goal, we are supplying vouchers for veterinary care that will provide payment to veterinary practices directly, easing the burden of medical costs for pet owners who are in financial hardship.
What do vouchers cover?
Missy's HEART vouchers provide payment for a variety of medical costs. Vouchers can pay up to 100% of the cost of care, but each voucher has a payment cap. Once the cap has been reached, any outstanding cost is the financial responsibility of the owner. Each voucher type covers a specific medical issue and allots a certain amount to specific procedures and products. Vouchers are tailored to cover the majority of cost at most participating veterinary practices; however, cost of care can vary greatly from practice to practice so full coverage cannot be guaranteed.
Emergency Vouchers
These vouchers cover emergency procedures - completely unexpected and often catastrophic. These vouchers provide the most funding of all Missy's HEART vouchers. Currently, the emergency conditions that have corresponding vouchers are:
Quality-of-Life Vouchers
Sometimes non-emergency medical care is needed to maintain a good quality of life. This is often due to a chronic illness that remains undetected long enough to become a major problem. Animals are very good at hiding discomfort, and often owners don't realize a storm is quietly brewing beneath their care-free demeanor. Currently, the quality-of-life conditions / services that have corresponding vouchers are:
Spay/Neuter Vouchers
These procedures are extremely important to control the stray/homeless animal populations in our local area. Often people "inherit" lost, abandoned, or injured strays in their area, even if they had no intentions of adopting a pet. The goal behind these vouchers is to help those who are financially struggling get the necessary vet care to prevent future homeless pets.
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Major Trauma
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Emergency C-Section
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Broken Limb
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Life-Threatening Infection
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Organ Damage / Failure
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Diabetic or Glucose-Related Emergency
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Urinary System Blockage
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Respiratory Distress
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Acute Seizures
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Pyometra
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Gastro-intestinal Blockage
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Splenic Hemorrhage
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Acute Dermatological (Skin) Irritation
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Acute Dental Disease
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Urinary Tract Disease (Not Blockage)
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Non-Emergency Wounds
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Loss of Mobility
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Acute or Chronic Pain / Inflammation
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Activity-Limiting Mass
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Malignant Cancer
What is the criteria to receive a voucher?
In order to be eligible for a Missy's HEART voucher, you must demonstrate significant financial need or hardship as well as your pet's medical need (for emergency and quality-of-life vouchers). Financial need can be demonstrated by providing a copy of pay stubs (< $1500 per month for individual income, families based on Federal Poverty Guidelines of 2024), proof of enrollment in government aid / benefit programs (disability, social security, food stamps, etc.), or other such documents. Financial need can also be due to circumstance (rather than income) such as in the case of house fire, flood, death in the family (funeral costs). The application has space to describe your unique situation to better your chances for approval. Inclusion of proof of circumstance where possible is also encouraged. For emergency or quality-of-life vouchers, the application has space to upload an estimate of care cost from the veterinary office if possible. The more clearly you are able to convey your need, the better your chances of approval.
Which vets are accepting these vouchers?
Missy's HEART is reaching out to veterinary practices across our service area. Currently, the veterinary practices participating in our voucher program are: