Heartworm Treatment Assistance Program​

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Removing Barriers to Adoption. Saving Lives.

Heartworm disease is one of the most significant medical challenges facing dogs entering rescue. While treatable, heartworm disease is costly and time-consuming, often placing lifesaving care out of reach for under-resourced rescue organizations. AAPAW’s Heartworm Treatment Assistance Program exists to remove this barrier — ensuring dogs receive the care they need to survive, heal, and find permanent homes.

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Why Heartworm Treatment Matters

Dogs who test positive for heartworm are frequently:

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• Passed over for adoption

• Declined by rescues due to treatment costs

• At risk of prolonged suffering or euthanasia

 

Without financial assistance, many rescue groups simply cannot take on heartworm-positive dogs, no matter how committed they are to saving lives. ​By helping cover the cost of treatment, AAPAW allows rescues to say “yes” to dogs who would otherwise have no options.

How the Program Works

AAPAW partners with local rescue organizations and veterinarians to provide financial assistance for heartworm treatment for dogs entering or currently in rescue care in the San Antonio area. Support through this program helps cover:

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• Diagnostic testing

• Heartworm treatment injections

• Follow-up veterinary care, when applicable

 

Funds are distributed responsibly and directly support medical care that enables dogs to become healthy, adoptable companions.

Impact & Outcomes

Through the Heartworm Treatment Assistance Program:

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• Dogs receive lifesaving medical care

• Rescue organizations can accept and rehabilitate heartworm-positive dogs

• Adoption opportunities increase for dogs once considered “too costly” to save

• Fewer dogs are lost due to preventable or treatable disease

 

In 2025, AAPAW has helped provide heartworm treatment assistance to 67 dogs through our rescue partners. Each treatment represents not just a medical intervention, but a second chance at life.

A Collaborative Approach

AAPAW does not treat animals directly. Instead, we work behind the scenes to strengthen the capacity of rescue organizations across the region. This collaborative model:

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• Maximizes donor dollars

• Reduces duplication of effort

• Ensures resources reach animals with the greatest need

 

By supporting multiple rescues through one program, AAPAW extends the reach of every contribution.

Why This Program Is Essential

Heartworm disease is preventable and treatable — but only if resources are available. Without this program:

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• Rescue groups must turn away heartworm-positive dogs

• Animals remain untreated, prolonging suffering

• Adoption outcomes are delayed or lost entirely

 

With this program:

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• Lives are saved

• Rescues are empowered

• Communities benefit from healthier, adoptable pets

How You Can Help

Heartworm treatment is expensive, but together we can ensure cost does not determine a dog’s fate. You can support this program by:

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• Making a financial contribution

• Sponsoring heartworm treatment for a dog in need

• Partnering with AAPAW to expand lifesaving medical access

 

Your support turns diagnosis into recovery — and recovery into a forever home.