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Organizational Support

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE FUND FOR ANIMALS

The medical costs of treating and rehabilitating an animal in need can become staggering for any organization trying to help. The Friends of Oconee County Animal Shelter Emergency Medical Care Fund for Animals provides financial assistance to animal welfare organizations, agencies, and in some cases individual rescuers, responsible for the care of animals recovering from abuse, neglect or injuries suffered from a traumatic event. The purpose of this fund is to provide animal victims a second chance by alleviating their rescuers of the financial stress of treatment so they can focus on facilitating the animal’s adoption into a permanent, loving home.

  • These emergency funds are given throughout the year with no application deadline dates.
  • Friends of OCAS will award up to a maximum of $1000.00 USD per application.
  • Due to the overwhelming number of animal need cases, this award can only be offered to a select number of recipients each year and they will be awarded based on: availability of funds, eligibility of applicant, and medical urgency.
  • Priority given to organizations in Oconee County, Georgia.
  • Award decisions are able to be made within 72 hours.
  • When approved, please allow up to four weeks from the time of first contact for the funding to be awarded.

WHO MAY APPLY?

  • Animal Shelter Agencies (both public and private) in the Georgia counties of Oconee County, Morgan County, Walton County, Madison County and Oglethorpe County.
  • Rescue groups with 501(c)(3) status operating in the Georgia counties of Oconee County, Morgan County, Walton County, Madison County and Oglethorpe County.
  • In specific cases, individuals living in the Georgia counties of Oconee County, Morgan County, Walton County, Madison County and Oglethorpe County, who have privately rescued an animal within the last three months. Please contact us prior to applying.

ELIGIBILITY

Please read all of the eligibility requirements prior to applying for the Friends of OCAS Medical Emergency Fund. Due to the high volume of requests ‘Friends’ receives, we are unfortunately unable to consider requests which do not fit the below eligibility.

    • Funds may be used to cover only medical procedures for animals who are in need of immediate urgent medical care and who have been victims of abuse or neglect and require medical treatment before being placed for adoption.
    • Funds will not be awarded to “reimburse” rescuers in cases where treatment has already been completed and paid for and/or the animal has fully recovered.
    • Applicants must obtain a diagnosis, course of treatment and cost estimate prior to applying for this funding. This estimate is required to be uploaded in the application.
  • Friends of OCAS will be calling the treating vet listed on your application. If we are not pre-authorized to speak with the vet, the application will be automatically denied.
  • Medical procedures covered under the fund will allow the animal to medically recover and live a relatively pain-free life.
  • Animals involved must be able to be successfully placed in forever homes, animal sanctuaries or released back into the wild.
  • Treating Veterinary Clinics must be willing to accept payment via check or credit card from Friends of OCAS, provide ‘Friends’ with an itemized estimate and speak with an ‘Friends’ representative, if necessary. When applying for the Friends of OCAS Emergency Medical Fund, please call your vet immediately and give the treating veterinarian permission to speak with a member of Friends of OCAS. Have them put this permission in the file. Not giving authorization or waiting to give authorization will result in a declined application.
  • While multiple applications may be submitted, please have only one rescued animal and/or rescue situation for each application.

EXAMPLES OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY AWARDS:

Due to the overwhelming need for emergency medical care which exists we are not able to award funds to all applicants, even if they qualify. Several factors influence Friends of OCAS’s ability to award money including medical urgency, financial need, eligibility and available funding. Below is a partial list of examples ‘Friends’ does and does not usually give funds to treat:

PRIMARY FUNDING EXAMPLES:

  • Injuries resulting from direct acts of cruelty.
  • Strays and abandoned animals with acute injuries (hit by a car, fractures, eyes, amputations)
  • Parvo
  • Distemper
  • Heartworm

ITEMS ON A LOWER TIER AND MAY BE GIVEN WHEN FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE:

  • Deformities present at birth: Cleft Palates, Liver Shunts, etc.
  • Hernias
  • Cancer
  • Dental Disease
  • Cataracts
  • Joint Surgeries

FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR:

  • Routine medical procedures (vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter, etc.).
  • Medical procedures that are not life-threatening or significantly affect the animals quality of life.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Complete the Emergency Medical Care Fund application.
  • Upload a copy of 501(c)(3) determination letter for non-profit organizations (if applicable).
  • Upload copies of all veterinary receipts/estimates. If services are/were provided by on-staff veterinarian or rescue discounts were given, receipts must reflect out of pocket expenses only and they must be issued by veterinarian’s office.
  • Upload a photo of the animal patient.