Vashon Island Pet Protectors

Mission

We offer services and programs for Vashon Island residents and their pets with the goal of preventing pet homelessness in our island community. We do this by mobilizing the power of volunteers and through the generosity of our donors and community partners.

Vision

No more homeless pets.

About VIPP

Teamwork. Transparency. Compassion. Integrity. Accountability. These are VIPP’s core values, and they guide every aspect of our rescue organization’s work. For 42 years, VIPP has been the go-to call when it comes to anything having to do with cats and dogs, whether a beloved pet or a found animal. Our team of volunteers works with the community to fill gaps left by other social safety nets. VIPP’s willingness to listen to the people we serve has led to many of the programs we provide today. The secret to our longevity is that we've created programs that serve our community, and our community has supported us in return.

Your Give Big donation will support VIPP’s Emergency Financial Assistance program

We are fortunate to live in a time where advancements in veterinary medicine provide treatment that can save or greatly improve the quality of life for our pets.  Less fortunate is the fact that this truly wonderful level of care often comes in the form of an emergency and with a price tag that does not easily work into a person’s budget.  VIPP has long served as a resource for the community when unexpected circumstances arise for their pets. Calls regarding medical emergencies were a big part of that from the beginning.  We began to address the need by researching resources and providing information to pet parents.  As budgeting allowed, we began to make small grants to assist with emergency vet care.  Eventually, VIPP adopted Emergency Financial Assistance as a formal program.  Unsurprisingly, the need continues on. Your Give Big donation this year will support this program that provides relief to our island neighbors and their pets in times of ill health with its accompanying stress and worry.

VIPP still works with pet owners to connect them with the resource that best serves their needs when care beyond their means is necessary.  When the solution includes financial assistance from VIPP, we work directly with the treating vet to determine the level of assistance to be provided and make payment directly to the clinic.  The chart below provides a snapshot of the impact of VIPP's Emergency Financial Assistance program over the past six years.  While the numbers vary according to need, and the amount of the grant may be above or below the average depending on the nature of the emergency, what remains constant is the help and reassurance VIPP is able to offer in the face of medical emergency thanks to the generosity of our community. 

As of the end of March 2026, VIPP has already helped 18 families with unexpected veterinary expenses.  Please help us work towards our vision of no more homeless pets by supporting VIPP's Emergency Financial Assistance program. Your generosity will help keep cats and dogs as and where they belong: healthy and with their families.