VeterinaryAssistance

The mission of the FARS Program is to help Massachusetts area cat owners currently facing financial hardships keep pets who would otherwise be surrendered to a shelter or euthanized due to the owner’s inability to afford treatment for illness/injury.

We provide this assistance through the generous support of private donors and grants.

PLEASE NOTE: FARS DOES NOT ASSIST IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS! If you are experiencing an emergency with your cat, call a local veterinarian!

Program Guidelines

Please read the program guidelines carefully before filling out an online application below. If you have questions, please call MRFRS at 978-462-0760.

  • Applications will be qualified based on financial need.
  • A cat may receive assistance once per calendar year (though the assistance may cover more than one visit to a vet if required for treatment). Multiple cats from the same household needing assistance will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  • FARS funds are for a cat’s medical problem, not for routine care. (Routine care includes, but is not limited to: spay/neuter, vaccines, flea treatments or exams.)
  • We are not able to cover the entire cost of any given situation. Each case is reviewed individually, and we reserve the right to cover only a portion of the care needed.
  • Sometimes, in the course of treating a cat with an injury or illness, a vet may also diagnose a short-term or chronic problem which may require significant financial resources to provide appropriate medical care. Given the limited resources of FARS, the financial cap on awards and the once-a-year award limitation, FARS cannot support ongoing medical costs for cats with certain diagnoses that are beyond the scope of the original FARS award.
  • In some cases, applicants may need to look for additional assistance from other sources (and will be expected to do so if the cost of care exceeds FARS limit). We are glad to offer suggestions on fundraising and other groups. In cases where the estimated costs for caring for the cat exceed the FARS award, the cat owner must cover the initial costs and FARS will cover the final costs.
  • The FARS program will make all payments directly to the veterinarian clinic or hospital handling the case. We will not reimburse any expenditures you may have made before receiving FARS assistance.
  • We require all FARS applicants to use an MRFRS approved veterinarian. The applicant is responsible for transportation costs associated with using an MRFRS approved veterinarian.
  • Most awards will be for $500 or less. Under special circumstances, the program can award up to $1,000. All awards are paid directly to the veterinarian.
  • FARS awards are valid for up to six weeks.
  • The FARS program cannot respond to emergencies. Applications take up to 3-5 days to process. If you are experiencing an emergency with your cat, please seek alternative resources for care.
I have read and understand the above guidelines and I’m ready to submit a FARS application.

FARS Program FAQs

What care is eligible?
  • Dentals
  • TPLO(Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy)/other cruciate surgery
  • Intestinal blockages
  • Amputations
  • Echocardiograms
  • X-rays
  • Broken bones
  • Enucleation
  • Urinary blockages
  • Perineal urethrostomy
  • Laceration repair
  • Ear infections
  • Mass removal
  • Other conditions/procedures
What care is not covered?
  • Chronic conditions that require regular medication or treatment
  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Vaccinations
  • Routine pet bloodwork
  • Routine exams
  • Routine fecal screen
  • Routine dewormer
  • Prescription diets
Does FARS cover emergencies?
No. FARS is not intended to be an emergency resource, as it is not monitored 24/7.
How soon can I expect to hear back after applying?
You should expect an initial response detailing the next steps in 3-5 business days.
When will I know how much FARS can contribute?
The FARS team usually responds with a contribution amount 2-3 business days after receiving an estimate for care.
How much will FARS contribute?
The contribution amount is based off of the cost of eligible care on the estimate. Most awards are for $500 or less, but it is a case-by-case program.
How often can FARS help my cat?
Each cat is eligible for care once every 12 months.
What if I have multiple cats that need help?
Cats from the same household needing care will be handled on a case-by-case basis. An application should be submitted for each cat requiring care.