Bow Wow Buddies Foundation® FAQS

Ensuring Lifelong Tail Wags

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation gives a second chance to sick and injured dogs in need. Our nonprofit organization is committed to providing medical care funds to dog parents struggling to cover their veterinary bills for serious conditions. We also strive to help rescue organizations and shelters in need of assistance to cover necessary medical treatments for dogs awaiting adoption. Take a look at our FAQs for more information. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions you may have.

Who is eligible for a grant?

Individuals, families, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and government animal shelters may all apply for a grant for one dog per calendar year. Grants may cover necessary medical treatment for the dog for a one-time scenario.

Ailments that are eligible include, but are not limited to:

• Broken limb repair
• Intestinal blockage
• Amputation
• Cancer treatment
• Other life-altering procedures

Grants may not be used for preventative care, spay or neuter surgery, dental cleaning or surgery, ongoing treatments, or end-of-life care.

How do I apply for a grant?

Please visit our Apply for a Grant page and fill out the application in full online. Each application must also include a photo of your dog and a current estimate from the presiding veterinarian. See a sample of a veterinarian estimate here.

Why do you require a veterinary estimate and photo of my dog?

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation requires a veterinary estimate to establish the cost of medical treatment for each grantee and ensure any approved funds are used for the medical care of the dog.

We require a photo so we can share it with current donors to thank them for their support and with future donors to encourage them to make additional donations. Please see our Dogs Helped section to see how your photo and story will be shared.

What’s the timeline for receiving a grant?

Completed grant applications are reviewed on the 1^st and 15^th of every month. After the review, notifications are sent to the applicants to let them know whether their grant request has been approved. Checks for each grant review period are distributed within five business days of the end of the review period and sent directly to the presiding veterinarian.

Completed grants include the application, current veterinary estimate, and photo of your dog. Incomplete grants will be notified, and the applicant has until the end of the next grant review period to submit the required documents. If the required documents are not received by the next grant review period, that grant request is no longer eligible to receive funds. This is to ensure grants move quickly through the process and to minimize delays.

Checks that are not cashed within 30 days of the approval date are eligible for cancellation. Please notify the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation at foundation@bowwowbuddies.com immediately if you’ve received a grant and there are delays in the medical treatment of your dog.

What is the maximum amount I can receive for a grant?

Grants up to $2,500 may be awarded. This does not mean each grant is $2,500 – The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation will determine the amount for each approved grant. Our average grant award is $1,200.

A different veterinarian is now going to perform my dog’s medical treatment. How do I make the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation aware?

If you’ve decided to change veterinarians, you must alert the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation by emailing foundation@bowwowbuddies.com before your grant request is approved or denied (meaning before the 1^st or 15^th, whichever comes next). Not providing these details on time may delay the receipt of grant funds.

How are grant funds distributed?

Checks from the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation are made out and sent to the presiding veterinarian’s office.

Checks that are not cashed within 30 days of the approval date are eligible for cancellation. Please notify the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation at foundation@bowwowbuddies.com immediately if you’ve received a grant and there are delays in the medical treatment of your dog.

Why won’t you send funds directly to me?

We don’t send funds to the families, individuals, or rescue organizations requesting the grant. Instead, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation only sends checks to the presiding veterinarians. This ensures that funds are used for the medical treatment of grant recipients. This also helps assure donors that their generous contributions help dogs in need.

What if I don’t have a veterinarian?

To be eligible for a grant, you must have a current relationship with a licensed veterinarian who can provide a detailed estimate of costs for any medical treatment your dog needs. This is to ensure that funds donated are used for medical treatments and to determine what funds can be allocated to the grantee in question.

What if I no longer need the grant?

If you no longer need the grant to help your dog, please let us know by emailing foundation@bowwowbuddies.com. This helps us re-distribute the funds to a dog in need.

Can I receive a grant for previous veterinary care?

You can apply for a grant up to 30 days after a procedure. All application processes and requirements remain the same.

Do you take volunteers?

Currently, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation does not accept volunteers. If you’d like to support the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, please contact us to see how you can help.

I want to help! How can I donate to the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation?

Thanks for supporting the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation! You can donate directly by using our Make a Donation button or by visiting a local Camp Bow Wow. You can also host your own fundraiser on behalf of the Foundation through Facebook, GoFundMe, or at a local event. For information on hosting your own event, please contact foundation@bowwowbuddies.com. We’d be happy to provide marketing materials to help support your event.

Is my donation tax deductible?

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Therefore, donations are eligible for tax deduction. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation’s EIN is 37-1544742.