We are piloting a new program to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care for residents of Vancouver Island. Please read the entire page to see the things we can support and the things that are excluded.
Excluded animals:
As an organization whose goal is to help reduce animal over population, we do not support breeding of animals. As a result, any pregnant/breeding pet, or any pure bred animals are excluded from this program.
Additional requirements:
- You must live on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.
- You must provide proof of eligibility (uploaded) in your online application below.
- You must have owned/rescued/adopted this animal more than 1 year ago.
- We will only offer a subsidy maximum of $500 (IBKC will pay 50% of the bill up to a maximum of $500)
- Eligible Animals: Vouchers may be used for either cats or dogs.
- Household Limit: A maximum of two (2) animals per household may be approved under this program.
- Eligibility Verification: Only individuals who are currently receiving Income Assistance through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, recipients of the Provincial Persons with Disabilities (PWD) program, or Guaranteed Income Assistance (GIS) are eligible to apply.
Our goal will be to review applications within 24-48 hours. If you require an URGENT appointment, please contact Harbour Veterinary Clinic reception at 250.580.2322 who will request a review as soon as possible (ASAP). Please NOTE: the reception staff do NOT have the authority to approve applications so if cost and afforability is an issue do not book your appointment until you have received a response to your application.
Once Approved:
- You must book and attend your appointment within 14 days or your voucher will expire.
- We will only cover expenses at Harbour Veterinary Clinic (www.harbourvet.ca)
- This is a cost sharing model. IBKC will pay for 50% of the bill and you will be responsible for the remainder. For clarity, you will have to pay 50% of the entire bill at the appointment. For example, if the bill for services and medicine is $600 in total, IBKC will pay $300 and you would have to pay $300.
The following services are covered:
- Wellness exams
- Vet recommended vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, medications, bloodwork, X-rays or other basic diagnostics. See https://harbourvet.ca/prices/ for details.
- Vet recommended medications.
- Essential and urgent medical treatments.
- Euthanasia (disposal of the remains is not covered).
We don’t cover:
- Spay or Neuter Services (see our other application for spay/neuter)
- Special Food, Litter, supplements or any ongoing care.
- Miscellaneous extras such as private cremation, grooming, nail trims, anal gland expression.
- Procedures not for the benefit of the animal e.g. declaw, tail dock, etc.
- Applications from breeders or anyone convicted of animal cruelty.
Program Limitation:
Eligibility for financial assistance through Safe Harbour does not guarantee eligibility for veterinary services at Harbour Veterinary Clinic. All clients must remain in good standing with the clinic and follow clinic policies, including respectful communication with staff and attendance requirements. Harbour Veterinary Clinic reserves the right to decline or discontinue veterinary-client relationships at its discretion. In these situations, Safe Harbour funding cannot be used at another veterinary clinic and assistance through the program may be withdrawn.
Emergencies:
Harbour Veterinary Clinic is not an emergency hospital. They can try and accommodate urgent appointments but if your pet is experiencing the following please go to your local emergency department:
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme lethargy
- Trauma or active bleeding
If you are unsure if your pet is experiencing an emergency please call the hospital to get their expert advice:
VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, 760 Roderick St, (250) 475-2495
Waves, 947 Langford Pkwy, (778) 432-4322