Get Help – Vet Care Assistance

We are here to help

Diesel’s FootPrint is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the bond between humans and animals by providing veterinary services, support, and education to families in Santa Clara County, CA. Our programs reduce financial burdens, improve pet well-being, and foster community support. We understand vet visits can cause stress for pets, especially dogs, and emotional strain for their owners. Our board of animal lovers understands the emotions in these situations. We’re here to help, listen, and answer your questions.

For assistance, call 650-538-3011 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm).

Please read the “program eligibility requirements” carefully before filling the application

  1. You live in Santa Clara County.
  2. Your animal has a non-urgent, non-life-threatening condition that requires specialist care.
  3. Your pet has a favorable prognosis from the veterinarian.
  4. Your household income is within 300% of the federal poverty guidelines (see chart below).
  5. You (all family members) applied for Care Credit or ScratchPay but were denied or offered insufficient funds for treatment.
  6. No other resources (e.g., credit, savings) are available for your pet’s care.
  7. You are able to pay 25% of the medical costs upfront.
  8. You agree to work with a Diesel’s FootPrint Veterinary Partner. Click here to find a Diesel’s FootPrint Veterinary Partner for your pet’s initial exam. You are responsible for payment of this initial exam.
  9. You agree to an interview and filming for a success story after your pet’s treatment.

NOTE: We cannot reimburse any payments, including deposits, made to the vet before your application.

Household Size Income
1 person $43,740 or less
2 people $59,160 or less
3 people $74,580 or less
4 people $90,000 or less
5 people $105,420 or less
6 people $120,840 or less
7 people $136,260 or less
8 people $151,680 or less

  • You and your pet are not a resident of Santa Clara County, California.
  • We do not cover Preventive, Routine care (e.g., vaccination, spay or neuter, parasite preventives) and dental treatments.
  • We only cover consultations and treatments by a specialist.
  • Reproductive and breeding evaluations, care, and treatment of breeding-related complications.
  • Cosmetic procedures or complications from cosmetic procedures
  • Evaluation and treatment has already been completed. We do not provide reimbursement for any funds already paid to the veterinarian, including deposits, prior to the time of your application.
  • Care provided by anyone that is not a licensed veterinarian.

Diesel’s FootPrint is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides assistance to dogs and cats in Santa Clara Country, CA.

After the application and required documentation are submitted by the applicant and treating veterinarian, the case file is reviewed, and you will receive a response within 24 hours.

  • You will receive an email acknowledgment within 24 hours after submitting the required documentation for yourself and all household members over 18 years of age.
  • If the necessary documentation is not submitted within 72 hours of your online application, your application will be marked as Incomplete and moved to Closed status, requiring you to reapply.
  • Be sure to check your spam folder, and if no response is found, please contact us at assistance@dieselsfootprint.org.

We assist low-income families unable to afford their pets’ medical needs. Please review the “program eligibility requirements” above and complete the form fully for a quick and smooth review process. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.