A Critical Care Program for Pets

At Vital Paws, we believe no pet should be separated from their family due to financial hardship. This initiative, formed through the partnership of Koda’s Gift of Pawsitivity and Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS), is dedicated to providing financial assistance for emergency veterinary care.  By offering support when it’s needed most, we help ensure that pets receive the medical attention they deserve—while staying in the loving homes where they belong.

Who We Help…

Keeping pets safe, healthy, and where they belong—at home.

Pet Owners

Families facing unexpected vet bills
(Emergency Care, Urgent Surgeries, etc.)

Shelter Animals

Animals needing critical medical treatment (Heartworm Treatment, Urgent Surgeries, etc.)

Foster Pets

Receiving medical support to stay healthy while waiting for their forever homes.

How Funding Works…

At Vital Paws, we ensure that financial assistance is used responsibly and effectively to help pets in need. Here’s how our funding process works:

Vet-Direct Payments

Funds go directly to veterinary offices for approved medical treatments—never to individuals.

Transparent & Secure

To prevent misuse, we only issue payments to licensed veterinary clinics for necessary care.

Needs-Based Assistance

Each request is reviewed based on urgency, financial need, and available funds to help as many pets as possible.

How You Can Help…

Every act of kindness keeps pets where they belong—at home.

Ways to Make a Difference

  • Donate: Support pets in need with a one-time or recurring donation.
  • Partner With Us: Veterinary clinics & businesses can collaborate to expand our impact.
  • Spread the Word: Follow & share on social media to help more pets stay with their families.