Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures approved by The Sergey Foundation board as of August, 2017
I. Our Mission
The Sergey Foundation's "Companion Animal Wellness Program" goal is to respond to the needs of person(s) in Whatcom County on a limited income by subsidizing necessary medical funds for their companion animal's care when they are unable to do so.
II. Our Value Statement
Being true to our mission, we have compassion and genuine concern about the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners. We strive to provide the most assistance possible to as many as we can, all while maintaining a positive, ready-to-help attitude.
III. Our Goal Statement
Our goal is to respond to the needs of our "target population" (Residents in Whatcom County, Washington) through an on-going effort to assist financially with veterinary expenses for their companion animals.
IV. What is a Companion Animal?
A "companion animal" is a term we, The Sergey Foundation, use to refer to pets. The term "Companion Animal" has more commonly come to mean more of an assistance or service animal, but for our purposes, the term "Companion Animal" or pet means any dog, cat, or other domesticated animal residing in the presence of an owner, or person who cares for them. The term "Companion Animal" does not exclude assistance or service animals, however it does include domesticated animals, or pets, in general. The term is also not exclusive to only cats and dogs - It applies to all domestic pets.
V. Who are we?
i. Who
We are The Sergey Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003. Our goal is to provide a "Companion Animal Wellness" (CAW) Program. This program responds to the needs of persons in Whatcom County, Washington, who qualify as low-income by providing financial assistance for necessary medical treatments and procedures for their companion animals. Our vision is to be identified as a "go-to" entity, recognized for excellence, dedication and support being provided to persons in need in Whatcom County, Washington.
ii. What
We provide financial assistance to low-income households caring for companion animals that are in need of veterinary care and services. We have a special place in our hearts for those who care deeply about their companion animals, but are unable to provide necessary medical treatment for them due to financial struggles. We also serve as a resource to link owners to other sources of support within our local community such as, but not limited to, our local food bank, the Alternative Humane Society, and the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH).
iii. When
We gladly take requests for assistance via fax, email, or regular mail, and through our website. We verify income eligibility, go through board review and approval, then distribute funds to veterinarians directly. We take requests on an on-going basis and meet regularly to plan and make decisions.
iv. Where
We are located in Bellingham, Washington, and serve all of Whatcom County, which has over 200,000 citizens. Many citizens of Whatcom County are pet owners, and once a household is approved for assistance, we, The Sergey Foundation, will provide financial assistance to their veterinarian directly.
v. Why
The Whatcom County Humane Society reports an increase of pet owners giving up their pets due to financial hardships, and inability to cover necessary medical costs. With the given economy, households are more financially strapped than ever. With that in mind, we believe in the value of companionship from animals and maintaining owner-pet relationships is of great importance.
vi. How
Several organizations, both non-profits and veterinarians alike, refer low-income households unable to afford necessary veterinary treatments to us. We also refer pet owners to other local agencies when needed, such as the Bellingham Food Bank, The Opportunity Council, and Northwest Regional Council.
We are The Sergey Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003. Our goal is to provide a "Companion Animal Wellness" (CAW) Program. This program responds to the needs of persons in Whatcom County, Washington, who qualify as low-income by providing financial assistance for necessary medical treatments and procedures for their companion animals. Our vision is to be identified as a "go-to" entity, recognized for excellence, dedication and support being provided to persons in need in Whatcom County, Washington.
ii. What
We provide financial assistance to low-income households caring for companion animals that are in need of veterinary care and services. We have a special place in our hearts for those who care deeply about their companion animals, but are unable to provide necessary medical treatment for them due to financial struggles. We also serve as a resource to link owners to other sources of support within our local community such as, but not limited to, our local food bank, the Alternative Humane Society, and the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH).
iii. When
We gladly take requests for assistance via fax, email, or regular mail, and through our website. We verify income eligibility, go through board review and approval, then distribute funds to veterinarians directly. We take requests on an on-going basis and meet regularly to plan and make decisions.
