Foundation provides $1.9M grant for collaboration to Improve Access to Veterinary Care
Open Door Veterinary Collective has announced a $1.9 Million grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, a private charitable foundation based in Incline Village, Nevada, to develop and implement the Yes to Care program. This 3-year unique collaborative pilot program will provide solutions for veterinary teams, and ultimately pet families, to address the rising cost of veterinary care.
Open Door Veterinary Collective has partnered with Varidi and The myBalto Foundation to deliver the Yes to Care Program. Participating veterinary practices will be supported with training, tools and $5,000 to kickstart practices’ Angel Fund to help clients say yes to treatment recommendations:
Open Door Veterinary Collective provides skill building for staff to build comfort and competence handling financial conversations helping teams know how and when to present financial and care options
Varidi provides guaranteed, in-house payment plan software, so clinics can offer flexibility without credit checks and financial risks.
The myBalto Foundation provides a customized practice angel fund, that allows tax-deductible donations, fundraising opportunities and guidance, ensuring there’s always a safety net for cases where flexibility alone isn’t enough.
Financial Barriers are Limiting Access to Care
A recent Gallup survey indicates that 94% of veterinarians say that clients’ financial considerations sometimes or often limit their ability to provide care. A second Gallup survey found 52% of U.S pet owners skipped needed veterinary care in the past year, with 71% citing cost as the key factor. As a result, millions of pets go without the care they need.
For Open Door Veterinary Collective, Varidi and The myBalto Foundation, the data underscores the need for additional support for veterinary teams as they navigate access to care challenges.
“Financial limitations don’t just affect clients, they directly impact clinical outcomes, professional fulfillment, and the sustainability of veterinary practices,” said Aimee St. Arnaud, founder of Open Door Veterinary Collective. “Our goal is to give veterinary teams the framework and proven, research-backed payment solutions to help their clients be able to say yes to more treatment recommendations. When teams have the right tools for conversations, it reduces stress and helps build trust.”
Robert Parkins DVM, co-founder of The myBalto Foundation and a veterinarian understands this firsthand. “Veterinarians get into this profession to help pets and it causes stress when financial constraints limit care they’re able to provide.”
Varidi sees this all too often, “Care is the veterinary teams’ job, making it accessible is ours. Our tool is no interest, no credit checks, and no risk – just more Yes,” said, Andrew McDonald, Chief Sales Officer, Varidi, Inc.
Addressing these financial barriers requires investment in practical solutions that work for both veterinary teams and their clients. “Access to veterinary care isn’t about a single financial tool, it’s about making the right decisions at the right time” said Elsa Patterson, Program Administrator, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. “The Yes to Care program reflects the kind of collaborative, practical approach we believe is needed to help practices create more intentional paths to care for their clients.”
How to Get Involved
Practices interested in taking part in the initiative or learning more should visit www.yestocare.org to fill out an application for consideration. Space is limited in this pilot program. Visit our booth #4565 at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, February 16-18, 2026 to find out more.
