Hap’s Veterinary Assistance Fund

Who This Program Helps

Hap’s Fund supports:

• Low-income cat owners
• Community cat caregivers and colony caretakers
• Residents of Jackson County and the Qualla Boundary

In certain cases, exceptions may be considered based on urgency and available funding.

What the Fund Covers

This program is designed for urgent, time-sensitive situations where care cannot wait.

Covered services include:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Urgent diagnostics
• Pain-relieving procedures
• Life-saving care for treatable conditions
• Humane euthanasia for low-income owners

Funds are paid directly to participating veterinary clinics after approval.

What Is Not Covered

To ensure funds are used where they are needed most, the following are not covered:

• Routine wellness care such as vaccines or annual exams
• Elective or cosmetic procedures
• Grooming or boarding
• Private cremation services
• Treatment related to breeding or profit-driven activities

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:

• Live in Jackson County, NC or the Qualla Boundary
• Provide proof of financial hardship (pay stub, Medicaid, EBT, SSI or similar)
• Be 18 years or older
• Contribute toward costs when possible
• Agree to spay or neuter their cat if not already done

Spay and neuter services may be provided at low or no cost through Catman2 programs.

Funding Levels

Funding is determined based on need, urgency and available resources.

Typical ranges include:

Tier 1: Basic Care or Minor Illness ($100–$300)
For exams, minor treatments, antibiotics and similar care

Tier 2: Urgent Medical Needs ($300–$800)
For infections, injuries, abscesses and non-life-threatening conditions

Tier 3: Emergency or Life-Saving Care ($800–$1,500)
For serious conditions such as broken bones or urinary blockages

Higher funding may be considered in rare cases with strong prognosis.

How the Application Process Works

The process is designed to be simple and efficient during urgent situations:

1. Complete the pre-screen form and full application
2. Catman2 reviews eligibility and urgency
3. The veterinary clinic provides an estimate if needed
4. A funding level is approved and the clinic is notified
5. The clinic bills Hap’s Fund directly after treatment

Whenever possible, approval should be obtained before treatment begins.

Apply for Assistance

If you need help with urgent veterinary care, you can begin the process here:

👉Form

If you do not have internet access, please contact Catman2 directly for assistance.

Why This Program Matters

Many families face the difficult decision of delaying or declining care due to cost. Hap’s Veterinary Assistance Fund helps bridge that gap.

The program focuses on:

• Reducing suffering
• Preventing euthanasia for treatable conditions
• Supporting responsible pet ownership
• Improving outcomes for community cats

Every case is reviewed with compassion and responsible use of donor funds.

Contact Information

Program Contact: kaleb@catman2.org

Location: 635 Bo Cove Rd, Cullowhee, NC
Phone: 1-828-293-0892

FAQs – Hap’s Veterinary Assistance Fund

Do I need to repay the assistance?
No. Funds are provided as financial aid and paid directly to the veterinary clinic.

Can I apply after my pet has already received treatment?
Approval is strongly encouraged before treatment, but cases may be reviewed individually.

Will the fund cover the full cost?
Not always. Applicants are encouraged to contribute when possible so funds can help more cats.

What if my cat is not spayed or neutered?
You will be required to agree to have your cat sterilized, often at low or no cost through Catman2.

How quickly are decisions made?
Emergency cases are prioritized and reviewed as quickly as possible.