The L.O.V.E Project
Veterinary Care Assistance Voucher Application
Applicants are advised not to delay necessary veterinary treatment while awaiting a funding determination. If an animal requires immediate medical attention, it is the owner's responsibility to obtain veterinary care without delay. The L.O.V.E. Project cannot guarantee financial assistance, and any delay in treatment may jeopardize the animal's health or prognosis.
Financial assistance is subject to funding availability, program eligibility requirements, and case-specific review. Due to limited resources and the number of requests received, not all applications can be approved.
Prior to applying, applicants must obtain a diagnosis and recommended treatment plan from a licensed veterinarian. Applications lacking a diagnosis and treatment plan cannot be considered for assistance.
Basic guidelines to apply:
- You must be seeking assistance for one animal with a life-threatening injury or illness that requires urgent and specific treatment.
- Must have a current diagnosis and treatment plan from a veterinarian. The emergency veterinary care program cannot pay for office exams or testing. There may be other options available from other local organizations to assist with exam fees.
- Applicants receiving financial assistance must agree to provide periodic updates and photographs of the animal upon request by Kern County Animal Services.
- Please make sure that you have given permission to your veterinary office to release information to Kern County Animal Services. Being unable to receive information about your pet from the veterinary office can delay or prevent our assistance.
- Financial assistance may be available for humane euthanasia when a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and determined that euthanasia is the most appropriate and humane course of action.
- Award amounts, if approved, may vary significantly between cases. The Department reserves the right to approve, partially approve, or deny any request for assistance.
This program cannot help if any of the following are true:
- The animal has received most or all of their treatment.
- The animal’s needs are for:
- ongoing conditions or treatments (such as chemotherapy/radiation, special diets, Cushing's)
- testing or diagnostic work (such as X-rays, MRI, or blood work)
- routine care (such as non-emergency spay/neuter, vaccinations, or annual exams)
- a follow-up visit after main treatment is done