RAPS Animal Hospital Financial Subsidized Programs:

The RAPS Animal Hospital is a unique not-for-profit veterinary clinic model that helps animals and their people. The RAPS mission is to save as many animals as possible by reducing surrenders, and by helping abandoned, stray and feral animals find forever homes.

RAPS assists animals and their people. What does this mean? Most animals in our communities reside with their human families. We recognize that helping people care for their animals reduces surrenders, abandonment and the “economic euthanization” of animals. Our goal is to help animals by helping their people also. 

Animals are surrendered for many reasons, but the largest number of animals surrendered or abandoned are a result of owners being unable to afford veterinary healthcare. The cost of veterinary care, which has increased due to inflation but also because of the advent of medical technologies and diagnostics previously limited to human healthcare, has made animal healthcare financially unattainable in too many instances.

Economic euthanasia is a sad reality of veterinary medicine and animal rescue agencies. It occurs primarily on two fronts: Institutional economic euthanasia, in which animal-serving organizations make life-and-death choices based on organizational resources, and individual economic euthanasia, in which pet guardians make the choice to euthanize based on costs of veterinary care.

Expenses associated with animal companionship vary significantly by species and breed. Cats, on average, do not cost as much to care for as dogs. Smaller dogs, on average, do not incur as many expenses as larger dogs. Larger dogs eat more, of course, which is a daily expense, and many large breeds experience health issues that are less likely to affect smaller dogs, such as hip dysplasia, cancer and other impacts caused by body size and weight. Genetic health issues that affect particular breeds can lead to greater veterinary expenses. Veterinary expenses also tend to be higher, on average, for larger dogs. For example, the amount of anesthesia alone required for a large dog undergoing a procedure can be exponentially greater than that required for the smallest breed of dog.

The emotional commitment to saving an animal’s life – a natural extension of the perception of a pet as a member of the family – comes into conflict with a household’s financial limitations. That is, pet guardians who are emotionally committed to extraordinary efforts to save the life of their pet are conversely encumbered by financial limitations. 

The nature of veterinary care has changed significantly in recent years and decades, both because of advances in veterinary science, including the expansion to animal healthcare of treatments and interventions previously limited to human healthcare, and also by social norms. Coinciding with the medical advances in veterinary science has been the changing conception of our relationship with pets. As people have transitioned from viewing pets as property (or “chattel”) and begun considering them as companion animals who are part of the family (reflected in the changing terminology from “pets” to “companion animals” or, less formally, “fur babies,” or similar), economic considerations have altered accordingly. In decades past, a dog with cancer would have been euthanized when the disease progressed to a certain level. Now, we provide full diagnostics for animals, similar to what we provide humans – blood work, ECG, ultrasound and X-rays to name a few. These are expensive procedures.
RAPS understands that veterinary care is expensive – that is why we opened the RAPS Animal Hospital.
 
Partnerships & Funding
RAPS charges for veterinary care. Not-for-profit does not mean “free vet care.” It means that 100% of the revenues generated by the RAPS Animal Hospital are reinvested back into programs that assist abandoned, surrendered, stray or feral animals and assisting people who cannot afford veterinary care.

The not-for-profit model opens doors to a range of untapped revenue-generation sources, including philanthropic supports such as foundation grants, tax-receipted contributions for programs such as community spay/neuter clinics or emergency cases funds, and meaningful partnerships with socially responsible corporations, educational facilities and other organizations. These subsidies are funded through social enterprise of RAPS Thrift Stores and the revnues generated at the RAPS Animal Hospital. These partnerships and funding sources allow RAPS to provide partial or fully subsidized care to animal rescue organizations and the public. Since opening in 2018, RAPS has provided more than $3 million worth of subsidized care.

RAPS operates the RAPS Animal Hospital as a social enterprise (a business run by a charity), generating revenues that are reinvested back into the community as a public good. None of these funding opportunities or partnerships are available to for-profit veterinary clinics. As an example, new and expensive state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, such as in-house blood and urine analysis, as well as dental and full-body X-ray and ultrasound machines, have been donated to the RAPS Animal Hospital, as was the 6,000 square feet of space that houses the hospital facility.
 
Charging for Veterinary Care
Veterinarian care in Canada is the same as private healthcare (unlike the Canada healthcare system, which is universal and paid for by government). Canadians are not used to seeing medical bills after visiting the hospital and therefore are unaware of treatments cost. RAPS Animal Hospital is not subsidized by government grants. 

