In 1998, members of the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City created NY SAVE, an animal welfare organization unlike any other in the city. The purpose of NY SAVE is to financially assist low-income pet owners whose animals need either immediate veterinary care or suffer from a chronic and debilitating condition. Pet owners who provide documentation of their status to either NY Save or the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City can receive up to $1500.00 per year, per household for veterinary bills, hospitalization, special procedures and continuing medical therapy for their ailing pets. Eligible participants include many senior citizens on fixed income, pet owners on public assistance or below the poverty level, unemployed or disabled pet owners. The sole purpose of NY Save is to enable these animal-lovers to continue to care for the pets that bring so much to their lives. With over 200 New York City veterinarians participating in the program, these animals will receive the same care and the same chances as more fortunate pets.

NY Save is currently expanding. Having already established a pet memorial gift program, the organization is beginning its charter membership. The charity is solely dependent on outside contributions and well-wishers, and, to get as much help to as many animals as possible, works without centralized offices so that overhead is reduced. All donations are tax-deductible, and NY Save often holds successful fundraisers and other events to increase the range of services.

However, with emergencies making up over 60% of all veterinary hospital admissions, the demand is growing exponentially. NY Save is always grateful for donations and publicity, and hopes only to grow in the future.

For more information, please visit http://www.nysave.org.