Open Arm’s Accessible Grooming Program
Every Pet Deserves Compassionate Care
At Open Arms Pet Grooming, we believe that professional grooming is more than keeping pets looking their best. Regular grooming supports skin and coat health, improves comfort, helps identify potential medical concerns, and contributes to a pet's overall quality of life. Unfortunately, financial hardships, medical challenges, and unexpected life circumstances can sometimes make professional grooming difficult to afford. The Accessible Grooming Program was created to help bridge that gap by providing reduced-cost or fully sponsored grooming services to qualifying families whenever funding is available.
We understand that asking for assistance can feel uncomfortable. The Accessible Grooming Program was created to support both pets and the people who love them. Every application is reviewed with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. If you're unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply. We'd rather review an application than have a pet go without the care they need.
How the Program Works
The Accessible Grooming Program is funded through the generosity of our community.
A portion of every regularly priced grooming appointment is contributed to the program.
Community members may also donate directly to help pets in need.
Every dollar donated goes directly toward providing grooming services for approved applicants.
Applications are reviewed confidentially and individually based on each family's circumstances and the funds currently available. While we wish we could help every pet, approval cannot be guaranteed and may depend on available funding at the time of your request.
Who May Benefit
This program may be appropriate for pets whose families are experiencing circumstances such as:
Financial hardship
Temporary medical expenses
Disability or fixed income
Senior pet owners with limited resources
Unexpected life events or emergencies
Other situations creating a temporary need for assistance
Every application is reviewed with compassion and without judgment.
Want to help a pet in need?
Every donation helps provide professional grooming to pets whose families are facing financial hardship, disability, emergencies, or other barriers to care.
Services That May Be Covered
Depending on available funding, assistance may include:
Full Groom
Bath & Brush
Maintenance Groom
Nail Trim
Deshedding Services
Other grooming services as determined appropriate for the pet's needs
The type and amount of assistance provided will vary based on the individual situation.
What to Expect
Applying to the Accessible Grooming Program is designed to be straightforward while ensuring our limited funding reaches the households facing the greatest barriers.
Before beginning your application, please review the information below.
Before You Apply
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide documentation that helps us better understand your situation. Not every applicant will need every document.
Examples may include:
Proof of income or participation in assistance programs
Documentation of disability or medical conditions affecting grooming or transportation
Veterinary records related to your pet's grooming needs or medical conditions
Documentation of temporary hardships, such as medical recovery or unexpected financial challenges
A completed Provider Referral Form from a healthcare provider, veterinarian, social worker, case manager, disability advocate, or another professional familiar with your circumstances (when applicable)
Providing documentation does not automatically qualify you for assistance, but it helps us fairly evaluate each application.
Provider Referral Form
Some applicants may benefit from having a trusted professional complete a Provider Referral Form. This form helps us better understand barriers that may not be fully reflected in the application alone.
A provider referral is encouraged but not required unless specifically requested during the review process.
📄 Download the Provider Referral Form
Accessible Grooming Provider Referral Form
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed using a standardized scoring system that considers several factors, including:
Financial barriers
Physical or health-related barriers
Transportation and accessibility challenges
Your pet's grooming and welfare needs
Safety considerations for both the pet and groomer
This process helps ensure funding is distributed fairly and consistently.
After You Apply
Once your application is submitted:
We'll review your application and any supporting documentation.
We may contact you if additional information is needed.
Applications are evaluated based on need, available funding, and program eligibility.
You'll be notified of our decision as soon as possible.
Approved applicants may qualify for fully sponsored grooming services, partial financial assistance, or accommodations that improve access to grooming services.
Ready to Apply?
If you believe your pet could benefit from the Accessible Grooming Program, we'd be honored to review your request.
Accessible Grooming Program Application
The Accessible Grooming Program helps reduce financial, physical, transportation, pet-specific, and other barriers that may prevent pets from receiving consistent professional grooming.
Please answer each question as completely and honestly as you can. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The information you provide helps Open Arms:
Understand the barriers affecting your household and pet.
Determine what level of assistance may be available.
Identify accommodations your pet may need.
Protect the safety and comfort of your pet and our grooming team.
Applications are reviewed confidentially. Completing an application does not guarantee approval, a particular level of assistance, or immediate scheduling. Assistance depends on eligibility, your pet’s needs, Open Arms’ ability to provide services safely, and available program funding.
Please complete one application for each pet requesting assistance.
Not applying?
You can still make a difference.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps another pet receive compassionate grooming when they need it most.