The Banfield Foundation’s Care Knows No Boundaries (CKNB) Grant program provides financial support to eligible Mars, Inc. Associates who volunteer their time and veterinary skills to serve animals in need through domestic or international nonprofit missions. This program is rooted in the Foundation’s mission to ensure all pets have access to veterinary care and aims to reduce the financial burden associated with volunteer travel. The grant offers reimbursement of travel-related expenses up to $3,000, based on the trip’s location and duration, as defined by IRS per diem guidelines.
This opportunity is open exclusively to credentialed veterinarians and veterinary technicians employed by Mars, Inc. entities such as Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Blue Pearl, and based in North America. Applicants must be pre-approved for a volunteer opportunity by a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must cover costs upfront using personal funds and PTO. The Banfield Foundation does not cover lost wages or PTO but reimburses travel expenses post-trip.
Eligible reimbursable costs include airfare, accommodations, meals, and mileage. Non-reimbursable costs include expenses for companions, entertainment, childcare, pet care, parking tickets, and immunizations required for travel. Additional details are available in the Volunteer Travel Reimbursement Guidelines, which can be requested from grants@banfieldfoundation.org.
To apply, Associates must complete an online application prior to incurring any expenses and provide proof of acceptance from the hosting nonprofit. Approved applicants will receive a grant award letter with a specific grant number, the approved amount, the reimbursement form, and official guidelines. All expenses beyond the awarded amount are the responsibility of the Associate.
Reimbursement requests must be submitted within five days of the end of the month in which the travel occurred. Required documents include itemized receipts and the signed reimbursement form. These should be sent to Lacey.Frame@banfieldfoundation.org. Associates can expect application status updates within five business days of submission.
