Cremation Assistance

If your pet has passed away or you will be saying goodbye and you need cremation assistance, please read the eligibility requirements then click below to fill out the application. Hobo’s Healing Heart aims to cover 100% of the cost of cremation, subject to available funding.

Hobo’s Healing Heart does not cover the cost of euthanasia.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Your application must be received within 14 days of your pet’s passing.

2. You and your pet must live in one of the following counties:
   a. South Dakota: Butte, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade, or Pennington
   b. Wyoming: Crook and Weston
   c. Proof of valid (current/not expired or temporary) residency must be provided if requested: driver’s license, state identification card, lease agreement, or mortgage statement AND two utility bills listed in your name for your residence.

3. You must provide proof that you have owned your pet for at least three months (adoption/purchase papers, vet records, and/or rabies certificates for two consecutive “terms”).

4. Hobo’s Healing Heart aims to cover 100% of the cost of cremation, subject to available funding. If we are unable to cover the full cost, you will be responsible for paying your portion before we pay ours.

5. You must be able to prove financial need and inability to qualify for retail/commercial support such as, but not limited to, Care Credit, personal loan, etc.
   a. If requested, provide proof of income: IRS Tax Return Form 1040s AND two of the most recent pay stubs OR Social Security statements for ALL working adults (age 18+) in the household where the pet resides.

6. If your income exceeds 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you must provide proof of the hardship you claim (lease agreement/mortgage statement, student loan statement [for loan in repayment], most recent utility bills, most recent medical bills, etc.).

7. If approved, grant funds will be paid directly to your veterinarian or crematory.

NOTE: All grants are awarded pursuant to available funds and as such, you may be required to pay more than 50% of your bill. You will need to answer every question honestly and completely for consideration. Please do not elaborate in fields for specific questions, and instead use the description area to provide any additional information. If you do not meet the requirements for a grant, please see our “Resources” tab for fundraising ideas.

By clicking apply I acknowledge that:

1. I read the categories of care to see if my need qualifies

2. I read the eligibility requirements carefully

3. I meet ALL of the requirements to apply

4. I understand I am responsible for the cost of euthanasia

Cremation Assistance Process:

Hobo’s Healing Heart (HHH) contacts the pet owner immediately, then contacts Spearfish Animal Hospital, Resting Pawz Pet Cremation, or the pet owner’s preferred vet clinic to get the cost of cremation plus a basic urn. The application is then sent to the Board for consideration. Once a decision is made, HHH contacts the pet owner and the cremation facility. All payments are made to the facility providing the cremation services. Grant amounts are dependent on funds available.

Areas we serve:

We are a nonprofit serving residents in Butte, Custer, Lawrence, Fall River, Meade, and Pennington Counties in South Dakota and Crook and Weston County in Wyoming. Requests from outside these areas will be automatically denied.

Cremation Services Partners:

Spearfish Animal Hospital

Resting Pawz Pet Cremation

Euthanasia and cremation are related to different aspects of end-of-life care for pets. Euthanasia is the act of gently and painlessly ending a pet’s life to relieve suffering, usually done by a veterinarian when the pet’s quality of life has significantly declined. This decision is often made with deep care and consideration to ensure the pet's comfort and dignity.

Cremation, on the other hand, is a method of handling a pet's remains after they have passed away. It involves reducing the body to ashes through a controlled process and can be done privately or communally. This choice allows pet owners to keep their pet's remains in a special place, scatter them, or handle them in a way that is meaningful to them.