LEAP

The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation’s LEAP program provides much needed veterinary care, free of charge to animals belonging to economically disadvantaged community members.


The LEAP (Lending Economic Assistance for Pets) 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.

*LEAP was formerly known as TVMF PALS

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.

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

Bryan/College Station Partners

Dallas Partners

Houston Partners

Abilene Partners

Collin County Partners

Montgomery County Partners

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