Client Eligibility Policies

Pets Are Wonderful Support (P.A.W.S.) Colorado is dedicated to doing whatever we can to help senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those coping with life challenging illnesses and their companion animals.

Clients:

Any resident of Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield & Jefferson counties who is able to present a letter confirming an disabling illness diagnosis or disability and proof of low-income status (SSI, SSDI) is eligible to be a client of P.A.W.S. based on income guidelines.

Senior citizens over the age of 55 can also apply for assistance.

 

Once a client no longer has the animal companions with which he/she registered at the P.A.W.S. intake, that person will no longer be considered a P.A.W.S. client. If new animals are acquired, that person must complete a supplemental application for the new animal.

Animals:

Each client will receive assistance for up to two animals only. Ongoing assistance will be provided for these animals for as long as possible.

P.A.W.S. will not cover any additional animals that may be added to a client's household. Our mission is to help senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those coping with life-challenging illnesses keep their animals; not to assist people in getting new animals or in replacing animals that die or are lost.

Except for rare cases in which the animal's health prohibits surgery, all P.A.W.S. animals must be spayed or neutered before they can be activated as a P.A.W.S. client. If an animal has not been spayed or neutered at the time of client intake, the client must have his companion animal spayed/neutered within ninety (90) days or they will be required to begin the intake process from the start.

Due to potential health hazards for our clients, and because of our concern for the animals, P.A.W.S. will not cover any animals who are under six months of age. Reptiles, wildlife, amphibians, primates, ferrets or other animals who pose significant health risks will also be exempt from coverage.   Currently P.A.W.S. only supports cats and dogs for individuals due to limited resources.

Annual Certification:

If necessary, an annual recertification will take place to ensure that all clients are still eligible to receive services.

Special Note:

Although we are concerned about the health and well-being of both human and animal clients, if a human client passes away, his/her animals do not automatically remain P.A.W.S. clients. Animals may still receive benefits if their new guardian is eligible to become a client. This new caretaker can and will bypass whatever waiting list exists in order to immediately become a client. However, the new guardian must go through the application process and will not receive services without proof of eligibility.

             

Intake Process:

All clients must have an intake interview and complete all required paperwork. The Client Services Director or designated P.A.W.S. staff member will complete this interview and ensure that eligibility requirements are met.      

Services: Payments and Procedures       

P.A.W.S. will provide all services (except veterinary care) to clients free of charge. These services may include monthly allotments of food and litter; volunteer assistance with dog walking, kitty litter maintenance and aquarium cleaning; animal bathing and nail clipping; transportation to veterinary or grooming appointments; foster care; adoption services and educational materials. We can not guarantee any of our services.

Food:

Due to financial constraints, P.A.W.S. will not be able to cover all necessary dietary needs for client animals. The bi-monthly food allotments are meant to be supplemental only.

As much as possible we will strive to provide a consistent diet for client animals under our auspices, however specific brands may vary depending on donations received.

Food distribution is held every two months on the first Saturday. If a client is not able to attend in person, he/she may send someone else as long as the P.A.W.S. office is notified by the preceding Friday at noon.  Clients or their representatives must show their Client ID card when picking up food.

Should a client order food for distribution and fail to show up two times in a calendar year for pick up they will no longer be eligible for food or supplies until the next calendar year.

If a client is home-bound special arrangements will be made for food delivery. Any special arrangements will be made at the discretion of the Client Services Director.

Veterinary Care:

Due to financial constraints P.A.W.S. will not be able to cover all necessary veterinary care for client animals. Each client will be allotted up to $200 per year (beginning every January) to use toward veterinary expenses that are emergencies or vital to your pets’ well being. The veterinary allotment cannot be carried from one year to the next. P.A.W.S. will also cover the cost for annual vaccinations (up to $25) and for spay/neuter (up to $65).

Except for extreme emergencies, clients must notify P.A.W.S. prior to veterinary visits in order to receive financial assistance.

In special emergency cases, we will try to assist in whatever ways we can.

Volunteer Assistance:

As much as possible we will try to fulfill all requests for volunteer assistance with in-home care, transportation, foster care, etc. Volunteers will not be available for any services not directly related to animal care.

Client I.D. Cards:

All clients will be issued an identification card. This card must be presented whenever a client receives services.

Responsibilities:

Clients are responsible for notifying P.A.W.S. of any changes in phone number, address, animal status, or income within 10 days of the change.

Clients are responsible for securing a home for their companion animal(s) in the event of clients’ inability to continue caring for the animal.

P.A.W.S. encourages all clients who cannot find appropriate homes for their animal(s) to become members of the SPCA to ensure a healthy future for their pet(s).

Loss of Status

P.A.W.S. clients will lose their status under these conditions:

• They no longer have the animal(s) that they had at intake
• They move out of Denver, Arapahoe, Adams or Jefferson counties
• They are abusive to staff, board member or volunteers *
• They are unwilling to comply with P.A.W.S. policies and procedures
• They misrepresent their information about financial and health status

 

* A client will receive a verbal caution if his/her behavior is considered abusive. This caution will be followed by a letter explaining our policies and an invitation to meet with our Client Services Director to discuss the situation. If a second abusive incident occurs, the client will receive a letter explaining that he/she will no longer be considered a client.