COMPASSION FUND

IMPORTANT: Documentation Required for Compassion Fund Review

Our committee can only make decisions using the documentation you provide. If your application indicates financial hardship but required financial documents are missing, incomplete, altered, or intentionally omitted, we cannot accurately evaluate your request.

For example, if your application lists ongoing financial obligations such as rent, a car payments, or a cell phone bill, but you state that you do not have a bank account, income, or other financial records, please explain how these obligations are currently being paid. Without that explanation, our committee may be unable to verify your financial circumstances or determine eligibility for assistance.

We do not make funding decisions based solely on statements made in the application. Providing complete and accurate documentation allows us to fairly review every applicant and ensures our limited charitable funds are distributed to the families who need them most. Incomplete applications may be placed on hold, returned for additional information, or denied until all required documentation has been received.

Bank Statements

Must include your name
*please remove account number, if listed
Must be most recent statement, all pages

Pay Stubs or W-2

Must include your name
*please remove your social security number, if listed
Must be most recent

Family Name of Applicant

First NameLast Name

Provide the name of the pet who needs a one-time assistance?

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Are you at least 18 years old?

Is this your first time applying for the CHEW Compassion Fund?

Are you currently employed?

What is your yearly income

How long have you been unemployed?

(required) Supportive Documentation:

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: W-2 Form, recent pay stub, Social Security benefits statement, disability benefits documentation, welfare assistance documentation, unemployment benefits statement, Medicaid documentation

(optional) Other circumstances that indicate financial hardship

Proof of bankruptcy settlement , catastrophic situations, death or disability in family, divorce, or other documentation that prove financial hardship.

Upload proof of identity here (i.e Current Driver’s License, Passport, State-Issued Identification Card):

The Compassion Fund is 100% donor-driven. Without your story and a photo, we simply cannot fundraise effectively. If we are unable to replenish the funds granted, it directly impacts the next family in need.Sharing your story and a photo is strongly encouraged, as it helps personalize your situation and can greatly assist in future fundraising efforts. A picture also strengthens the connection with donors and helps raise awareness. Would you be willing to upload a picture and share your story for the committee’s review? Your submission may also be featured on our social media to support the fund.

How to Capture the Best Photo for the Compassion Fund

Include at Least One Person (very important): The picture should contain at least one person alongside the pet. This helps create a personal connection and allows donors to immediately relate to the story. Seeing both the pet and their owner emphasizes the bond between them, making the story more impactful and relatable.
Avoid Selfies: If possible, please have someone else take the picture. Selfies can often result in awkward angles or poor focus. A photo taken by another person will provide a clearer, more professional-looking image.
Show Affection: Ask for photos where the person is interacting with the pet—petting, holding, or simply looking at each other. These moments convey a deeper bond.
Clear Focus: Make sure both the pet and person are in focus, with no blurry or out-of-focus shots. A sharp image helps create a stronger connection.
Natural Lighting: Take photos in natural light, such as near a window or outdoors, to avoid harsh shadows and overexposure. Natural light makes the photo look more welcoming and genuine.
Avoid Distractions: Choose a clean background with minimal clutter. A simple, neutral background ensures that the pet and person stand out and the image looks polished.
No Filters or Heavy Editing: While filters might make the photo look nice, they can distort the pet’s true appearance. Keep the photo as natural and unaltered as possible to maintain authenticity.
No Flash Photography: Flash can create harsh lighting and red-eye. Recommend avoiding it to keep the image warm and inviting.

Upload a picture of your pet with the person who loves them

Your story is incredibly important.It puts meaning behind the picture and helps donors connect with your situation. Please don’t worry about perfect grammar or spelling – we will pull sections from your story to create a powerful message that resonates with those who are willing to help.Tell us why you need assistance from the Compassion Fund. Share a little about your financial hardship and how it’s affecting your ability to care for your pet.Let us know what your pet means to you—how long you've had them and why they are such an important part of your life. Whether it’s their companionship, comfort, or the unique bond you share, we want to understand what makes them so special to you.Your story helps make your situation real to our donors, and that’s what can inspire their support.

While leaving a review on Yelp or Google isn’t required, it can make a big difference in helping us continue our successful fundraising efforts. Many donors look at these reviews before deciding to contribute, so your feedback can play a crucial role in supporting our mission. Would you be willing to leave us a review?

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions. I affirm and certify that all the information and answers to questions herein are complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

THIRD PARTY RESOURCES

We strongly encourage applicants to consider applying for Cherry, CareCredit and/or ScratchPay. While these applications are not required, they can help identify available financial options, as it is not guaranteed that the Compassion Fund will cover the full cost of care.

We recommend completing these applications as soon as possible. Waiting to explore financing options can delay care, especially in time-sensitive situations. These options provide real-time approval or denial decisions.

Financing Options Overview:

Cherry CHERRY LINK
Cherry is a “treat now, pay later” payment plan that allows you to break costs into manageable payments. The application takes about a minute and uses a soft credit check with no impact to your credit score. Plans can range from short-term interest-free options to longer-term monthly payments, depending on approval.

CareCredit CARE CREDIT LINK
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used for veterinary services. If approved, you receive a line of credit that can be reused for future visits. Many plans offer promotional periods (such as no interest if paid within a set time), but if the balance is not paid off within that period, interest may be applied. Prequalification uses a soft credit check, but completing the full application may involve a hard credit inquiry.

ScratchPay SCRATCHPAY LINK
ScratchPay is a payment plan (loan) specifically designed for veterinary care. It allows you to split costs into fixed monthly payments. The application process uses a soft credit check and does not impact your credit score. Plans typically range from short-term no-interest options to longer-term monthly payments depending on approval.

The Compassion Fund is supported by donations, and available funds may be limited at the time of application.

Although every application is reviewed individually, assistance is not guaranteed. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation may be delayed or denied.

Compassion Fund

The Compassion Fund is made possible through generous donations from external supporters, and grants awarded do not require repayment.