Veterinary Care Financial Assistance

We fund ongoing veterinary care for dogs and cats living with chronic illness. Grants are paid directly to the clinic, supporting treatment over time rather than a one-time emergency.

We offer grants up to $5,000 per year, for up to three years, for Santa Clara County families managing a dog or cat’s chronic illness. Grants are paid directly to the treating veterinary clinic.

To qualify you must share the following:

  • A confirmed diagnosis
  • A good to excellent prognosis, both short and long term
  • A recommended treatment plan
  • Medical records supporting the diagnosis and prognosis
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Ability to cover 25% of monthly treatment costs for the chronic illness

We can help pay for:

  • Lab work and diagnostics related to the chronic condition (after the initial workup)
  • Ongoing treatments and medications for the chronic condition
  • Palliative and quality of life care for the chronic condition

Note: We are working very hard in the background to make this program accessible by October 2026. 

A brown and white dog is being examined by a veterinarian.

The Veterinary Care Financial Assistance Program is made possible by the Diesel Fund, created in honor of Diesel’s legacy.

A dog or cat with a good prognosis of a chronic illness can live a long, healthy life with the right veterinary care and support. For many families, the cost of that care is out of reach. Your contribution to the Diesel Fund helps ensure finances are never the reason a pet doesn’t get the care they need.

Please read the requirements carefully:

We want to make this process as smooth as possible for you. Please take a moment to read this page carefully before submitting your application. Missing information can delay or affect your application, so we want to make sure you have everything ready. We will be in touch by email within 24 hours, so if you haven’t heard from us, please check your spam folder before reaching out.

You must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Live in Santa Clara County, California and provide proof of residency.
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be the primary caregiver for your pet.
  • Have a household income within federal poverty guidelines.
  • Provide documentation of financial need, such as tax returns or government assistance verification.
  • Have applied for CareCredit or ScratchPay and been denied, or approved for less than your pet’s treatment costs.
  • Have no other available resources, such as stocks, bonds, or savings, to cover treatment.
  • Be able to contribute 25% of monthly treatment costs.
  • Cover the cost of your pet’s initial exam with the partner clinic.
  • The treatment plan must focus on managing chronic illness.
  • Veterinary services or treatments completed before grant approval. This includes any care listed on an estimate you have already signed and approved with your clinic.
  • Participate in a brief follow-up interview and share your pet’s story with the Diesel’s FootPrint community, which may include photographs, for fundraising and awareness purposes

Your pet must:

  • Be a dog or cat.
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of a chronic, non-surgical condition requiring specialty care.
  • Have a fair to excellent prognosis, both short and long term.
  • Have a recommended ongoing treatment plan focused on managing the chronic condition.

This program does not cover:

  • Routine or preventive care, including vaccinations, spay or neuter, parasite preventives, dental treatment, reproductive or breeding evaluations, breeding-related complications, cosmetic procedures and their complications, emergencies, and surgeries.
  • Treatment completed before approval, including services or deposits already paid.
  • The initial specialist consultation.
  • Care provided by anyone other than a licensed veterinary specialist.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Please wait for confirmation before scheduling or approving any treatment. Both you and your veterinarian will be notified once a decision has been made.