At Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, we understand how difficult it is to make the decision to say goodbye to a loyal companion. When it comes time to guide them peacefully through their final moments, the last thing families should have to worry about is financial strain. That’s why we created the Lifting Stars Angel Fund — to ensure that every pet, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has access to compassionate, at-home end-of-life care.
What is the Lifting Stars Angel Fund?
Launched in 2024, the Lifting Stars Angel Fund was designed with one core mission: to support families who may be struggling with the financial burden of end-of-life care for their pets. By covering part of the cost of our services, the fund allows families to focus on the emotional and spiritual needs of their pet — rather than worrying about affordability.
This fund is made possible by the kindness and generosity of our clients, friends, and the larger community of pet lovers. Every dollar donated is used to help cover the cost of our in-home euthanasia and palliative care services. And to extend the reach of the fund even further, Lifting Stars matches every donation made, ensuring that the impact of each contribution is multiplied.
Why We Created the Angel Fund…
We believe that the bond between people and their animals is one of life’s most precious relationships. At Lifting Stars, we see firsthand the depth of that connection, especially when a family is faced with the heart-wrenching decision of saying goodbye to their pet. Our goal has always been to provide a gentle, dignified passing for every pet in the comfort of their own home. But we also know that this process can be financially challenging for some families.
The Lifting Stars Angel Fund was created to ensure that every pet, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, has access to the care and compassion they deserve during this difficult time. Our mission is simple: we want to make sure that finances never stand in the way of a peaceful and loving end-of-life experience for pets and their families.
At the heart of Lifting Stars is our founder and owner, Dr. Jeff Berkshire. With over 15 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Jeff has dedicated his career to helping pets and their families navigate the delicate process of end-of-life care. Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Jeff fell in love with Vancouver while studying at the University of British Columbia. In 2015, he founded Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, a mobile veterinary practice focused on compassionate, at-home palliative care.
Dr. Jeff and his team of experienced veterinarians and support staff are deeply passionate about offering the best possible care for both pets and their families. The creation of the Angel Fund is just one of the ways they demonstrate this commitment, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a family from giving their pet a peaceful, dignified farewell.
How Does the Angel Fund Work?
The Angel Fund helps cover the cost of in-home euthanasia for families who need financial assistance. This includes:
- Allowing families to say goodbye in the peaceful surroundings of their pet’s home, where they feel safest and most loved.
- Providing support for pets in their final stages of life, ensuring they are comfortable, free of pain, and surrounded by care.
How the Fund is Allocated:
The Angel Fund is a limited resource, and we allocate it based on the urgency of the need and the severity of the situation. Every request is handled with care and compassion, ensuring that those in the most need are prioritized.
- 100% of donations made to the fund go directly toward helping families.
- Lifting Stars matches each donation, increasing the impact of every contribution.
We recognize that the need for support can arise unexpectedly, and we strive to help as many families as possible. The Angel Fund is here to ease the burden on families who may be unable to afford these vital services due to financial hardship.
Please note: Donations to the Angel Fund are not tax-deductible. However, the difference your donation makes is immeasurable, offering comfort and peace to families during one of the most difficult moments in their lives.
The Lasting Impact of Your Contribution
It’s not just about the final moments — it’s about creating a lasting memory. The experience of saying goodbye in a familiar, peaceful environment can make all the difference in a pet’s passing. The comfort, love, and closure it provides to families are irreplaceable, and that’s what makes your donation so meaningful.
The Lifting Stars Angel Fund is not just about covering the cost of services; it’s about honoring the bond between pets and their families. It’s about giving families the ability to say goodbye with grace, dignity, and peace.
How You Can Help…
As a community-based service, we understand how important it is to give back to the people and pets that make Vancouver such a special place to live and work. If you’re in a position to contribute, your donation can make a world of difference for families in need. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to our goal of providing every pet with the peaceful goodbye they deserve.
To donate to the Lifting Stars Angel Fund or to learn more about how the fund is supporting families, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us directly at liftingstars@gmail.com
At Lifting Stars, we are here for you and your pets — and we want to ensure that we can help others in need. Together, we can continue making a difference, one gentle goodbye at a time.