Get Help

4 Paws 1 Heart
P.O. Box 84
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Medical Assistance Policies & Procedures

The following policies ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible use of donated funds. All applicants requesting financial help must read and agree to the expectations below before receiving assistance.

As a volunteer-run nonprofit, we may not be able to respond immediately. We strongly encourage individuals to explore additional options to avoid delays in care. To support this effort, we provide a list of additional resources on our website.

Please review carefully. These items commonly cause delays or denial of assistance.

1. General Policies/Response Time

  • 4 Paws 1 Heart provides medical funding for stray, abandoned, and abused animals.
  • We are not a rescue organization that adopts out animals.
  • We do not assist with owned animals.
  • We do not take ownership of animals.
  • Authorization is emailed to the veterinary hospital with the rescuer carbon copied.
  • Funding authorization is approved on a case-by-case basis and limited to clearly defined medical services.
  • All payments are made to the veterinary hospital.
  • The veterinary team must contact 4 Paws 1 Heart directly for emergencies, trauma, or unknown medical issues.
  • We rely on the professional guidance of a licensed veterinarian when making decisions that support and enhance a pet’s quality of life.
  • Funding may be declined if treatment costs are prohibitively high or if the likelihood of survival or a good quality of life is low.
  • Approved funds must be used within two months unless otherwise directed.

4 Paws 1 Heart does not:

  • Assist with the transport, placement, or capture of stray animals.
  • Extend our veterinary discounts to outside rescue organizations.
  • Cover private cremation, microchipping, long-term care, or flea prevention for animals that have not been approved.
  • Guarantee full medical coverage unless prior approval has been granted.
  • Send appointment reminders to the rescuer.

2. Applicant / Rescuer Responsibilities

  • CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: The animal’s name listed on the application MUST remain unchanged. Any modification after submission will disrupt official record-keeping and may result in forfeiture of funding assistance.
  • The application must be fully completed by the individual requesting assistance; second- or third-party submissions are not permitted.
  • The rescuer must remain the primary decision-maker for all medical choices and be available to make medical decisions throughout the appointment, unless the animal is legally relinquished.
  • The animal must be reported as lost/found on public platforms, checked for a microchip, and reported to local animal control.
  • Respect toward veterinary staff is mandatory. Disrespectful behavior, whether inside or outside the clinic, will result in the denial of future assistance.
  • The appointment must be scheduled after assistance approval is received via email.
    The rescuer is responsible for securing supplemental funding for any veterinary care not approved by 4 Paws 1 Heart, as well as for finding permanent placement for the animal (through adoption, transfer to a rescue organization, or by assuming full financial responsibility).

3. Veterinary and Appointment Requirements

  • Rescuers must arrive 10 minutes earlier than their scheduled appointment with the following:
  • Cats secured in an appropriate carrier
  • Dogs secured on a leash
  • Prior medical records (if applicable) must be brought to the appointment for a complete history.
  • Email proof of authorization
  • The veterinarian must obtain authorization before performing any treatment beyond the initial examination, unless prior approval has been granted.
  • Any request to reschedule must be approved by 4 Paws 1 Heart.
  • A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for any cancellation.
  • A no-call/no-show will result in the denial of future funding assistance.
  • A cancellation fee may be charged to the rescuer at the discretion of the veterinarian.

NOTICE:
Please note that neither 4 Paws 1 Heart nor the veterinary hospital can be held responsible for any outcomes that may occur while the animal is under veterinary care. All animals are treated under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

By submitting this application, you grant 4 Paws 1 Heart a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, edit, and publish the pet’s photo and story in any media now known or hereafter created, including but not limited to our social media platforms, website, and marketing materials, without further compensation or notification to you.

If you qualify and meet the above criteria, please complete the Financial Assistance Application form:

Board of Directors

President and Co-Founder (July 2010)
Gina Jenio – email:4paws1hearthelp@gmail.com

Vice President (September 2020)
Kim Fuhrmann

Treasurer (May 2025)
David Jenio

Secretary (December 2025)
Melissa Jackson

Director (Fall 2013)
Dee Gudenau

Director (March 2019)
Denise Najera, A Second Chance for Chance (facebook page)

Director (November 2023)
Aimee M. Lincoln  

Donor Database Administrator (May 2025)
Ann Kistuline  

Web Designer (May 2025)
Debbee Lotito