Public Subsidy Policy
RAPS Animal Hospital + Urgent Care Financial Subsidized Programs
RAPS Animal Hospital + Urgent Care is a unique, non-profit veterinary clinic model that helps animals and their people.
Subsidized Healthcare Assistance
Our mission is to save as many animals as possible by reducing surrenders, and by helping abandoned, stray and feral animals find forever homes.
RAPS Assists Animals and their People
What does that mean?
Most animals in our communities reside with their human families. We recognize that helping people care for their animals reduces surrenders, abandonment and the “economic euthanization” of animals. Our goal is to help animals by helping their people also.
The Cost of Compassion
Many animals are surrendered each year because their families simply can’t afford veterinary care. While inflation has played a role, advances in veterinary medicine have also increased the cost of treatment.
Today, pets can benefit from sophisticated diagnostics and procedures such as bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, ECGs and advanced surgeries—care that was once only available in human medicine.
Veterinary costs vary depending on the species, breed and size of the animal, with larger dogs often requiring more medication, anesthesia and ongoing treatment.
As pets have become cherished members of the family, guardians are increasingly faced with heartbreaking decisions when the cost of life-saving care exceeds their financial means.
Partnerships & Funding
RAPS Animal Hospital is a non-profit veterinary hospital—but that doesn’t mean veterinary care is free. Every dollar earned through the hospital is reinvested into programs that help abandoned, stray, surrendered and feral animals, while also supporting pet guardians who cannot afford essential veterinary care.
A Different Kind of Veterinary Hospital
As a charitable organization, RAPS can access funding that isn’t available to traditional for-profit veterinary clinics. Foundation grants, tax-deductible donations, corporate partnerships and support from our social enterprises—including the RAPS Thrift Stores and Animal Hospital—help fund community spay/neuter programs, emergency medical assistance and subsidized veterinary care.
Since opening in 2018, RAPS has provided more than $8 million in subsidized veterinary care to rescue organizations and families in need.
This charitable model also allows RAPS to secure donations of advanced medical equipment and facilities that directly benefit our patients. Our hospital is equipped with leading diagnostic technology—including in-house laboratory equipment, digital dental and full-body X-ray, and ultrasound—much of which has been generously donated, along with the 6,000-square-foot space that houses the hospital.
Charging for Veterinary Care
Unlike Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, veterinary medicine is privately funded. Veterinary hospitals receive little to no government funding and must cover the full cost of staffing, equipment, medications, facilities and day-to-day operations.
Every Visit Gives Back
As a social enterprise, RAPS Animal Hospital charges for veterinary care just like any other veterinary clinic. To provide exceptional care, we invest in experienced veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support staff, along with advanced medical equipment and technology.
The difference is what happens next.
Every dollar earned at RAPS Animal Hospital is reinvested into programs that help vulnerable animals and the people who love them. By choosing RAPS, you’re helping provide subsidized veterinary care for seniors, people experiencing financial hardship, individuals in supportive housing, victims of domestic violence, animal rescue organizations, and others who would otherwise struggle to access care.
When you choose RAPS Animal Hospital, you’re not just caring for your own pet—you’re helping care for countless others.
Goals of the RAPS Animal Hospital
The RAPS Animal Hospital + Urgent Care provides exceptional veterinary care to the paying public, and every appointment helps fund care for animals and families in need. Revenue generated by the hospital is reinvested into RAPS’ programs, supporting thousands of animals each year.
Why Choosing RAPS Matters
RAPS operates Canada’s largest cat sanctuary, home to hundreds of cats. Providing veterinary care for these cats alone can exceed $400,000 annually. Hospital revenues also help care for dogs in the RAPS foster program, support other animal rescue organizations, and provide subsidized veterinary care for pet guardians experiencing financial hardship.
Like other charities, RAPS also receives support from generous donors, foundations, corporations and community fundraising initiatives. Together, these contributions—combined with revenue from the Animal Hospital—allow us to invest in exceptional veterinary professionals, advanced medical equipment, and programs that make quality veterinary care more accessible.
When you choose RAPS Animal Hospital, you’re not just caring for your own pet—you’re helping countless others receive the care they deserve.
Cat Spays & Neuters
RAPS, as an organization that started out saving feral cats, is committed to assisting with low-cost spay and neuters of cats. You are welcome to apply for a subsidy for this service and RAPS will assist on a first-come-first-served basis and depending on available resources and in-house hospital capacity.
Applying for a RAPS Subsidey
RAPS wants to help as many people as possible, in turn helping as many animals as possible—but our resources are limited. RAPS subsidies include $100 e-Gift Cards, Payment Programs, Interest-free Payment Plans and any other free services or discounted services provide by RAPS.
- New client welcome offer
Free $100 eGIFT CARD for Every Pet
New to RAPS? Receive a $100 eGift Card for each pet you bring in – up to 5 pets, a $500 value – to put toward their care. Our welcome to your family.
New clients only. Terms apply.
Ready to see us?
Book online, or call us 7 days a week
New and returning clients welcome. We’ll help you find the right appointment for your pet.
