The GVMA Foundation is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels in the mid-Georgia region to expand the PAWS (Providing Animal Wellness Support) program.

This collaboration ensures that vulnerable community members—particularly the elderly and disabled—receive free, essential veterinary care for their pets.

Keeping Pets and People Together

Ensuring the well-being of beloved pets, while supporting their owners.

Program Benefits:

Free veterinary care for pets of elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.

Improves the overall health and longevity of pets and their owners.

Alleviates the tough choice between personal necessities and pet care.

Program Details

The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association Foundation’s PAWS (Providing Animal Wellness Support) program offers a lifeline to vulnerable individuals and their pets. By delivering free veterinary care to underserved populations—especially the elderly and disabled—PAWS ensures that the companions people rely on for comfort and emotional support receive the care they deserve.

This essential service is provided in partnership with Meals on Wheels, reinforcing the deep bond between pets and their owners.

How It Works

When eligible pet owners enroll in the PAWS program, their journey to better pet health begins. Our dedicated transport volunteers pick up pets directly from the client’s home and bring them to a veterinary clinic for a thorough exam, including lab tests and any necessary vaccinations. Once the exam is complete, the pet is safely returned home with a full year of heartworm and flea prevention and personalized care instructions. This seamless, compassionate process ensures that pets—and their owners—get the support they need without the stress of travel.

Door-to-door transport service for pets to and from the veterinary clinic.

Comprehensive veterinary exams, including lab tests and vaccinations.

Delivery of 1 year’s worth of heartworm and flea prevention medications.

Personalized care instructions for pet owners to follow at home.

About the Human-Animal Bond

Research consistently shows the power of the human-animal bond—pets provide more than just companionship; they contribute to longer lifespans, reduced stress, and better mental and immune health for their owners. For the elderly and disabled, their pets often serve as emotional lifelines. Through the PAWS program, we ensure these important relationships thrive by offering free veterinary care to keep pets healthy and happy, which in turn supports the well-being of their owners.

Help Us Make A Difference

By supporting the PAWS program, you are helping pets live healthier lives while enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable members of our community.

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, you are playing a critical role in keeping pets and their people together.

Eligible pet owners enroll in the PAWS program.
Transport volunteers pick up pets from the client’s home.
Pets receive a thorough veterinary exam, including lab tests and vaccinations.
Pets are returned home with 1 year of heartworm and flea prevention.
Owners receive personalized care instructions from the veterinarian.