P.A.W.S. Colorado

Pets Are Wonderful Support

Client Information

How to Become a client:

 

P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) accepts 20 HIV/AIDS clients and 5 with other disabling illnesses on a first come first serve basis. There is no fee to apply.  If you are in need of our services or know someone that is, call 303-693-1587.

Even if you do not need our services now, please apply so we can help for any immediate needs in the future. P.A.W.S Colorado does not maintain a waiting list for services.

 

All clients must have an intake interview and complete all required paperwork. The designated P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) volunteer member will complete this interview and ensure that eligibility requirements are met.

 

For more information please call:  Brian Fifolt 303-693-1587
Send Brian an e-mail: brian@PawsColorado.org

 

Client Eligibility Policies:

 

P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is dedicated to doing whatever we can to help people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses and their animal companions. However, due to limited resources it is necessary that we follow these policies.


Clients
Any resident of the Denver area who is able to present a letter confirming an HIV/AIDS or disabling illness diagnosis and proof of low-income status (SSI, SSDI, GA) is eligible to be a client of P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support).

Any clients previously accepted into our program shall remain clients, even if they do not currently fit our eligibility requirements.  We cannot provide services to existing Denver clients if they should move.

Once a client no longer has the animal companions with which he/she registered at the P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) intake, that person will no longer be considered a P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) client. If new animals are acquired, that person must proceed through the regular intake process to be considered as a client.


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. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) will not cover any additional animals who may be added to a client's household. Our mission is to help people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling 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. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) animals must be spayed or neutered before they can be activated as a PAWS 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, PAWS will not cover any animals who are under nine months of age. Reptiles, wildlife, amphibians, primates, ferrets or other animals who pose significant health risks will also be exempt from coverage.


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

 

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. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) 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 an official intake process and will not receive services without proof of eligibility.


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

 

Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for notifying P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) 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.


Loss of Status
PAWS clients will lose their status under these conditions:
1) They no longer have the animal(s) whom they had at intake
2) They move out of Denver
3) They are abusive to staff, Board or volunteers *
4) They are unwilling to comply with P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) policies and procedures
5) 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 appropriate P.A.W.S. Colorado (Pets Are Wonderful Support) volunteer 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.