Voucher Cards for Veterinarians in Northeast Ohio
4. Resources for Your Clients: Our Northeast Ohio Pet Resources page provides links to many resources for pet owners in Northeast Ohio.
5. Healthy Pets, Healthy People: For veterinary resources to help pets and people stay healthy together, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People web page.
If you have a question or can't find what you need, contact us right away — we’ll be happy to talk to you. We can’t do this work without you!
Voucher Cards: FAQ for Veterinary Staff
Whether you're a veterinary clinic that's new to the Veterinary Payment Program or already a Veterinary Partner, the frequently asked questions (FAQ) are answered below. If you don't find your answer, please contact us or call 216.920.3051 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm).
Getting Started
For computer access, you will need the username and password provided by One Health Organization. We recommend that you bookmark this webpage URL to your browser.
If you prefer, you may download the "Gift & Loyalty" app on your Apple or Android smart device. You will need to enter the Merchant ID and Terminal ID provided by One Health Organization when prompted to set it up on your device. When using the Gift & Loyalty app on your smart device, you will want to access the QR code on the back of a Voucher Card to capture the card number for the quickest results.
What do Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Cards look like?
As of March 2023, a Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Card (aka Voucher Card) looks and feels like a gift card, as shown below. The sponsor logo may change periodically. If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities, let us know.
Who receives Voucher Cards from One Health Organization?
Here are the criteria people must meet to become a One Health Family Member and receive a Voucher Card.
- Be a Northeast Ohio resident - reside in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit County.
- Live with at least one dog or cat.
- Provide written proof of financial need (eligibility requirements are found on the Veterinary Care Vouchers page).
To learn how many dogs, cats, and households have benefited from the program, visit Our Impact page.
How do we know a client is a One Health Family Member?
They receive two Membership Cards. One for them and one to give someone they trust to care for their pet when necessary. As of March 2023, this is an example of what they look like.
Where can the Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Card be used?
Only at a participating veterinary clinic (aka Veterinary Partner). It's FREE and EASY to sign up (see below for details).
What veterinary care expenses are covered?
Just about everything! A more complete list can be found below.
- Annual veterinary services as required by law or rules, or as advised by a practicing veterinarian, such as a physical examination, core vaccinations, parasite control, etc.
- Disease testing, such as fecals, blood tests, urinalysis, cytology, etc.
- Other routine tests, such as radiographs and ultrasound
- Toenail trims and other medically necessary grooming procedures, such as removing matted fur, expressing anal glands, etc.
- Dental cleanings (only if performed under general anesthesia)
- Prescription diets, as medically indicated
- Medications for acute or chronic care needs available at your practice
- Routine spay/neuter procedures - NEW!
- Urgent or emergency care services for medical or surgical conditions
- Palliative care, hospice care
- Euthanasia services
- House call fees, if the client cannot get their pet to the practice
Services must be provided in accordance with state law by and/or through a veterinary practice. Services not mentioned above may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
If you have any questions about what is covered, call 216.920.3051 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, or contact us online. We will get back to you as soon as we are able.
What veterinary expenses are not covered?
Vouchers cannot be used to pay off old debt, necropsy, microchipping, pet adoption fees, non-prescription pet supplies, or non-prescription pet food.
If you have any questions about what is not covered, call 216.920.3051 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, or contact us online. We will get back to you as soon as we are able.
What is the highest balance I can find on a Voucher Card?
$250. Each household can receive this amount each year they qualify, regardless of how many dogs or cats are in their home.
What if the balance on their Voucher Card can't fully cover the invoice?
If the total cost of goods and services provided exceeds the value of the balance on the card, then the pet owner is expected to pay the difference. However, we cannot guarantee that they will have any other funds with them at the time they're in your office.
If they do not have the necessary funds to cover the invoice in full, consider the following options.
