For Rescues Interested in Medical Support & Resource Connection
The Take A Licking Challenge, in partnership with Sophie’s Gift and A Leg Up 4 Dogs, was created to help rescues say YES to urgent medical cases—especially when funding is the only barrier between life and death.
We understand the daily challenges rescues face—overcrowded shelters, limited fosters, and fundraising fatigue. That’s why we’ve designed a two-part support system:
1. Urgent Medical Funding — Take A Licking Challenge
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All dogs must be pulled from or currently in a shelter.
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Funds are reserved for rescues who cannot otherwise say “yes” due to lack of resources or ability to fundraise.
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Requests are reviewed by our board and allocated based on urgency, need, and impact.
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We prioritize urgent, time-sensitive cases and aim to respond within 24 hours.
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501(c)(3) status is required, along with a vet estimate. We pay clinics directly.
2. Resources & Connections — A Leg Up 4 Dogs
When you apply for medical support through Take A Licking, your rescue also gains access to A Leg Up 4 Dogs’ Resource Directory and other programs designed to strengthen local rescue efforts.
This includes:
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A local resource directory listing your rescue’s specific needs (fosters, transport, supplies, volunteers, etc.) so the community can step in.
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Access to other support programs from A Leg Up 4 Dogs, aimed at building partnerships, expanding foster networks, and increasing public engagement with rescues.
By linking medical funding with a network of local help, we aim to bridge the gap between urgent need and long-term sustainability—giving rescues not just a lifeline for today, but stronger support for tomorrow.
Important: If your rescue has funds available or can raise them quickly, we ask that you allow this resource to remain available for those who truly have no other options.
IMPORTANT:Our mission is to help rescues save more dogs’ lives, and we have some wonderful projects coming in the months ahead to support you. Even if urgent medical funding isn’t needed, you can still partner with Leg Up 4 Dogs by helping recruit fosters or spreading the word about adoptable dogs.
FAQ for Rescues
Q: Who is eligible to apply for funds as a rescue?
A: Must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Be actively pulling a dog from a shelter who has a medical condition requiring urgent care. Have limited available funds and no established fundraising infrastructure capable of covering the emergency costs quickly. Proof of EIN and nonprofit documentation is required. We’re here to help the rescues that are often overlooked—the ones with big hearts but small budgets—so they can say “yes” to saving lives they might otherwise have to turn away.
Q: What kind of medical expenses are covered?
A: Urgent and necessary veterinary medical costs such as surgeries, diagnostics, medications, and hospitalization. Routine care or spay/neuter services may be considered but are not prioritized.
Q: How is payment handled?
A: Payments are made directly to the veterinary clinic providing care. Rescues must provide an estimate or invoice from the clinic. We do not reimburse the rescue directly.
Q: Are there limits to how much we can request?
A: There is no set cap per case, but funds are distributed based on urgency, availability, and overall impact. We aim to help as many animals as possible and may request lower-cost vet options if necessary.
Q: What if our vet is too expensive?
A: If a veterinary clinic (such as some VCA locations) is significantly more costly, we may ask the rescue to consider switching to a pre-approved or alternative vet clinic to ensure resources go further.
Q: How often can a rescue apply?
A: There’s currently no timeline restriction. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as long as funds are available.
Q: Will there be transparency about available funds?
A: Yes. We aim to post daily fund availability updates, so applicants know what is left in the pool and how many animals can still be supported.
Q: Is anything required after we receive funding?
A: Yes. Rescues must submit before-and-after photos or videos of the animal, a short summary of their story, and any updates. These stories will be shared to promote rescue awareness and inspire future donors.
Q: Can we share our funded case stories too?
A: Absolutely! We encourage all rescues to share their stories on social media and tag the Take A Licking Challenge to spread the word.
Q: What types of rescues does this program support?
A: We prioritize rescues willing to pull high-risk dogs from shelters who have urgent medical needs. You’ll need to provide the name of the shelter the dog came from.
Q: Can rescues apply even if they don’t currently have a dog in need?
A: Yes. We strongly encourage rescues to become pre-approved even if they don’t have a current medical case. This ensures we’re ready to help quickly when the need arises.
Q: Do you help dogs still in shelters that no rescue has claimed?
A: Yes! We may offer to sponsor a shelter dog’s medical needs to encourage a rescue to pull them. This helps save lives and reduce hesitation due to cost.
If you would like us to contact you when we are ready to partner with rescues, please fill out this form.