As a social enterprise, RAPS charges for veterinary care. Like any other business, RAPS must pay for staffing and general operations (employees, phones, electrical, supplies, etc.) to keep the hospital operational. RAPS, similar to all other veterinary clinics, must attract the brightest and most experienced veterinarians, vet techs and support staff in a highly competitive industry where staff are in desperately short supply. It costs a lot of money to run the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Therefore, like any other business, RAPS charges for services. RAPS asks the public to make the RAPS Animal Hospital their first choice in veterinary care, knowing that 100% of revenues generated are reinvested back into RAPS to save the lives of more animals and to help more people. You have a choice where to spend your money, knowing it will do the most amount of good. Examples of where the money is invested include assisting the homeless, shelters for victims of domestic violence, people in subsidized housing, seniors, animal rescue organizations and people experiencing financial hardship (to name a few).

The Goals of RAPS Animal Hospital
The goal of the RAPS Animal Hospital is to provide veterinary care to the paying public, which in turn subsidizes treatment for those in need and for the thousands of animals RAPS cares for each year. The patronage and support of the paying public saves and improves the lives of many more animals. As an example, RAPS operates Canada’s largest cat sanctuary, home to hundreds of cats. It can cost upwards of $400,000 a year to provide medical care for these cats. By being a client of RAPS Animal Hospital, your fees go towards saving the lives of these cats. Your fees also go towards caring for the many dogs in RAPS’ foster program and helping other animal rescue groups.

Like any other charity, RAPS receives donations from individual donors, private foundations and corporations, and we have fundraisers to subsidize our hospital operations. 

Together, the staff with the state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide exceptional healthcare and community support at the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Cat Spay and Neuters
RAPS, as an organization that started out saving feral cats, is committed to assisting with low-cost spay and neuters of cats. You are welcome to apply for a subsidy for this service and RAPS will assist on a first-come-first-served basis and depending on available resources and in-house hospital capacity.

Applying for a RAPS Subsidy
RAPS wants to help as many people as possible, in turn helping as many animals as possible. But our resources are limited. RAPS subsidies under this Subsidized Program Section include Gift Cards, VIP Program, Interest-free Payment Plans and any other free services or discounted services provide by RAPS. Apply here: https://www.rapsanimalhospital.com/application-for-community-vet-assistance.html.

RAPS has a variety of programs to help the public with veterinary care. RAPS attempts to lessen the expense of veterinary care for our clients by providing financial assistance programs. These include:

Interest Free Payment Plans. 

• RAPS provides interest-free payment plans, which are subsidized by our donors. These plans assist clients in making affordable monthly payments over an extended period of time. Each plan is different based on the individual needs of the client and depending on the overall cost of the treatment.
• Clients are required to pay 50% of the cost upfront, with the remaining 50% eligible for the extended interest-free payment plan.

 
VIP Cards

• Clients in need are provided a VIP card entitling them to 25% off all charges for RAPS’ in-house services. These cards have restricted rights and are provided as a privilege, not as a right. Please see https://www.rapsanimalhospital.com/vip-members.html for conditions.

 
Gift Cards

• Family or friends can purchase gift cards to the RAPS Animal Hospital without the expense of a fundraising platform. These gift cards can be used to help individuals who require assistance. 

Partial or Fully Subsidized Support Care Conditions:

