Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation

Sustaining Human-Animal Bonds in North Texas

LEAP, Lending Economic Assistance for Pets, facilitates veterinary care to pets belonging to underserved, low-income, and homebound families in Texas. LEAP breaks down barriers and lifts financial burdens, enhancing the quality of life for pets and humans alike.

How LEAP Works

LEAP acts as a bridge between the public and the veterinary profession. With exclusive access to Texas veterinarians and strong relationships with like-minded non-profits, both animals and vulnerable community members are served. LEAP operates through strategic partnerships with Meals on Wheels organizations in 11 counties in Texas and growing. Each year, LEAP provides care to over 800 animals belonging to nearly 600 individuals!

In North Texas, we partner with Visiting Nurses Association Meals on Wheels, Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, and recently expanded with Meals on Wheels North Central Texas!

Quality Care with LEAP

Each LEAP program operates on the community level. The high caliber of care provided is incredibly unique from other veterinary programs in Texas. LEAP veterinarians provide wellness care and critical procedures to pets belonging to their neighbors. Veterinarians only donate their time, and all other costs are covered by LEAP. During a visit, a veterinarian will provide canine wellness exams, feline wellness exams, vaccines, testing, and a year of flea/tick and heartworm preventative. Additionally, LEAP will help with critical procedures such as dentals, amputations, mass removals, treatment plans, cruciate surgery, and more.

LEAP Client Testimony

For Arlene, a longtime Meals on Wheels client, her dog Jake is more than just a pet—he’s family, a source of comfort, and a daily reminder that she’s not alone. As someone who is largely homebound, Arlene depends on Jake’s companionship to brighten her days and provide emotional support. His presence brings her joy, stability, and a sense of routine that’s deeply meaningful.

Not long ago, Arlene experienced the heartbreak of saying goodbye to her other dog who was 17 years old and a beloved companion. In the midst of that loss, Jake’s playful energy and loyal nature became even more important. So when Jake began showing signs of pain and mobility issues, Arlene grew understandably concerned.

Jake has received his annual wellness care through the LEAP program, which helps cover annual wellness veterinary care for pets of Meals on Wheels clients. But when veterinary exams and X-rays revealed that Jake needed surgery to repair a torn ACL—a painful condition that, if left untreated, could severely impact his ability to walk and enjoy life—additional help was needed. The cost of the procedure, however, was well beyond what Arlene could manage on her fixed income.

Meals on Wheels, Live Oak Animal Hospital, and TVMF came together to ensure Jake received the care he needed. Dr. ReAnn Cannon, DVM, generously donated her time to perform the surgery, while Meals on Wheels and TVMF worked together to pool resources and help cover the medical expenses. Arlene’s family also stepped in to support Jake’s post-operative care, creating a full circle of compassion and commitment. Thanks to this collective effort, Jake was able to have his surgery and is now on the road to recovery. His future is looking much brighter—and so is Arlene’s.

About TVMF

The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization in Texas that leverages veterinary partnerships and financial resources in order to support the veterinary profession by providing financial assistance in times of crisis, connecting veterinarians with opportunities to serve their communities, advocating responsible animal ownership and promoting and improving the well-being of animals.

The Foundation was established in 1978 as the philanthropic partner of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) which is one of the largest state veterinary medical associations in the nation. TVMF and TVMA partner to advance animal health for the well-being of animals and humans and to promote the veterinary medical profession.

spay spay spay spay spay spay spay spay spay spay spay spay