Question 1

How do I apply for financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Ask For Help page to apply for assistance.

Question 2

Do you help other animals besides dogs?

Accepted Answer

At this time, Dogslife only provides financial assistance for the treatment of dogs.

Question 3

Does my dog need a diagnosis before I can apply?

Accepted Answer

In order for an application to be considered by Dogslife, your dog must have been diagnosed and given a recommended treatment plan (including estimated cost) by a board certified veterinary oncologist.

Question 4

How does the application review process work and how long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Once your online application is received (including all necessary supporting documents), Dogslife will review your application (the time for initial review can vary, however is typically within 3-5 business days). If your application is accepted for further review, Dogslife will request supporting documentation/information from both your primary veterinarian and your board certified veterinary oncologist and a background check will be ran.
 
After all supporting documents/information is received (from you, your primary veterinarian, and your board certified oncologist), Dogslife will send all medical records to one of its contracted third party consulting board certified veterinary oncologists to review.
 
The third party consultant's report, together with all other supporting documentation, will then be reviewed by Dogslife's Board of Directors and a determination will be made as to the amount of assistance, if any, we will be able to provide.
 
The review process from the point of receiving an application to the point where Dogslife makes a determination of the level of assistance typically takes between five to ten business days, however, could take longer.

Question 5

What supporting documents will Dogslife request from me?

Accepted Answer

The following documents will need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
Income verification documents (the past year's tax return and potentially recent pay stubs if you have changed jobs). If separate returns are filed for others in your household, we will require records for them as well.
Signed "Primary Veterinarian Medical Records Release Form (template is embedded within the application) - this will allow us to talk to your veterinarian
Signed "Veterinary Oncologist Medical Records Release Form" (template is embedded within the application) - this will allow us to talk to your oncologist
Primary veterinarian records for your dog (should include latest vaccination records)
All veterinary oncologist records including information about your dog's diagnosis, recommended treatment plan(s), and estimated cost(s)

Note that in certain cases, additional documentation may be requested. All requested supporting documents and information must be received with your application in order for Dogslife to begin its review process.

Question 6

What factors are considered in determining whether an application is approved or not?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple factors that go into our determination to approve or deny an application, including, but not limited to, the applicants financial situation, the funds Dogslife has available, and the dog's diagnosis/prognosis.

Question 7

Will Dogslife reimburse for services for which an applicant has already paid for?

Accepted Answer

No. Payments will only be made directly to board certified oncologists for approved treatments if the grant is awarded.  We do not reimburse for treatments before the application is approved, including treatment that occurs during the application process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS