Better Together Fund feature banner

The Better Together fund is for Associates, by Associates

The well-being of our Associates has always been a top priority for Banfield®, BluePearl and VCA. With more than 50,000 Associates caring for pets at Banfield across the United States, it’s inevitable that some will be impacted by a natural or manmade disaster, or by another emergency situation. It’s our goal to provide tangible support to our communities when it is needed most.

Over the years, we’ve heard from many Associates looking for ways to help colleagues when disaster strikes — and the Better Together Fund is designed to do just that. Our mission is to provide sustainable, targeted assistance that will ensure the fund serves Associates and their families for years to come.

Donate now 

Apply for funding

Better Together message banner
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for me and my family. It means more to me than you know! My pups say thank you too!”
  • Led by Associates for Associates
    Led by Associates, for Associates
  • funds go to Associates in need
    100% of funds go to Associates in need
  • non profit public charity

    501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity
    Federal Identification Number: 81-2199219

  • Tax free and tax deductible
    Tax-free and tax-deductible
  • Grants range icon
    Grants range from $500-$3,000

What we do at the Better Together Fund

The Better Together Fund assists Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA Associates who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of a natural or manmade disaster, domestic violence, and other hardships.

Our governing body is made up entirely of Associates. The Board of Directors and the Grant Selection Committee are comprised of Associates from various Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA departments and markets across the United States.

The Better Together Fund was established in 2016 to provide financial assistance to Associates in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. In 2019, the fund expanded to include domestic violence and in 2020, to include COVID-19. The fund is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity led by a Board of Directors and Grant Selection Committee comprised of Associates who volunteer their time to represent the more than 50,000 Associates of Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, and VCA Animal Hospitals. All contributions are tax-deductible and go toward assisting Associates in need.

How the Better Together Fund works

If an Associate is impacted by a federal- or state-declared disaster, or has experienced hardship due to other qualifying situations, they are encouraged to fill out an application for a tax-free financial grant ranging between $500 and $3,000.

Once an Associate application is submitted, the Grant Selection Committee meets to review the application within 5 business days. The Grant Selection Committee makes the determination based on qualification and circumstances. All grant-funding decisions are made solely by Associates.

Once an application is approved by the Grant Selection Committee, the qualifying Associate will receive their tax-free grant within 2-5 business days.

The Better Together Fund can help pay for essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, clothing and other basic necessities not otherwise covered by insurance.

Natural or manmade disaster, domestic violence, and other hardships include:

  • Earthquake
  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Tornado or hurricane
  • Terrorism
  • Domestic Violence

The fund is designed to help with immediate living expenses, including but limited to:

  • Clothing and other basic necessities not covered by insurance   
  • Food
  • Temporary housing and utilities

The fund is not meant to serve as an insurance policy, nor is it intended to replace the need for fire, flood, earthquake or home insurance. Events that do not qualify include:

  • Burglary or theft
  • Failure to conduct routine maintenance (car repairs, home maintenance)
  • General hardships not created by a disaster including lost wages due to being unable to work

Once an application is submitted, the Grant Selection Committee (comprised of nearly 20 Associates from various Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA departments and markets across the United States) will review and determine eligibility based on qualification and circumstances. All grant-funding decisions are made solely by Banfield, BluePearl and VCA Associates.

Associates are only eligible to receive a grant once a year. Not all applications will be funded.

 
 
“Thank you so much for this grant. It’s definitely more than just a glimmer of hope. It's a flash of lightning.”

Apply for a Better Together Fund Grant

In order for the Grant Selection Committee to securely receive and review sensitive application information, all applicants need to fax their completed application, along with their supporting documentation, to 360-208-9088.

Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

Fill out our  regular application  

How you can help the Better Together Fund

Giving is a tax-deductible way to help Associates. The Better Together Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity, all donations are tax deductible. In addition, a grant from the Better Together Fund does not result in taxable compensation to the Associate who receives it, further easing any possible financial strain. The fund’s Federal Identification Number is 81-2199219.

Donate now

Your donations, plus Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA, all support the Better Together Fund

Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA cover all administrative costs related to running the Better Together Fund. Each of the contributing business segments matches Associate donations at a varying amount allowing 100% of the donations to go to Associates with a qualifying need.

As a public charity, a significant amount of donations must come from sources outside of Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA corporate support. To meet this federal requirement, our Associates can make tax-deductible donations to the Better Together Fund, and the Better Together Fund can then make tax-free grants to qualifying Associates.

“The Better Together Fund came into my life in a time where I was very uncertain about my future. Now with this grant I can start to rebuild my life thanks to all my fellow employees. I truly feel like part of a family."