iv. Where
We are located in Bellingham, Washington, and serve all of Whatcom County, which has over 200,000 citizens. Many citizens of Whatcom County are pet owners, and once a household is approved for assistance, we, The Sergey Foundation, will provide financial assistance to their veterinarian directly.
v. Why
The Whatcom County Humane Society reports an increase of pet owners giving up their pets due to financial hardships, and inability to cover necessary medical costs. With the given economy, households are more financially strapped than ever. With that in mind, we believe in the value of companionship from animals and maintaining owner-pet relationships is of great importance.
vi. How
Several organizations, both non-profits and veterinarians alike, refer low-income households unable to afford necessary veterinary treatments to us. We also refer pet owners to other local agencies when needed, such as the Bellingham Food Bank, The Opportunity Council, and Northwest Regional Council.
1. Policies
As stated on the application, assistance may be limited up to $250.00 depending on funding available for non-routine medical expenses for one pet per household, per calendar year.
a. Depending on Funding Available
The board of The Sergey Foundation will grant assistance based on available funds from their
individual sources. This includes grant givers, donations, and other fundraising efforts.
The board is bound by their agreements with their various grant and funding sources in relation
to what animals they are able to assist, and how much of a grant can be given.
b. Non-routine Medical Expenses
A non-routine expense includes most procedures and surgeries done by veterinarians, with the
exceptions of, but not limited to :
c. Limitations
For one pet per household, per calendar year, The Sergey Foundation holds the right to limit
service to applicants who have previously received services within a calendar year. Recipients
may re-apply for assistance in the next calendar year.
d. Qualification
1. Residence
The Sergey Foundation works only within Whatcom County, Washington. Residents of
Whatcom County may receive services from veterinarians outside of the county only at the discretion of the board if they cannot receive necessary treatments and services from veterinarians within Whatcom County.
2. Income
The Sergey Foundation determines if a household qualifies for assistance by following the
Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH) standards. Applicant must submit proof of income with their application to be considered for grant.
e. Emergencies
When an emergency arises, a veterinarian or pet owner may contact The Sergey Foundation and
if the situation presented proves to be life or death, a board member may expedite the voucher process and a grant will be authorized to assist in covering treatment expenses. This authorization would be limited to first response diagnostics or emergency care up to the limit of our non-routine grant amounts.
The voucher will be paid following a majority vote of the board at the following meeting.
a. Depending on Funding Available
The board of The Sergey Foundation will grant assistance based on available funds from their
individual sources. This includes grant givers, donations, and other fundraising efforts.
The board is bound by their agreements with their various grant and funding sources in relation
to what animals they are able to assist, and how much of a grant can be given.
b. Non-routine Medical Expenses
A non-routine expense includes most procedures and surgeries done by veterinarians, with the
exceptions of, but not limited to :
- Vaccinations
- On-going Medications
- On-going Maintenance care - We will assist with payment of diagnosis, blood work or a one-time treatment of an on-going condition
- Spay/Neutering, unless part of a necessary procedure or if the companion animals life is in question (i.e. Pyometra, Testicular tumors, etc.)
- Other exceptions on a case-by-case basis
c. Limitations
For one pet per household, per calendar year, The Sergey Foundation holds the right to limit
service to applicants who have previously received services within a calendar year. Recipients
may re-apply for assistance in the next calendar year.
d. Qualification
1. Residence
The Sergey Foundation works only within Whatcom County, Washington. Residents of
Whatcom County may receive services from veterinarians outside of the county only at the discretion of the board if they cannot receive necessary treatments and services from veterinarians within Whatcom County.
2. Income
The Sergey Foundation determines if a household qualifies for assistance by following the
Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH) standards. Applicant must submit proof of income with their application to be considered for grant.
e. Emergencies
When an emergency arises, a veterinarian or pet owner may contact The Sergey Foundation and
if the situation presented proves to be life or death, a board member may expedite the voucher process and a grant will be authorized to assist in covering treatment expenses. This authorization would be limited to first response diagnostics or emergency care up to the limit of our non-routine grant amounts.
