Community Assistance
One of the biggest challenges families face in pet ownership is financial burdens created by sudden medical expenses, family emergencies, or other unforeseen reasons.
One of IMHS's goals is to help with family retention - helping keep dogs and cats in their owners' home. While we are a small shelter with limited funds, our goal is to help provide the community with resources for financial assistance when necessary.
This list is not verified, but is constantly changing as we find out about other resources. We do not necessarily have a relationship with the sources.
On many of the websites, there are links to additional sources of assistance.
Colorado Specific Assistance
Denver: The Denver Dumb Friends League Solutions Veterinary Hospital exists to prevent and alleviate suffering in pets whose caretakers would otherwise be unable to provide this care. The Solutions – Veterinary Hospital is a full service animal hospital that provides preventive care so animals are less likely to contract diseases that cause suffering, and care for injured and ill pets. They also provide surgical care, including dental procedures, for pets in need.
Boulder Valley: The Humane Society of the Boulder Valley's CARE program provides medical care and spay/neuter surgeries at a discount to low-income clients. Call 303-442-4030, ext 680.
Colorado Springs: Harley's Hope Foundation provides financial assistance with major/emergency/specialty veterinary care, financial assistance with behavioral training, short-term care for animals living with temporarily incapacitated pet parents, and other services.
Disease-Specific Assistance
Cancer:
The Magic Bullet Fund provides financial assistance for tumor removal and certain types of chemotherapy for lymphoma.
Frankie's Friends provides free or heavily discounted care for dogs enrolled in clinical programs of promising new treatments, and assists with the cost for dogs whose families cannot afford treatment.
The Riedel & Cody Fund offers grants to low-income families whose dog or cat has a cancer diagnosis, for the treatment of cancer.
General Pet Care Assistance
Red Rover Relief
RedRover Relief provides financial assistance grants and additional resources so pet owners and rescuers can care for animals who need urgent veterinary care. Visit redrover.org/grants for eligibility requirements and application.
RedRover also offers financial assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets. To learn more about this program, visit redrover.org/domestic.
The Pet Fund
The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care. These grants are for non-emergent care, but this site also provides a larger list of available resources.
Local Resources
Life Bridge Food Pantry
Are you having difficulties affording food for yourself and your animals? IMHS partners with LifeBridge Food Pantry to share food with animals in the community who are in need. If you need help feeding your dogs and cats, please reach out to LifeBridge Food Pantry for assistance.
Mountain Peace Shelter
Mountain Peace Shelter is a resource for families who are experiencing domestic abuse. It is one of the few shelters in America that offers a Safe Pet Program as well. This means that people who are accepted into the shelter can bring their beloved pets. There are cat and dog kennels on site and larger livestock can be housed by a member in the community. Just about any pet will be accepted.