Pais It Forward
Helping families move forward when cancer makes time matter most.
APPLICATIONS COMING SOON. This guide explains Pais It Forward’s launch eligibility criteria and program approach. Join our email list to be notified when applications open and approved veterinary partners are announced.
Pais It Forward provides limited financial assistance to help families pursue veterinarian-directed cancer care for their dogs when cost would otherwise be a barrier. We believe meaningful care can include treatment intended to extend life, improve comfort, or support quality of life—even when cancer is not curative.
To be considered for assistance, applicants must meet all of the following launch criteria:
The dog has a confirmed cancer diagnosis and a veterinarian-recommended plan for future cancer care through a Pais It Forward approved veterinary partner.
The family demonstrates financial need.
The request is for future eligible care. Pais It Forward cannot reimburse expenses that have already been paid or treatment that has already been completed.
The dog does not have active pet insurance.
Meeting the criteria does not guarantee funding. All requests are reviewed case by case and are subject to available program funds.
Many canine cancers are not curable. A good prognosis is not required for eligibility. We consider the veterinarian-recommended treatment plan, anticipated benefit to the dog’s quality of life, financial need, the estimate and timing of care, and available program funds. We may confirm relevant information with the treating veterinary provider.
Not every eligible request can be funded. Pais It Forward makes decisions with care, compassion, and responsible stewardship of available resources.
Pais It Forward assistance is available only for care provided through an approved veterinary partner. Participating veterinary partners will be announced when applications open.
Pais It Forward may help fund veterinarian-directed cancer care, including:
Oncology consultations and diagnostic testing related to the treatment plan
Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and supportive care
Integrative therapies recommended by the treating veterinary provider
Funding decisions are based on the recommended plan, financial need, and available resources.
Treatment, services, or invoices that have already been completed or paid for
Care that is not related to a confirmed cancer diagnosis
Care that is not recommended or overseen by a licensed veterinary provider
Care that is not provided through a Pais It Forward approved veterinary partner
Expenses paid directly to an applicant, including travel, lodging, or general pet expenses
Costs for dogs with active pet insurance
When applications open, please have the following ready:
A veterinarian-recommended treatment plan from a Pais It Forward approved veterinary partner
An itemized estimate from that approved veterinary partner showing the remaining cost of future care
One document that helps demonstrate financial need, such as recent pay stubs, a current benefits letter, unemployment or disability documentation, or—if self-employed—a recent tax return with Social Security numbers redacted
Applicants will also be asked to confirm that their dog has no active pet insurance and to authorize Pais It Forward to communicate with the treating veterinary provider. We may request medical records or additional information if needed to review a completed application.
For privacy, please do not send financial documents to our general email inbox. Upload instructions will be provided when applications open.
1. Review eligibility — Before applying, families should confirm that their dog and recommended treatment plan meet the criteria in this guide.
2. Submit an application — When applications open, families will share information about their dog, the recommended care, and their financial circumstances.
3. We review and verify — Pais It Forward reviews completed applications and may confirm relevant medical details and the estimate with the treating veterinary provider.
4. We coordinate payment — If approved, assistance is paid directly to the treating veterinary provider toward future, veterinarian-directed cancer care.
At launch, Pais It Forward assistance is a one-time grant award toward a specific, future treatment plan. One grant may be active per dog at a time.
Approved awards are valid for 30 days after approval and are paid directly to the approved veterinary provider. If care is not scheduled or the award is not used within that period, the award may expire and funds may be returned to the program for other families. Extensions may be considered when delays are outside the family’s control.
A new request may be considered if a dog’s treatment plan materially changes, but additional assistance is not guaranteed.
Assistance is generally a partial contribution; Pais It Forward cannot guarantee full funding of a treatment plan.
Award amounts are determined case by case based on the recommended treatment plan, financial need, and available resources.
Pais It Forward aims to review completed applications within 48 hours. Some requests may take longer if additional information or provider confirmation is needed.
Pais It Forward is not an emergency fund and cannot guarantee same-day funding. Families whose dogs need immediate medical attention should contact their veterinary provider or an emergency veterinary hospital.
At launch, assistance is limited to care provided through approved veterinary partners. As the partner network grows, availability may expand.
Pais It Forward may update these guidelines as the program grows and learns from families and veterinary partners.
QUESTIONS OR FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS? Families may contact us with questions. Veterinary providers interested in future partnership opportunities may contact info@paisitforward.com.