- contact Valley Save-a-Pet or another organization and they may be able to provide additional funds
- write off the expense - talk to your accountant
- donate the goods or services - talk to your accountant
- offer a payment plan - most will not be eligible for CareCredit, but they may be eligible for another payment program like Scratchpay
- provide a discount
Do Voucher Cards lose their value?
Yes. For any one-year cycle starting on April 1st, any remaining balance is deleted at the end of business day on March 31st of the following year. Once someone applies again and they still qualify, their card can be reloaded with funds, but no more than $250 per one-year cycle per eligible household.
What if a client claims to lose or forget their Voucher Card at their vet visit?
Contact One Health Organization at 216.920.3051 to discuss their situation. If they are a One Health Family Member, we can look up their record and send you their eCard by email or text.
Are Voucher Cards transferable?
No. They were provided to a household member who qualified for them. However, a trusted pet caretaker may act on their behalf, if necessary.
Why do I need to submit the invoice?
We need a copy of the invoice to prove that veterinary care was provided and that only allowable expenses are paid. Also, this provides information about any goods and services provided, the invoice amount, the discount provided to the client (if any), and the amount paid by the client (if anything).
When do I need to submit the invoice?
As soon as possible after a veterinary visit so that the practice can get paid as quickly as possible.
How do I submit an invoice?
We give you lots of options. Use the one that works best for your practice.
A Veterinary Partner staff member must submit the invoice in one of the following ways before payment can be made.
- Attach a PDF of the invoice using the online Invoice Remittance Form
- OR Send a FAX of the invoice to 216.455.0980 (Call to ensure delivery with the first FAX sent)
- OR Use the FREE Adobe Scan app on your smart device and send it by email
- OR Take a picture of the invoice using a smart device and send it by email
- OR Mail a copy to: One Health Organization, ATTN: Voucher Program Coordinator, 27600 Chagrin Blvd, Ste 400, Woodmere, OH, 44122-4449
When does the veterinary clinic get paid?
Payment can be expected shortly after we receive the invoice.
How does the veterinary clinic get paid?
The quickest way to be paid is electronically using EFT/ACH. Contact the office at 216.920.3051 during normal business hours if you would like to take advantage of this payment method. We'll need the following documents from your clinic to get started.
- A letter signed by a bank representative from your practice's bank to confirm the routing information to participate.
- A copy of a voided check that matches the account in the bank letter above - cut out the signature line to reduce fraud.
Otherwise, you can expect to get a check mailed to you. Be aware that mail fraud is more common now, and the authorities may not have the ability to help you with a claim.
What if I can't find key information to check a balance or process a payment?
If you don't have or can't find your practice's quick reference guide with the above information provided by One Health Organization, contact the SwipeIt.com Merchant Support line at 508.452.7600 or email customer service support.
What if this is urgent or an emergency and the client is not a One Health Family Member?
We might be able to help. Several conditions must be met, as indicated below.
- The client has a government-issued document with them proving financial need, such as a Medicaid or SNAP card.
- They apply and meet eligibility requirements during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm) and when the Voucher Card Program Coordinator is in the office for correspondence.
- We receive the client's application form to approve the pet owner as a One Health Family Member - use the online application form or by FAX (216.455.0980) if you can download, print, and fill out the paper application form.
- We have sufficient funds to cover up to $250.
- You can receive and use an eCard link we send you using your company email or text to your smart device.
- You send us a copy of the invoice electronically (online form, email, or FAX to 216.455.0980)
- You call our office at 216.920.3051 so that we can be prepared to help as quickly as possible.
We are investigating a process to ensure no cat or dog has to suffer needlessly from pain or distress due to an urgent or emergency care need because of a One Health Family Member's inability to pay at the time of service. Stay tuned.
Ready to Become a Veterinary Partner?
It's FREE and EASY, as indicated below.
- You send us a copy of your recent IRS Form W-9 so that we may be compliant with the law.
