Companion Animal Fund, The Development and Alumni Office in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota

The Veterinary Medical Center has a Companion Animal Fund that provides one-time grants of up to $500 to assist qualified clients, including nonprofit organizations, with treatment of companion animals. The Companion Animal Fund is supported by client donations, so the availability of funding varies.

Qualification criteria
To qualify for a grant from the Companion Animal Fund, the following qualifications must be met:

• The animal's medical condition must be acute, non-recurring, and non-routine, like a fracture or foreign body ingestion. Chronic, congenital, and terminal conditions are not covered.
• The animal must have a good medical prognosis.
• The animal needs humane euthanasia in an emergency situation.

Individual clients must fulfill financial need criteria:

• Total combined household income must be less than $25,000 per year.
• Written documentation of income is required.
• Income of spouses, housemates, partners, and relatives living in the household is included.

Non-profit organization criteria include:

• 501c(3) status
• References from veterinarians
• Background in placements

Reasons why the client or non-profit organization is applying for assistance are to be documented in detail on the application.

How to apply for a grant from the Companion Animal Fund
If you are a Veterinary Medical Center client and would like more information about applying for a grant from the Companion Animal Fund, contact Denise Marrone, Veterinary Medical Center cashier, at 612-624-2256.

How to make a donation to the Companion Animal Fund
Please contact Sharon Staton, director of advancement, at 612-624-1247 or stato001@umn.edu.