Waggle, a new crowdfunding source founded by Steven Mornelli, allows veterinary practices, pet caregivers, and rescues to post cases of potential economic euthanasia – the process of putting a pet to sleep due to financial concerns – and request the funds to care for animals in need directly from donors.
Economic euthanasia is a devastating reality for certain animal caretakers who cannot afford the necessary treatments for their furry family members’ illnesses. Sadly, it is sometimes the only viable option, even in cases where the pet’s conditions are treatable. Families choose to euthanize because it seems like the kinder alternative to letting the animal suffer without treatment.
While hard data on how many animals lose their lives prematurely due to their caregivers’ financial constraints is unavailable, Karma Rescue, a Santa Monica, California-based rescue organization, estimates that around 500,000 animal guardians per year are forced to make this decision.
Waggle is hoping to greatly decrease that number. Veterinarians can post their patients’ cases along with medical information, treatment plan options, and anticipated results, requesting funds from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Rescue organizations and individual pet guardians can do the same. The donated money goes directly to the pet’s assigned veterinarian to cover the treatment.
Mornelli hopes that Waggle can help save pet’s lives.
“Heartbreaking economic euthanasia is simply unacceptable,” he said, “for both the pet guardian and a pet in need.”
Dr. Rob Olson, a veterinarian on Waggle’s advisory board, is optimistic about the potential impact of the crowdfunding source.
“As veterinarians, we have long witnessed the sad reality that financial restraints often result in pain and suffering, and even unnecessary euthanasia of the pets we treat,” he said. “Waggle offers an innovative solution by connecting animals and pet parents in need with life-saving resources.”
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That is one of my greatest concerns – not being able to keep our cats healthy and vetted.
I just hope the people who run this much-needed service makes sure the funds go to who really needs them.
This is one of my dreams, so now I can donate to help keep pets and their people together, and healthy <3
My vet does this, and we give what we can to help other pets stay healthy – because I'm grateful WE can.
What a lovely compassionate resource for animals and their caretakers!
Excellent idea — great for the Animals who desperately want to live and wonderful for the new Adopters who’ll enjoy adopting these Second-Chancers — it’s a win-win for all.
HOW WONDERFUL!
What a wonderful idea. There are so many people out there who coukd and will use this resource to help save their beloved pets life. Thanku so much. 🐶🐕🐱🐈🐰🐇🐾
Absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is such great news for those financially handicapped who have NO other choice but to put their pet to sleep because of money reasons. I have always wondered why something like this was never established and now look my dream has come to life. I am so glad that owners like myself who rescue dogs and are financially handicapped to do treatment must make that horrible decision. I had to take out a loan to save my dogs life and almost did not get the loan but I used every last penny to save his life when the Vet gave him 7 months with that money I had him for another 2 years. Thanks to all who will help out the humans keep their pets a lot longer. God Bless ALL of you me included!