Open Door Veterinary Collective has received a $1.9 million grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation to develop and implement its Yes to Care program. The three-year pilot program will help veterinary teams address the rising cost of care and improve access for pet families.
Varidi and MyBalto will partner with Open Door Veterinary Collective to support participating veterinary practices, which will receive $5,000 to start an in-house angel fund, along with training and tools.
The three businesses will work together to support practices in the following ways:
- Open Door Veterinary Collective will help veterinary teams build communication skills to help them navigate financial conversations with greater confidence.
- Varidi will provide guaranteed, in-house payment plan software that allows practices to offer flexible payment options without credit checks or financial risk.
- The MyBalto Foundation will establish a customized angel fund for each participating practice, enabling the practice to help cover costs for select cases that require assistance beyond payment options. The foundation will also provide fundraising guidance for clinics.
“Access to veterinary care isn’t about a single financial tool; it’s about making the right decisions at the right time,” said Elsa Patterson, program administrator for the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. “The Yes to Care program reflects the kind of collaborative, practical approach we believe is needed to help practices create more intentional paths to care for their clients.”
Recent data highlights the need for financial solutions. According to a Gallup and PetSmart Charities survey, 94% of veterinarians report that clients’ financial limitations sometimes or often limit the care they can provide. A separate Gallup survey found that 52% of U.S. pet owners had skipped necessary veterinary care in the past year, with 71% identifying cost as the primary factor.
“Financial limitations don’t just affect clients; they directly impact clinical outcomes, professional fulfillment, and the sustainability of veterinary practices,” said Aimee St. Arnaud, founder of Open Door Veterinary Collective. “Our goal is to give veterinary teams the framework and proven, research-backed payment solutions to help their clients be able to say yes to more treatment recommendations. When teams have the right tools for conversations, it reduces stress and helps build trust.”
The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation is part of the Duffield Foundation, which includes Maddie’s Fund, a national organization devoted to eliminating euthanasia of shelter dogs, and Liberty Dogs, a facility dedicated to training and placing service dogs with U.S. military veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
Practices interested in participating in the limited pilot program can apply at yestocare.org.