1. RAPS provides mostly subsidized medical care to clients in need. These subsidies generally cover partial expenses although, in extraordinary circumstances, may fully subsidize medical costs. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and at the sole discretion of RAPS. Subsidized care provided by RAPS is ONLY for RAPS’ in-house services and not for any outside services or for any treatments at another veterinary hospital.
2. Decisions to provide subsidized care are made only if RAPS has the resources to help at the time the request is made.
3. RAPS uses many criteria to determine who we can help based on:
   1. RAPS’ resources available to help at the time when the request is made.
   2. The cost of the treatment. Limited resources mean less expensive treatments are more likely to be subsidized.
   3. Whether the treatment can be completed at the RAPS Animal Hospital without incurring external costs.
   4. Whether the animal requiring treatment is likely to require additional expensive treatments that the guardian cannot afford. 
   5. The personal financial circumstances of the individual requesting assistance.
   6. The number of requests for assistance RAPS is currently experiencing.
   7. Whether the client has spent funds at a private veterinary clinic before approaching RAPS for subsidized treatment, in which case we ask the client to first request the private veterinary clinic complete the treatment for which they have received at least partial payment. Clients who come to RAPS first, at the beginning of the required treatment, have a better chance of obtaining approval for financial subsidies.
   8. Clients who are respectful and accommodating have a better chance of obtaining RAPS’ assistance. Clients who are rude and demanding are likely to be denied assistance.
   9. RAPS prioritizes who we help first: Animals in RAPS’s care; animals adopted from RAPS; animals in the care of allied animal rescue organizations; clients in shelters for people who are homelessness or experiencing domestic violence; seniors with limited incomes; people in subsidized housing; people with adopted animals; people affected by a debilitating condition (or caring for someone who has a debilitating condition); and people facing difficult financial times through no fault of their own.
4. RAPS, at its sole discretion, and in RAPS’ best judgment, may refuse to accept a recipient for subsidized benefits.
5. RAPS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse any person services at the RAPS Animal Hospital.
6. RAPS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to revoke any benefits, even if previously offered, without liability, to any person. 
7. RAPS reserves the right to include or exclude any services or products for subsidy. Examples of exclusions include (but are not limited to):
   1. Any service not provided by a RAPS DVM or staff.
   2. Elective services requiring payment by RAPS to third parties. 
   3. Grooming services. 
   4. Any products or materials (such as pharmaceuticals, pet foods, medications and other products prescribed or advised for your pet). 
   5. Any non-in-house diagnostics.
   6. Any external charges incurred by RAPS Animal Hospital from outside suppliers are not included (example: external blood analysis, external x-ray reviews, visiting DVM external ultrasound specialist, external surgical DVM brought in or other external medical consulting DVMs, specialists or services RAPS has to pay for outside services). 
8. Clients must agree to have assigned all an animal's medical files to the RAPS Animal Hospital, including proof of legal agency of the pet(s). Clients must be over 18 years of age, and have authorization to treat the pet. 
9. Getting subsidized treatment at RAPS is a privilege, not a right, provided by RAPS to individuals on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of RAPS. RAPS reserves the right to refuse services.
10. At no time whatsoever under any circumstance shall RAPS provide any client any monies to spend at any other veterinary clinic. 
11. RAPS shall not under any circumstances pay for any procedures at another veterinary clinic.
12. Obtaining subsidized treatment at RAPS is subject to these rules, which are listed on the RAPS website and it is the client’s sole responsibility to read these rules and abide by their regulations.
13. Client agrees not to attempt to interfere or hamper, in any way, the proper operations of the RAPS Animal Hospital. 
14. Any subsidy benefits provided by RAPS are strictly for use and are applicable ONLY at the RAPS Animal Hospital. 
15. In case of suspected fraud, misrepresentation, abuse, or violation of the rules, RAPS reserves the sole discretion and right to take appropriate administrative and/or legal action, including the termination of subsidy and participation as a client of the RAPS Animal Hospital.
16. By personal contact information, client agrees to receive emails, text messages (standard message and data rates may apply), or similar electronic account messages about events and promotions from RAPS. 
17. Client can withdraw consent at any time by calling, mailing or emailing the RAPS Animal Hospital with the understand that no further assistance shall be provided by RAPS.
18. All interpretations of these RAPS Partial or Fully Subsidized Support Care Conditions terms shall be at afforded in the best interest of RAPS. 
19. RAPS' failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these rules shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
20. Client agrees to follow all rules and regulations for proper conduct at the RAPS Animal Hospital. This includes proper animal conduct. For example, dogs must be leashed, loud or reactive dogs must be muzzled and cats must be kenneled. Client is solely responsible for the behaviours and actions of animals while under client’s supervision on RAPS’ premises including, but not limited to the RAPS reception area, waiting rooms and common areas.
21. Being a Client of the RAPS Animal Hospital is privilege and not a right. RAPS reserves the right to deny service to any person, especially individuals who are rude, disorderly, difficult, abusive, disparaging of the organization, refuse to pay their bills, cause real or perceived harm to RAPS. Clients are encouraged to handle all issues they may have with RAPS confidentially and collaboratively directly and not through public forums.
