Maria Pirita discusses a mailbag question about whether a clinic should start an angel fund, and she’s joined by Beth Mahaffey, co-founder of Pennridge Animal Hospital and founder and medical director of Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit started in 2010 that has adopted out over 2,000 dogs and expanded into community outreach, free care programs, and an angel fund for clients. They cover the biggest benefits, especially team morale and reducing ethical distress, plus real case examples where funding prevented treatable pets from being euthanized. They outline options from informal gift-based help to forming a 501(c)(3) or using third-party programs and AVMA REACH grants, stressing legal and accounting guidance, team buy-in, clear eligibility rules, and realistic time commitments. Maria also mentions an Angel Fund Planning Workbook download and promotes Uncharted 2027 registration.
Dr. Beth Mehaffey, VMD, is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Pennridge Animal Hospital, a privately owned multi-doctor practice in Perkasie, PA. She is also the founder and Medical Director of Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, which has helped more than 2,000 dogs find homes since 2010. Beth is passionate about veterinary leadership, practice culture, mentorship, and compassionate care—both for pets and the people who care for them.
