Apply for Assistance

 Pet owners can apply for FACE funding after:

1. The patient has been evaluated by a veterinarian who determines that the animals condition is immediately life threatening.
2. Financial hardship will prevent the pet owner from following the recommended course of treatment.
3. The owner applies for CitiHealth and/or Care Credit.

To apply, an owner needs to submit the following:

1. A Request for Financial Assistance form (RFA) with appropriate sections completed by owner and doctor. Forms may be downloaded from our website www.face4pets.org.
2. FACE does not provide any funding for medical services that have already been rendered. FACE funding must be approved prior to the animal receiving treatment.
3. A fully completed estimate including the total bill, treating hospital discount of at least 25 percent, owner contribution, care credit (if applicable) and the amount requested of FACE. The estimate should also include all follow up care needed.
4. Medical records showing the diagnosis, prognosis and recommended course of treatment.
5. Previous year 1040 tax form for all adults responsible for caring for the animal, statements of current income and any other documents that show financial hardship
6. Results of credit applications (Care Credit, CitiHealth, etc.)
7. Contact our offices by calling (858) 450-3223. Documents may be faxed to (858) 457-3223.

Once this information is received, FACE representatives will review the application and request any additional information that is needed.

Next, the application will be forwarded to the FACE granting committee where it will be considered based on criteria including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Treatment must be for a life-threatening condition.
2. Prognosis of the patient must be good to excellent.
3. Owner’s financial hardship.  

Notes on receiving FACE Funding:

1. FACE supports spay and neuter. All animals that receive FACE funding must be spayed or neutered. If an animal is not spayed/neutered at the time funding is given, it will be sterilized at the time of the procedure if the treating veterinarian determines that it will not jeopardize the health of the animal. If sterilization can not be performed at the time of initial treatment, the owner will agree to have their animal sterilized within a set time frame determined by the treating veterinarian (based on the health of the animal).
2. FACE does not provide any funding for medical services that have already been rendered. FACE funding must be approved prior to the animal receiving emergency treatment.
3. FACE does not provide funding for routine care, long-term treatment for illness such as cancer, spay and neuter, dental care, dermatology, vaccination or cosmetic treatment. Our funds are reserved for animals who would not survive without our assistance.
4. Funding is limited to pet owners residing in San Diego county.
5. Owners need to provide photographs of their pets to the FACE Foundation. If possible, FACE will send a representative and/or the treating hospital is requested to take before and after photos.
6. All recipients of FACE funding agree to allow FACE to use their story, photos and video (if taken).
7. Recipients are asked to do whatever possible to help FACE save other family pets. This includes sending an e-mail to family and friends, volunteering when possible and participating in special events.