We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding medical care for abandoned, injured, and homeless animals—primarily cats and dogs—giving them a second chance at a healthy life and a path to a loving home. This does not mean we are obligated to provide unlimited funding to any animal. The animals we assist usually come in through the an emergency hospital, rescue groups who may reque
st our assistance, and individual rescuers. Decisions are often fluid because. as it is with human life, you just never know. But, please rest assured that we are always keeping all of the many animals' welfare first.Anyone requesting medical funding from 4 Paws 1 Heart should know:
1) 4 Paws 1 Heart can never guarantee to pay the full medical bill until we know what we are dealing with. When we authorize to pay for an animal to go the vet it is either for very clear treatment - such as spay/neuter, vaccines, URI treatment, etc. In emergency situations or when there are injuries or unknown medical issues, the vet will always be asked to contact me.
2) Anyone requesting monetary assistance will be told the limit to which we will help. Therefore, if the rescuer feels they may need more funding, they can start to get backing ahead of time.
3) 4 Paws 1 Heart will always consider the animal first. But, anyone requesting our help must understand that it is our responsibility to maximize the number of animals we can help with the limited funds we have. This means that if the dollars needed far outweigh the probability of the animal living or living a good quality of life, we may not pay for the medical treatment. In all cases, it will be up to the rescuer to decide what will happen next. But understand that veterinarians are responsible to the animal and may strongly recommend an animal not leave the hospital.
4) All of the veterinarians we work with understand that 4 Paws 1 Heart is not a rescue and does NOT own the animal. Our only decision is what amount of money we are willing to pay for medical treatment (as explained earlier). Anyone taking an animal to the veterinary should be prepared to make decisions related to the animal's future and treatment. Keep in mind that there can be many people working in a veterinary hospital and not all may understand the policies. It is up to the rescuer to ask questions and make decisions.
5) Authorization for a veterinarian to treat an animal and bill 4 Paws 1 Heart will be made by e-mail (with a copy to the rescuer) or telephone. All payments are made directly to the veterinarian.
