The Seeing Eye announces a pilot program to help with the cost of veterinary care.
Keeping Seeing Eye® dogs happy and healthy
The Veterinary Financial Assistance Fund (VFAF) is a new pilot program that helps active Seeing Eye graduates pay for the cost of veterinary care for their working Seeing Eye dogs. It provides need-based support for routine and chronic care, as well as emergency care for all. The program will be administered by a licensed veterinarian, and payments will be made directly to veterinary providers.
This pilot program will roll out in two phases. The first phase, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, is a need-based program providing financial support for routine and chronic care for working Seeing Eye dogs.
The second phase, providing financial support for emergency care for all working Seeing Eye dogs, will begin on June 1, 2027.
Routine and Chronic Care
- This is a need-based program, based on annual gross income, that active Seeing Eye graduates can apply for.
- Eligible teams can receive up to $750 USD towards routine and chronic veterinary care.
- “Routine care” includes preventatives (flea, tick, and heartworm prevention), wellness exams, dental care, approved vaccines, and nail trims.
- “Chronic care” covers ongoing, non-emergency non-elective veterinary care.
Emergency Care
- Any Seeing Eye graduate with a working Seeing Eye dog can apply for this program.
- The program provides financial support for veterinary care if their working Seeing Eye dog is affected by an unforeseen emergency.
- The annual maximum benefit is $5,000 USD per active Seeing Eye dog.
- A Seeing Eye staff member will be on call for after-hours emergencies.
This pilot program was approved by The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees at its September meeting and is currently under development.
At this time, the information provided here reflects all details available about the program.
Two informational webinars will be held in December to share further details, and applications will open at that time.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Veterinary Financial Assistance Fund (VFAF)?
The Veterinary Financial Assistance Fund (VFAF) is a new pilot program that helps active Seeing Eye® teams with the cost of veterinary care for their working Seeing Eye dogs. It provides need-based support for routine and chronic care, as well as emergency care for all.
Why did The Seeing Eye create the Veterinary Financial Assistance Fund?
According to Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of veterinary services rose roughly 67% over the last decade, far outpacing general inflation. The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees has made it a strategic priority to remove economic barriers and ensure guide dog partnerships remain accessible as everyone faces rising costs for veterinary care.
When does the program start?
The VFAF pilot rolls out in two phases in 2027. The need-based routine and chronic care program will begin on January 1, 2027, and emergency care for all will begin on June 1, 2027.
What does routine and chronic care cover?
Beginning Jan. 1, The Seeing Eye will provide assistance of up to $750 USD for routine and chronic care for individuals who meet need-based criteria. Assistance for routine and chronic veterinary care includes but is not limited to annual physical exams, vaccines, and parasite screening and prevention, and will be available to support active Seeing Eye dogs’ long-term health.
Who qualifies for routine and chronic care support?
Routine and chronic care support is available to active teams with a total annual income below $75,000 USD.
What does emergency care cover?
Starting in July, all Seeing Eye graduates may receive up to $5,000 USD in assistance for approved emergency veterinary care.
What happens with after-hours emergencies?
A Seeing Eye staff member will be on call after hours.
Am I required to have pet insurance?
The Seeing Eye encourages graduates to have pet insurance or an emergency fund for their dog. However, pet insurance is not required, even if your dog is eligible for a policy. We know that not every dog may qualify for insurance due to pre-existing conditions.
What if I have pet insurance for my dog?
For Seeing Eye dogs that have pet insurance, the VFAF is available to help with the costs that insurance does not cover. We are not an insurer, and we do not pay insurance premiums. For insured dogs, a graduate would use insurance first, and the fund can help with remaining eligible costs.
What about my retired dog, will you still help?
The VFAF pilot program is designed to support active, working Seeing Eye dogs.
Does the program cover dental care?
Routine dental care can be covered under the routine and chronic care pilot program.
How do I apply for financial assistance through the VFAF?
We will begin accepting applications for need-based routine and chronic care in December 2026 and more information about that process will be shared at that time.