- We give you access to your practice's unique information to access the online SwipeIt WebTerminal on your computer (requires a username and password) and/or the "Gift & Loyalty" app on your Apple or Android smart device (requires a merchant ID and terminal ID).
- If you'd like to be paid as fast as possible, we can send payment directly into the practice's business account electronically (EFT/ACH). We'll need a letter signed by a bank representative from your practice's bank to confirm the routing information to participate, as well as a copy of a voided check.
For Veterinary Staff Exploring the Veterinary Payment Program
Why should our veterinary practice get involved?
You care about your animal patients. We care that you can provide veterinary care to pets no matter the financial capacity of your client. We established the Veterinary Payment Program to help you serve pet owners who simply need a little financial support to afford essential care.
Is there any cost to us to participate?
No.
Are we expected to give clients a discount?
No. It would be appreciated if you could.
How can you guarantee that veterinary practices will get paid?
We guarantee that if there is a balance on the card we have the money in the bank to make payment. Any Voucher Card issued to a One Health Family Member acts like a debit card payment for you.
Are low-income pet owners motivated to take care of their pets?
Yes. Pet owners who contact us want to provide quality veterinary care for their pets.
What service area does the Veterinary Payment Program cover?
This program is for veterinary practices providing services to people living in Northeast Ohio, which includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties.
Where must my practice be located to become a Veterinary Partner?
Veterinary practices located inside or outside the seven-county service area (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit) are allowed to accept Voucher Cards as payment from One Health Family Members. As long as they become Veterinary Partners.
Where can the Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Cards be used?
Only at participating veterinary clinics. Any veterinary practice can sign up to become a participating veterinary clinic at any time. It's FREE and EASY.
When does the veterinary clinic get paid?
Payment can be expected shortly after we receive the invoice for services rendered.
How does the veterinary clinic get paid?
The quickest way to be paid is via EFT/ACH. Contact the office at 216.920.3051 during normal business hours if you would like to take advantage of this payment method. Otherwise, you can expect to get a check mailed to you.
How the Program Thrives
Resources One Health Organization needs to exist, thrive, and grow
We rely on the thoughtfulness and generosity of people to get involved as donors to cover necessary expenses, and volunteers help us keep labor costs down. Most of our funding comes from individuals, grants, sponsorships, and matching gifts from donors' employers.
Ways you can help make the Veterinary Payment Program more successful
There are many EASY and FREE ways just about anyone can do to help. Here are ten options that you can consider. You may also use these to promote your practice.
- Place a link on your website to our website. We can supply you with our logo if you wish.
- Like or follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn), and share our posts with your followers.
- Let your clients know that you are a Veterinary Partner and accept Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Cards as payment.
- Refer clients to us who might make good volunteers or may want to donate.
- Write a blog post about dog or cat care and we can promote your practice online.
- Share a story about a client and their pet you were able to help because of the Voucher Cards provided by One Health Organization.
- Record a conversation with Dr. Anna about a pet care topic over Zoom that we can share.
- Host a small behind-the-scenes tour at your location for special guests, which could include your best clients and our loyal donors.
- Start an online fundraiser using our easy Givebutter platform, such as that used for our annual One Health Giving Day in November.
- Have an idea of your own. Contact us today to discuss it.
Vocabulary Terms
What is a Veterinary Partner?
We call those who get involved as participating veterinary care facilities Veterinary Partners. They promise to accept Voucher Cards as payment from our mutual clients, and we promise that Veterinary Partners get paid (up to $250 per year per Member).
What is a One Health Family?
We call people living with at least one pet a One Health Family. Our goal is for every One Health Family to choose a primary care veterinarian for each pet living with them and to seek veterinary care at least once a year for each pet living with them.
What is a One Health Family Member?
They are among the most vulnerable people in our community. They applied for and met financial need requirements to receive a Veterinary Care Voucher Debit Card (aka Voucher Card) worth up to $250 from One Health Organization.