The voucher will be paid following a majority vote of the board at the following meeting.
2. Procedures
1. Application
a. Veterinarians
Contact with The Sergey Foundation may be made through local veterinarians. If we, The
Sergey Foundation, receive a call from a veterinarian, every effort will be made to find available
funding for the applicant. The board will make contact with the applicant to determine if they
qualify for assistance, and if they are approved, payment will be made to the veterinarian directly.
A majority vote from the board must be given before an applicant can receive assistance.
b. Applicant
The Sergey Foundation will take applications by fax, mail and email. Applications must be
accompanied by proof of income. Once qualified, the rest of the board will be notified and a vote will
be taken. To receive assistance, a qualifying applicant must receive a majority vote from the
board.
c. Board Approval and Sign-off
The board will approve each applicant after said applicant is determined qualifying. At the next
meeting of the board, each member will initial the board application to signify their acceptance of
the recipient.
d. Voucher to the Veterinarian
After an applicant has been approved to receive assistance, the veterinarian will be notified by a
staff member about the recipients approved request for assistance and they will be sent a voucher. The voucher will include information regarding the amount that has been granted as assistance, to whom the grant applies, and a date when the voucher expires.
The signed voucher is required to be sent back to The Sergey Foundation along with an itemized
invoice for payment.
e. Payment
Upon completion of the approved procedures and having received an itemized invoice for services
provided from a veterinarian, a staff member of The Sergey Foundation will contact the
veterinarian either by phone or in person to pay in full. At that time, the veterinarian or their representative must present a signed voucher indicating they received payment for said services.
This will be done within thirty (30) days of invoice date.
a. Veterinarians
Contact with The Sergey Foundation may be made through local veterinarians. If we, The
Sergey Foundation, receive a call from a veterinarian, every effort will be made to find available
funding for the applicant. The board will make contact with the applicant to determine if they
qualify for assistance, and if they are approved, payment will be made to the veterinarian directly.
A majority vote from the board must be given before an applicant can receive assistance.
b. Applicant
The Sergey Foundation will take applications by fax, mail and email. Applications must be
accompanied by proof of income. Once qualified, the rest of the board will be notified and a vote will
be taken. To receive assistance, a qualifying applicant must receive a majority vote from the
board.
c. Board Approval and Sign-off
The board will approve each applicant after said applicant is determined qualifying. At the next
meeting of the board, each member will initial the board application to signify their acceptance of
the recipient.
d. Voucher to the Veterinarian
After an applicant has been approved to receive assistance, the veterinarian will be notified by a
staff member about the recipients approved request for assistance and they will be sent a voucher. The voucher will include information regarding the amount that has been granted as assistance, to whom the grant applies, and a date when the voucher expires.
The signed voucher is required to be sent back to The Sergey Foundation along with an itemized
invoice for payment.
e. Payment
Upon completion of the approved procedures and having received an itemized invoice for services
provided from a veterinarian, a staff member of The Sergey Foundation will contact the
veterinarian either by phone or in person to pay in full. At that time, the veterinarian or their representative must present a signed voucher indicating they received payment for said services.
This will be done within thirty (30) days of invoice date.
3. Notes and Acknowledgements
Grant Sources :
The Grey Muzzle Organization -
The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide. For more information, please visit www.GreyMuzzle.org
The Handsel Foundation -
The Handsel Foundation, established in 1990, is a small family foundation that provides financial support to animal welfare organizations, specifically providing grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to ending the cruelty and neglect suffered to many companion animals through spay/neutering, adoptions, and related programs. They typically work with smaller organizations that offer innovative solutions to these important problems.
The Grey Muzzle Organization -
The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide. For more information, please visit www.GreyMuzzle.org
The Handsel Foundation -
The Handsel Foundation, established in 1990, is a small family foundation that provides financial support to animal welfare organizations, specifically providing grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to ending the cruelty and neglect suffered to many companion animals through spay/neutering, adoptions, and related programs. They typically work with smaller organizations that offer innovative solutions to these important problems.
