Mission
Our mission is for veterinary member clinics to provide veterinary care for pets of people who are blind, disabled, or elderly and have limited financial resources; advance human and animal health; and promote the human-animal bond.
Our mission is for veterinary member clinics to provide veterinary care for pets of people who are blind, disabled, or elderly and have limited financial resources; advance human and animal health; and promote the human-animal bond.
Our History
Founded in 1973, the Animal Care Foundation was created by veterinarians in response to the need for veterinary care for pet's of people with limited financial resources. In particular, the ACF focused on providing non-emergency veterinary care for the pets of people who were disabled, blind, or elderly and who had limited financial resources. The ACF started with 40 Member Clinics in Hennepin County, MN and hopes to expand to other counties in the very near future.
The Animal Care Foundation also provided a method of organizing, documenting donations and supporting the clinics who provided services to qualified individual's pets. Member clinics voluntarily give their time and resources to help advance the human animal bond by maintaining the overall health of ACF client pets.
The ACF has also partnered with Humane organizations over the years. Through the core program and other programs the ACF member clinics have donated over 3 million dollars in veterinary services and supplies to owned pets since its inception. The member clinics receive no reimbursement or tax credits for these donations.
The Animal Care Foundation also provided a method of organizing, documenting donations and supporting the clinics who provided services to qualified individual's pets. Member clinics voluntarily give their time and resources to help advance the human animal bond by maintaining the overall health of ACF client pets.
The ACF has also partnered with Humane organizations over the years. Through the core program and other programs the ACF member clinics have donated over 3 million dollars in veterinary services and supplies to owned pets since its inception. The member clinics receive no reimbursement or tax credits for these donations.
Organizational Structure
The Animal Care Foundation is comprised of a Board of Directors, a Program Coordinator, and the Member Clinics.
Board Members serve one year terms and may serve consecutive terms. The board is responsible for maintaining incorporation documents, the 501c(3) status, tax filings, as well as recruiting new member clinics and maintaining financial integrity. They ensure that the organization remains true to its mission and is responsible for hiring, supervising, and compensating the program coordinator.
The Program Coordinator screens applicants requesting referrals, educates clients about the ACF, facilitates communication between the applicants, clients, case workers, and member clinics, and refers clients to member clinics on a rotating basis.
Member Clinics are veterinary hospitals that have agreed to donate services to those who meet the ACF eligibility requirements. Animal Care Foundation member clinics receive no compensation from any governmental program or a tax deduction for the services and goods they donate. Please refer to /services.html for the types of care available. Member clinics have the option to accept or refuse an ACF referral.
Once an ACF client has taken their pet to a member clinic the ACF Coordinator checks in with that member clinic to confirm the visit, obtain record of the visit, and determine if the client and pet will continue in the program. The coordinator tracks the value of uncompensated services by the veterinary member clinics.
Board Members serve one year terms and may serve consecutive terms. The board is responsible for maintaining incorporation documents, the 501c(3) status, tax filings, as well as recruiting new member clinics and maintaining financial integrity. They ensure that the organization remains true to its mission and is responsible for hiring, supervising, and compensating the program coordinator.
The Program Coordinator screens applicants requesting referrals, educates clients about the ACF, facilitates communication between the applicants, clients, case workers, and member clinics, and refers clients to member clinics on a rotating basis.
Member Clinics are veterinary hospitals that have agreed to donate services to those who meet the ACF eligibility requirements. Animal Care Foundation member clinics receive no compensation from any governmental program or a tax deduction for the services and goods they donate. Please refer to /services.html for the types of care available. Member clinics have the option to accept or refuse an ACF referral.
Once an ACF client has taken their pet to a member clinic the ACF Coordinator checks in with that member clinic to confirm the visit, obtain record of the visit, and determine if the client and pet will continue in the program. The coordinator tracks the value of uncompensated services by the veterinary member clinics.
How you can help
- Become a volunteer
- Offer transportation to a pet owner and their pet to a member clinic
- Assist with member clinic follow-up calls and required paperwork
- Refer an eligible pet owner in need of veterinary care
Click here for the eligibility criteria and how to apply: /to-apply.html
- For more information on how to become a veterinary member clinic please contact us: /contact-us.html
- Offer transportation to a pet owner and their pet to a member clinic
- Assist with member clinic follow-up calls and required paperwork
- Refer an eligible pet owner in need of veterinary care
Click here for the eligibility criteria and how to apply: /to-apply.html
- For more information on how to become a veterinary member clinic please contact us: /contact-us.html
To make a donation
To offer a financial donation either use the GiveMN tab, or contact the ACF Coordinator at 763-529-5060 or acfcoordinator@gmail.com
Financial donations help purchase office equipment and supplies, phone, fundraising costs, and program coordinator compensation.