Lending Economic Assistance for Pets
The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Lending Economic Assistance for Pets (LEAP) program provides much needed veterinary care, free of charge to animals belonging to economically disadvantaged community members.
The LEAP program is a truly synergistic partnership between TVMF and local non-profit organizations across the state of Texas, such as Meals on Wheels, that promote and support the well-being of some of our most vulnerable community members. By capitalizing on the strengths of each organization, we are able to provide a service to under-served pets and their families which enhances the quality of life of pet and human alike.




Like so many of us, the low-income, elderly, or disabled clients we serve depend on their companion animals for daily purpose, affection and friendship. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, there is growing evidence that companion animals positively impact quality of life and well-being for pet owners. By forging partnerships with other community-based organizations, TVMF is able to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of these families. Veterinary care and wellness services provided for LEAP clients will help ensure that their companion animals live longer, healthier lives, which has a positive impact on the health and quality of life of LEAP clients. Happiness, companionship and feeling needed all reinforce the human-animal bond, which has the proven human health benefits of longevity, lowered stress, improved immune levels and an improved mental state.
The importance of these animals to their owners cannot be overstated, and many clients have stated that they would willingly give up their own food or medication to care for their beloved pet. By caring for the pets of our disadvantaged community members TVMF’s LEAP program is promoting and preserving these important human-animal bonds, enhancing the quality of life for these vulnerable adults, and ensuring that none of our LEAP clients have to choose between their caring for their pet and their own necessities.
What we do
Each pet enrolled in the LEAP program receives:
- An annual exam
- 1 year supply of flea & heartworm preventative
- Necessary vaccines
- Other services, including dentals, mass removals, and antibiotics, as needed
All of these services are provided at NO cost to the client.
Eligibility
Pet owners enrolled in Meals on Wheels services are eligible for LEAP program services. Please call your Meals on Wheels case manager for information on the enrollment process. LEAP program services are only available with our partners listed below.
How it works
TVMF partners with local nonprofits serving vulnerable community members to enroll eligible pets in the LEAP program. When it is time for their exam, a transport volunteer picks the pet up from the client’s home and takes it to the veterinarian. The veterinarian examines the pet and orders any necessary diagnostics. The volunteer returns the animal to the client’s home, along with their preventatives and any other instructions from the veterinarians.
Our Partners
Austin Partners
- Meals on Wheels Central Texas PALS
- VCA Tanglewood Animal Hospital
- Austin Vet Care
- North Austin Animal Hospital
- Austin Vet Hospital
- AM/PM Animal Hospital
- Lago Vista Animal Clinic
- VCA Elgin Family Pet Center
- VCA Lakeline Animal Hospital
- VCA Hometown Animal Hospital
- VCA Ben White Animal Hospital
- HousePaws Austin
- South Park Animal Hospital
- Whitestone Animal Hospital
- Bluebonnet Animal Hospital
Bryan/College Station Partners
- Brazos Valley Community Action Programs Meals on Wheels Program
- Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Small Animal Hospital
Dallas Partners
- The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas
- Metro Paws Oak Cliff
- Holt Veterinary Clinic
- Rutherford Veterinary Hospital
- Animal Clinic of Grand Prairie
- White Rock Animal Hospital
Houston Partners
- Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston aniMeals
- Washington Heights Veterinary Clinic
- Meyerland Animal Clinic
- Bayside Animal Hospital
Abilene Partners
Collin County Partners
Montgomery County Partners
- Meals on Wheels Montgomery County
- Oak Ridge Animal Clinic
- Triangle Animal Clinic
- West Davis Veterinary Clinic
Lubbock Partners
Victoria Partners
Kingsville Partners
Fort Worth Partners
TVMF is deeply grateful for the generosity of the donors and supporters who make the LEAP program possible, especially to our corporate sponsors: Fond Memories, Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health for donating vaccines, Frontline Gold flea and Heartgard heartworm preventatives and IDEXX and Antech for donating diagnostic services.
LEAP Program Service Areas
How you can help
Get involved through our volunteer opportunities.
Every dollar donated makes a difference to TVMF.
Become a sponsor to impact the life of a pet.