From The Care Fund to PetsForward
PetsForward began with a simple but powerful belief: no pet should be denied life-saving medical care because their family cannot afford it.
2023 Care Fund
When the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon opened their doors to provide advanced veterinary care options to Central Oregon, they were faced with the reality that not all pet-parents could afford the quality of care that was be necessary for their pets to thrive. Since then, healthcare prices have continued to rise and economic euthanasia has become more prevalent throughout the veterinary industry. The VRCCO team responded to this problem by working with the Veterinary Care Foundation to create philanthropic fund initiatives.
The Care Fund was created to provide emergency financial assistance for pets in crisis, and quickly grew into a lifeline for families facing heartbreaking choices. Over the years, the Care Fund made it possible for countless animals to receive treatments that gave them not only more time, but a second chance at life.
2024 - 2025
As the fund grew, so did our vision.
The challenges facing pets and their families extend beyond emergency care, they also include access to advanced treatments, innovations in medicine, and the resources veterinarians need to provide the best possible outcomes. To meet this larger need, the VRCCO Care Fund evolved into PetsForward.
PetsForward Today
PetsForward is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
that helps pet families overcome financial barriers to care, funds innovation in veterinary medicine, and advocates for the compassionate treatment for all animals.
In 2025, PetsForward granted $57,000 to 47 pets in need of advanced medical care. We look forward to the continued growth of PetsForward to support even more pets in need of care.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Jennifer Bentley
DVM, DACVD
VICE PRESIDENT
Rick Plants
TREASURER
Linda Spencer
SECRETARY
Bridget O'Connor
DVM, MBA, CVA
BOARD MEMBER
Jeremy Green
Thank you to our Donors and Community
Your continued support helps PetsForward ensure that animals in financial need receive advanced medical care, and brings us closer to creating a healthier future for pets everywhere.