About FACE:

Established in 2006 by a group of veterinarians and concerned community members, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care.

The Problem: Economic Euthanasia

Each year, many animals are brought to their veterinarian with life-threatening conditions. Sadly, many owners cannot afford the critical care their beloved pets need to survive. They are left with one choice—euthanasia. Thousands of treatable pets are euthanized in veterinary hospitals annually.  According to CPI reports, 13.8% of San Diegans fall below poverty level and 33% of San Diegans do not earn enough to cover basic expenses.

The Solution: The Save A Life Program

FACE’s Save A Life Program was created to address the tragedy of economic euthanasia. What started out as a beautiful vision to stop the surrender and euthanasia of beloved family pets has become a supportive center where families in crisis can get a helping hand to save their pets’ lives. FACE grantees are typically low-income families, senior citizens, veterans, military families, students, disabled individuals, or hard-working families and individuals who struggle to survive paycheck to paycheck. With a tagline of “Saving Pets and Helping Families,” FACE’s work is just as important for the animals we save as it is for the families who are spared the heartbreak of losing their best friend. Check out our Success Stories page to meet some of the animals FACE has saved!

Achieving Our Mission:

FACE proudly works with over 176 veterinary hospitals throughout San Diego County. Veterinary partners make FACE’s work possible by generously discounting their services for qualified FACE patients by at least 25%, and helping to fundraise whenever possible.