22. Non-Disparaging: Client warrants and agrees that in exchange for a monetary discount, for free services or gift card or no-interest payment plan provided by RAPS to the Client, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, Client shall not engage in any pattern of critical comments or conduct that involves the making or publishing of written or oral statements or remarks online or offline (including, without limitation, social media, online reviews or the repetition or distribution of derogatory rumors, allegations, negative reports or comments) which are disparaging, deleterious or damaging to the integrity, reputation or goodwill of RAPS, its employees or anyone affiliated with RAPS. For purposes of this section, the term “disparaging” includes, without limitation, comment or statements to the press, to RAPS’ employees or to any individual or entity with whom RAPS has a business relationship (including, without limitation, any vendor, supplier, volunteer, customer or distributor), or any public statement, that in each case is intended to, or can be reasonably expected to, materially change RAPS or any of its members, officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers.  Client agrees that RAPS, at its sole discretion, may determine whether the Client has breached their obligations under this Non-Disparaging covenant. If RAPS determines that Client is in breach of this Non-Disparaging covenant, Client agrees to immediately pay back to RAPS, within ten days of receiving notice from RAPS, the full monetary value for the entire amounts of any and all discounts, free services or free gift cards previously provided to or received by the Client from RAPS. Client agrees upon receipt of notice from RAPS to make immediate payment of all outstanding remaining amounts due under Client’s interest free payment plan (if any) provided by RAPS. 
23. Non-Discriminatory. RAPS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, affordability, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, who receives a subsidy at the RAPS Animal Hospital. RAPS is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, general public and clients.
24. Audio and Video Surveillance. Client agrees and consents that all public areas and exam rooms of RAPS Animal Hospital are under audio and video surveillance at all times and that the footage from the audio and video surveillance may be used at RAPS' sole discretion for training or educational purposes and for legal and liability verification purposes at the sole discretion of RAPS. Client agrees that there are no privacy expectations by the client for any interactions that occur at the RAPS Animal Hospital.
25. Indemnity. Client agrees to release, hold harmless, and forever discharge RAPS and any distributor or other licensee of RAPS, and each of their respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, and each of their respective officers, directors, agents, representatives and employees (the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, expenses, injuries or causes of action whatsoever that in any way are caused by, arise out of or result from this Agreement, on any legal theory whatsoever (including, but not limited to, personal injury, rights of privacy and publicity, defamation, or false light), regardless of whether caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Released Parties (collectively, the "Released Claims"). Client will defend, indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from any and all such claims, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, expenses, injuries or causes of action, as well as all those that in any way are caused by, arise out of or result from any breach or alleged breach by the client of any of the representations or warranties made by the client in this Agreement.
26. Remedies for Breach. It is understood that a breach of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Agreement may cause RAPS to suffer loss or damage that could not be adequately compensated by monetary award or damages. RAPS will be entitled as a matter of right to seek an injunction or other equitable relief to prevent or cure any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and client agrees that RAPS will suffer irreparable harm as a result of a breach of any of the covenants or provisions contained herein, and consent to any preliminary or ex parte applications for such relief to any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, such right will be cumulative and be in addition to any other remedies which may be available to RAPS.
27. Notices. Any notices to be given by either party to the other will be sufficiently given if delivered personally or transmitted by facsimile, email or if sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the parties at their respective addresses provided to RAPS, or to any other addresses as the parties may notify to the other from time to time in writing. This notice will be deemed to have been given at the time of delivery, if delivered in person or transmitted by facsimile, or within three business days from the date of posting if mailed from Richmond, British Columbia.
28. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable therein, and the parties attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of British Columbia and no other courts.
29. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, it will be deemed not to affect or impair the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. For the purposes of this section, "provision" means any severable section, sentence, phrase or word which least alters the intent of the parties to this Agreement.
30. Modifications and Waivers. No modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party consenting to the modification or waiver. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder.
31. Voluntary Acceptance. Client acknowledges and agree that this Agreement is executed and accepted by client voluntarily.
32. Perpetuity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the obligations of the parties set forth in this Agreement shall be subject to each returning visit by client to the RAPS Animal Hospital and remain in effect without limitation as to time until client informs the RAPS Animal Hospital in writing at animalhospital@rapsbc.com that client is no longer a client of the RAPS Animal Hospital.
33. CHANGES. RAPS reserves the right to revise or change these conditions and rules at any time and without notice by posting updated text on the RAPS Animal Hospital website at www.rapsaniamlhospital.com. Clients are responsible for periodically visiting this site to view any changes. Clients are hereby deemed to accept any changes or updates to the RAPS VIP membership program.