IMOM Financial Aid

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Click on the question to read the answer. Questions are in no particular order.


1) My pet has already been treated because it was an emergency and could not wait. Why can't IMOM help me pay the bill?

IMOM cannot help pay the bill because your pet has already had treatment and is out of danger.  Sadly, there are lots of others who won't get treatment unless IMOM intervenes.

Very simply stated, IMOM is in business to help sick pets get the veterinary care they need -- not to help pay outstanding vet bills.


2) How do I get financial aid from IMOM?

The best, easiest and fastest way to get financial aid from IMOM is to read the step by step instructions on our site.  Don't skip around -- you will only confuse yourself.

It's a very simple process if you follow the step-by-step instructions.

In the time it takes for you to contact the financial aid committee with your questions, and for a volunteer to get back to you, you could have already read through the steps.


3) Why can't I simply call IMOM instead of doing everything through the web site?

IMOM has no phone available for incoming calls from anyone other than veterinary professionals. As volunteers all working from different locations it would not be possible to conduct business over the phone.


4) What is the fastest way to get financial aid for my pet?

There are no shortcuts. The fastest, and only way to apply for financial aid is to read the step-by-step instructions. Anything else takes more time and your pet will continue to suffer.


5) How long does it take before I get an answer and know if IMOM can help or not?
The answer to this question really depends more on how quickly you can complete the step-by-step instructions.  Realistically, everything IMOM needs to do, once you have submitted your application, doesn't usually take more than two hours.  However please keep in mind that there may be times when we have no volunteers available.

6) Why does IMOM require so many documents from applicants?
IMOM is a charity registered with the Federal Government. There are a number of documents that must be maintained in our permanent files.

We also have to be very frugal with our funds. IMOM has no sponsors. Our funds come from regular folks who make personal sacrifices so they can make donations to our charity. We owe it to them to make good use of their hard earned money.

7) Why do I need to have my veterinarian fill out the Veterinarian's Pet Information Form (VPIF)?
The VPIF gives us much of the information we need in order to process your application.  It tells us if the veterinarian is willing to work with the payment policies of our charity and gives us vital information pertaining to the condition of your pet.

8) Why does IMOM need an itemized written estimate from the veterinarian who will be taking care of my pet?
IMOM cannot help if we don't have something in writing to let us know how much money is needed and what it's for.

9) Does IMOM help any kind of pet?

Absolutely!

10) I live in Canada.  May I apply for financial aid?
If your veterinarian will work with a US based charity and agree to our payment terms, we are more than happy to accept your application.

If they are not willing, do an internet search for pet financial aid in Canada and hopefully you will find help.

One other way we might be able to help is if you live close enough to the border that you can see a veterinarian in the US.

11) How does my veterinarian get paid if my application is approved?
There is a PDF document in step 4 that explains IMOM's payment policies.

12) If my application is approved will I be expected to pay the money back?
No, IMOM does not expect the money to be paid back.  However we appreciate it if the people we've helped come back and make a donation at some point.

13) Why is it a requirement to post in the community forum every day?
Daily posting is a requirement because our community members make donations to help pets and they need to be kept informed on how the pet is doing.

14) My pet is sick but I don't have the money I need to see a vet so that I can get an estimate.  What should I do?
Contact your vet and tell them you would like to apply to a charity so your pet can be seen.  Usually if you tell them the symptoms they will have a pretty good idea of what they might need to do.  They can write their estimate based on that.  Be sure to also give them the other documents we have for veterinarians.  You will find those in step 4 of our step-by-step application process.

15) Can IMOM recommend a veterinarian?
Unfortunately, we cannot recommend a veterinarian.

16) How do I know what to expect if my application is approved?
We have everything explained on a page here in our web site.  It's titled, "Important information if your application is approved".  Click here if you would like to read it.


17) My veterinarian has never heard of IMOM and wants to know more about the organization.
If your veterinarian has never heard of IMOM and is hesitant to work with our charity, please give them a copy of documents 1 and 2 in step 4 as an introduction and explanation of our payment policies.