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Funding Policy & Eligibility For the Love of Chin
Purpose
For the Love of Chin (“FTLOC”) exists to reduce financial and informational barriers that prevent responsible dog owners in Western Pennsylvania (and Japanese Chin owners anywhere in the USA)—from accessing timely specialty and integrative veterinary care. This policy explains who we assist, what we fund, and how we make fair, transparent decisions.
“Chin Care Relief Fund” Program Scope (What We Fund)
Medically necessary care that improves prognosis or quality of life, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian. Examples include diagnostics (e.g., imaging, lab work), medications, specialty care (e.g. cardiology, dental, neurology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and orthopedic specialties), anesthesia, surgery and hospital care, and evidence‑based integrative therapies (e.g., laser therapy, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture) when part of a veterinary plan.
Educational materials (owner guides) to provide information is a separate program (“Healthy Paws Learning Network”) and not part of direct medical funding.
Eligibility
Applicant Must Be
A US Citizen and resident of Western Pennsylvania.
Age 18+ and primary caregiver of the animal; able to authorize veterinary care.
Able to demonstrate financial hardship (brief hardship statement + supporting documents such as pay stubs, benefit letter, tax returns, and other proof).
Willing to allow FTLOC to verify income proof and details with the treating veterinary practice.
Willing to allow FTLOC to use their dog’s story (including photos) about the treatment received to share with our donors and potential donors (eliminating any personal or identifiable details), on social media and other print or digital marketing campaigns (including our website), as an effort to share the work of FTLOC to secure future and ongoing funding.
Animal
Dog of any breed (preference may be given to Japanese Chin when demand exceeds available funds).
Up‑to‑date on legal requirements for rabies vaccination unless medically contraindicated per veterinarian.
Treatment
Condition must be treatable and expected to improve with care (or meaningfully reduce suffering).
Care must be provided by a licensed veterinarian or specialty hospital; a written estimate and treatment plan are required.
Funds are paid directly to the veterinary provider (no owner reimbursements).
Exclusions (Not Typically Funded)
Routine wellness (annual exams, routine vaccines, flea/tick prevention).
Elective or cosmetic procedures (e.g., tail docking, ear cropping).
Breeding, fertility services, or pregnancy‑related elective costs.
Grooming, boarding, or training.
Past due balances or services rendered before FTLOC application approval.
Diagnostics and/or treatments covered by a pet insurance policy in place for the dog.
Emergencies or life-threatening conditions that must be treated immediately.
Experimental or unproven treatments not recommended by a licensed veterinarian.
End‑of‑life costs (euthanasia/cremation) are generally out of scope; palliative care may be considered if recommended by the veterinarian as part of a treatment plan.
Award Funding Guidelines
Amount: based on the individual case/treatment plan and availability of funds.
Limit: generally, one award per household in any 12‑month period.
Payment: FTLOC pays the veterinary provider directly upon receipt of an invoice and proof of approved treatment plan. Past invoices will not be paid by FTLOC even if for the same treatment being currently submitted.
Timing: Although requests will be reviewed in a timely manner, please do not delay medical care if your pet requires it immediately.
No Guarantee: We are unable to guarantee that funding will be available to you. Please research and exhaust all other options (e.g., Care Credit, Scratch Pay, etc.) before applying.
Application & Review Process
Pre‑screen: Applicant completes a brief online form.
Documentation: Treating veterinarian provides diagnosis, treatment plan, and itemized estimate; while applicant provides hardship/income proof.
Review: Volunteer committee evaluates based on urgency, medical impact, financial need, partner support/discounts, and available funds.
Decision & Payment: We are unable to guarantee that funding will be available for every request submitted. Applicant and clinic are notified by email; and if funding can be provided, payment is issued directly to the clinic per the submitted invoice.
Transparency, Equity & Privacy
Non‑discrimination: We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
Conflict of Interest: Reviewers with potential conflicts recuse themselves.
Privacy: Applicant data is kept confidential and shared only with the treating clinic as needed to process assistance.
Appeals: There is no appeal process – decisions made by FTLOC for awarding funds (or not) and for award amounts are final and not appealable for any reason.
Disclaimer: FTLOC makes no guarantee or promise that your dog will get better; FTLOC will not be held responsible for any wrong-doing by the care provider and/or results of the treatments.