Mission

The mission of Max’s Helping Paws is to reduce pet suffering, shelter overflow and economic euthanasia by providing financial lifelines to qualified, low income pet owners in Monterey County facing urgent, emergent and unexpected veterinary expenses.

The Big Idea

Financial stress on pet families is enormous and growing. This leads to economic euthanasias, shelter surrender of loved pets, or pets not receiving needed care. Families also suffer emotional stress, loss of companionship, and sometimes loss of family cohesion as a pet departs and owners cope with grief, a sense of guilt, and bills.

We work with all MC veterinarians and partner with all local shelters to support intake diversion (60% of shelter pets are surrenders). We accept applications from any low/no income pet owner in MC. For 8 years, we’ve never denied assistance to an eligible family with a pet in crisis. We are available every day as a resource to this community.

A pet shouldn’t suffer and a family shouldn’t lose them because of financial hardship. This project will allow Max's to continue to say YES to every qualified family and pet in need.

Your foundation was a beacon of hope in my darkest hour. Thank you for believing in Lola and me, for seeing the bond we share, and for understanding the depth of my love for her. You show us that kindness and generosity exist in the world, and that there is always hope. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

- Lisa T