The Farley Foundation was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in 2002 to assist low-income pet owners who can't afford to pay for veterinary care for their beloved pets.
“As a veterinarian, every day I see the positive impact that sharing our lives with an animal has on our health and well-being. The Farley Foundation helps preserve this bond, which is especially meaningful for people who are facing hardship and rely heavily on their pet for companionship.” ~ Dr. Matthew Richardson, Farley Foundation president
Letter to donors
In 2019-2020, the Farley Foundation expanded its funding eligibility to help even more people and pets in need. Never has this been more vital than in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting many pet owners across the province, who suddenly found themselves in a position of financial difficulty.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the foundation achieved success, thanks to the incredible support from donors, who give generously and raise money to support people and animals in need. Since opening its doors in 2002, the foundation has now disbursed more than $4.8 million to assist over 11,200 low-income pet owners to pay for veterinary care for their beloved pets.
The Farley Foundation also owes a sincere thanks to the many corporations who have made contributions, either by sponsoring fundraising events or by donating to support the foundation’s work.
Last, but certainly not least, the foundation would like to thank the hundreds of veterinary practices across Ontario who participate in Fundraise for Farley Month, the foundation’s largest fundraiser, and help to raise funds for the foundation throughout the year.
To everyone whose support has enabled the Farley Foundation to make a difference in so many lives, thank you for your generosity, your trust, and your commitment to assisting pet owners and pets in need. With your continued support, the Farley Foundation will be able to assist even more people and pets in 2021.
Yours in philanthropy,
Dr. Matthew Richardson, President & Doug Raven, Executive Director
Your impact: who we helped
Sharing our lives with an animal helps us treat stress, depression, high blood pressure, and increases social interaction and physical activity. The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to lower your heart rate and increase a sense of well-being. Looking after our pets also contributes to our sense of purpose. For many who are elderly or have a disability, or who are struggling financially, this is critical to their well-being.
Andre & Duncan
Andre took his canine companion Duncan to the veterinarian when he was displaying signs of intestinal discomfort. An examination revealed that Duncan was suffering from an enlarged prostate gland and required surgery to prevent additional problems. Andre is a recipient of the Ontario Disability Support Program and was concerned about affording his pet's surgery. With help from the Farley Foundation, Duncan was able to receive the veterinary care he needed to feel better.
"Becoming disabled and being on a fixed income is tough. When your animals are in need, you feel a whole other kind of disappointment when you can't help them. From the bottom of my heart and soul, thank you everyone at the Farley Foundation who helped my cat MeHo." ~ Sheila
"I just want to thank the Farley Foundation for the help you gave my little Cessna. His gums and teeth were extremely infected and he required all but four of them to be removed. If it wasn't for your foundation, he might not be here with me today." ~ Tammy
In 2019-2020, the Farley Foundation assisted:
- 621 Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- 130 Ontario Works recipients
- 107 seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement
- 70 pet owners earning less than $25,000/year
- 65 Canada Pension Plan Disability recipients
- 8 participants in OVMA's SafePet Program*
- 2 retirement home/long-term care facilities
*The SafePet Program helps to find temporary foster care for the pets of women seeking refuge in an Ontario women's shelter.
Because of this incredible organization, Creamy was able to receive life-saving surgery. Words can't express how grateful I am that I was able to bring my precious Creamy home, knowing that he is happy and healthy. I am a survivor of abuse and suffer with severe PTSD, and little Creamy is my life. He's such a bright light and the love that he shares with me is unmatched. Because of the Farley Foundation, I did not lose that love. Words can't express my gratitude for this organization and all that they do." ~ Reva
Bella & family
Bella required surgery to treat pyometra, an infection that can affect unspayed animals. Her owner wasn't sure if she would be able to get her family's pup the help she needed, so she asked their veterinarian for advice. Understanding their difficult situation, Bella's veterinarian told them about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding on their behalf. Thankfully, Bella was able to receive the veterinary care she needed and is healthy and back home with her family.
Special events
About half of the funds raised by the Farley Foundation in 2019-2020 came from two fundraising events (the 2020 OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19) :
- Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley
- Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month
The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley was held in September 2019. The event saw an increase in ridership with the introduction of a friends and family category, and it raised nearly $78,000. The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Summit Veterinary Pharmacy, the event’s title sponsor, for supporting the event financially, and providing volunteers and support vehicles. A big thank you also goes to all the riders and donors!
Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month was held in October 2019. Hundreds of veterinary practices across Ontario pitched in to raise more than $293,000, which was the highest total ever! Events included dog washes, raffles, pet costume contests and a charity swim. Thank you to all the participating clinics! The top fundraiser was Taunton Road Animal Hospital, which raised $10,135. The Farley Foundation would also like to thank title sponsor Merck Animal Health Canada for its generous support.
“Both my life and career had been great, but when COVID happened in March and isolation hit, I eventually lost my job. These have been some of the most stressful and mentally challenging months of my life, but my little buddy has kept me sane. A few months ago, I found a small lump on Victor’s hip - while I was determined to get him the help no matter what, my plan largely consisted of spending rent money on a wing and a prayer. I spoke with a few friends about the situation, and one of them suggested the Farley Foundation, which I am so incredibly thankful to have found. When the winds of luck change and our situation is more fortunate, we will donate back in kind." ~ Amanda
Pets to Vets Campaign
The Farley Foundation achieved a major milestone when it assisted its 10,000th pet in 2019. To celebrate this achievement, the foundation launched the 1,000 Pets to Vets campaign to enable even more pet owners to access funding assistance.
One of the foundation’s funding eligibility criteria is that the pet owner must have an existing veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) with a veterinary practice. Unfortunately, many low-income pet owners lack the financial resources to establish that relationship. The 1,000 Pets to Vets initiative will enable 1,000 low-income pet owners to establish a VCPR by subsidizing the cost of an initial examination and any necessary core vaccines.
“Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian is an integral part of preventing illness,” says Dr. Matthew Richardson, president of the Farley Foundation. “By focusing on preventive care with this initiative, we can help pet owners in need by putting their pets on the road to good health.”
To qualify for the Pets to Vets program, pet owners must otherwise be eligible for funding from the Farley Foundation, be without a veterinarian and be a first-time recipient of funding assistance from the foundation. Pet owners meeting these criteria can apply through a local veterinarian.
Helping even more people and pets
To help pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Farley Foundation temporarily expanded its eligibility requirements to include individuals receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Between April and August 2020, while the CERB program was active, 27 CERB recipients accessed funding from the foundation.
Board of Directors
Thank you to the Farley Foundation Board of Directors:
- Dr. Matthew Richardson, President
- Dr. Cheryl Birss
- Dr. Andrea Chapin
- Dr. Sherri Rea
- Dr. Dale Scott
- Dr. Debbie Stoewen
- Mr. Randy Valpy