Beatrice Humane Society Lifesaving Surgery Program

Keeping Families Together – One Surgery at a Time

At Beatrice Humane Society, we believe that pets are family. No pet should ever be euthanized due to financial barriers preventing lifesaving surgery. Our Lifesaving Surgery Program exists to bridge the gap between pet owners and their trusted veterinarians, ensuring that pets receive critical care while continuing their lifelong relationship with their primary vet.

This program is not a replacement for primary veterinary care but rather a support system for pet owners facing unexpected surgical expenses. We work alongside veterinarians to provide affordable treatment for one-time surgical procedures, ensuring that no pet is surrendered or euthanized when a recovery is possible.

How the Program Works

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance, pet owners must:

• Reside in southern Nebraska (Beatrice, Lincoln, and surrounding areas).
• Work with their primary veterinarian to diagnose and confirm treatment options.
• Ensure the procedure is a one-time surgery with a high likelihood of recovery (pets must have a life expectancy of at least one year post-surgery).
• Exhaust all financial options first, including grants, payment plans, Care Credit, and Scratch Pay, before applying.

Examples of Surgeries Covered

Some of the procedures we have funded include:

• Pyometra surgery (life-threatening uterine infection).
• Foreign body removal (intestinal blockages).
• Tail and limb amputation (for injuries).
• Eye enucleation (for conditions like glaucoma).
• Cystotomy (bladder stone removal).
• Dystocia (only when pet is stable enough for transfer)
• Mass removal, dental procedures, and abscess repair.

We also spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip pets receiving lifesaving surgeries at no additional cost. These preventative measures are required for participation in the program.

How Pet Owners Can Apply

Step 1: Veterinary Diagnosis & Referral

• Visit your veterinarian for diagnostic testing to confirm your pet's condition.
• Your vet will exhaust all financial aid options before referring you to us.
• Once eligible, your vet will submit a referral request with your pet’s medical records.

Step 2: Referral Submission

• Treating veterinarian must complete our referral form and email it, along with all medical records, bloodwork, radiographs and any other diagnostics to clinic@beatricehumanesociety.org.
• Referral requests are generally processed within one business day (Monday–Thursday).
• Emergent cases: If urgent, your vet must call 402-228-9100 ext. 1 after submitting the request for priority review. However, emergency surgeries may be declined due to scheduling limitations.

Step 3: Surgery & Follow-Up Care

• Pet owners are responsible for diagnostic and post-surgical follow-up costs with their primary vet.
• Pets must be dropped off and picked up at Beatrice Humane Society’s Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic on the day of the procedure (we do not offer overnight care). 
• Post-surgery, pet care will return to the referring veterinarian, who will handle recovery and any additional treatment and hopefully MANY years of vet visits and care ahead.

While Beatrice Humane Society is committed to helping keep costs of there procedures low, there are still expenses. Owners should expect to pay towards the overall costs related to the surgery but payment plans, and community service hours may be used to help offset some of those expenses. Owners using this program should consider ways they can give back the the Beatrice Humane Society and help to advance this program so that others can use it in the future. 

Acceptance into this program is not guaranteed and depends on program funding, prognosis, expected client compliance, and surgeon comfort with the procedure.

Veterinarian Referral Protocol

Veterinarians referring a pet for surgery must:

• Conduct necessary diagnostics (minimal testing accepted if cost is prohibitive).
• Discuss prognosis and exhaust financial options with pet owners before referral.
• Confirm the pet’s systemic health and ability to recover fully.
• Ensure a long-term follow-up plan is in place before transferring care back post-surgery.

Veterinarians will receive a full surgical report after the procedure and should schedule a follow-up phone call or visit within one week to ensure proper recovery.

Important Notes for Veterinarians

• This program does not offer overnight or long-term care—referring vets are responsible for ongoing treatment.
• Requests for technically difficult procedures (i.e many orthopedic or non-GP procedures) should be discussed with our surgical team before submission.

Support Our Mission

This program is 100% donor-funded, relying on contributions through Give to Lincoln Day and other fundraising efforts. Donations help us:

• Subsidize surgical costs for pet owners in need.
• Purchase vital medical equipment to improve surgical care.
• Provide transportation assistance (gas cards for clinic visits).

Make a lifesaving difference! Donate today: https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/beatrice-humane-society

Meet Us at Tower Square – Give to Lincoln Non-Profit Fair!

Tower Square, Lincoln May 29, 2025- 10:30am-1:30pm
Meet adoptable puppies and learn how you can help save lives!
Join us on the final day of Give to Lincoln to support our mission and celebrate the bond between pets and their families.

Contact Us

Email: clinic@beatricehumanesociety.orgmailto:clinic@beatricehumanesociety.org
Phone: [402-228-9100 ext 2
Location: 200 N. 7th St Beatrice, NE 68310