RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation

The mission of the RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation (CAF) is to ensure that all pets have access to compassionate veterinary care.  The CAF provides qualified, low-income owners with financial assistance to reduce the cost of their pets’ wellness visits and treatment for illness and injury. Established in 2004, the CAF is the first veterinary-based assistance program in the nation.

Since the program’s inception, CAF has dispersed funding via grants recommended by veterinary practices that are members of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA). Each RIVMA member practice receives an annual CAF allocation based on the number of veterinarians on staff, dollars that are available for the practice to use in assisting low-income clients. This system works well and the number of pets receiving treatment has increased each year. In May 2013, the CAF launched a voucher program as an alternative means of providing low-income pet owners with access to veterinary care. $125 vouchers are provided to income-qualified pet owners who contact the CAF directly seeking assistance. In 2020, the organization experienced unprecedented demand and distributed more than $120,000 throughout the state to aid in the treatment of hundreds of pets of low-income owners.

For more information about CAF programs and services, or to make a donation, visit the CAF website, www.ripets.org.