Services & Eligibility
How We Help
At The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort, we provide free, temporary pet care to individuals facing unexpected crises. Our mission is to offer peace of mind so pet owners can focus on getting the help they need while knowing their pets are safe.
Our Services
We offer a range of short-term care solutions based on the pet’s needs and the owner's situation:
Short-Term Boarding (Up to 30 Days)
Safe, comfortable housing for dogs and cats
Daily care, feeding, and enrichment activities
Now includes exclusive access to Erie’s only cat-dedicated facility at 4007 Main Street – The Crate Escape: Cat Edition
Cats enjoy a quiet, dog-free space with vertical enrichment, sun-soaked lounging areas, and room-style suites
Drop-In Visits (For pets who must remain in their home)
Dog walking, feeding, and litter box cleaning
Check-ins for small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.
Grooming Services (For pets in our program)
Bathing, brushing, nail trims, and basic grooming
Keeps pets clean, comfortable, and healthy during their stay
Cat grooms now offered in our stress-free, cat-only grooming studio
Low-Income Grooming Assistance
Reduced-cost or donation-based grooming for pet owners experiencing financial hardship
Services include bathing, nail trims, brushing, and comfort grooms
Because every pet deserves care—no matter their human’s situation
Available by request when funding and availability allow
Dog Walking & Enrichment
Walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation activities
Designed to ease stress and support emotional well-being
Lily’s Fund – End-of-Life Assistance
While the Crisis Comfort Program primarily provides temporary care for pets during times of crisis, we occasionally encounter situations where families need help during a different kind of hardship — saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
Lily’s Fund was created to help ensure that pets whose quality of life has declined can receive a peaceful and compassionate goodbye, even when their owners are facing financial hardship.
The Story Behind Lily’s Fund
Lily’s Fund was created after Crisis Comfort met a man named Thomas and his beloved dog, Lily.
Thomas was losing his eyesight and could no longer work. Because of his circumstances, he simply did not have the financial means to provide end-of-life care for Lily.
Lily herself was suffering. She had lost the use of her back legs and, due to incontinence, spent much of her time in a shower area where it was easier for Thomas to keep her clean and comfortable. Despite these challenges, it was clear how deeply Thomas loved her.
When we learned of their situation, our community stepped in to help. Crisis Comfort covered the cost of Lily’s euthanasia so Thomas could give her the peaceful goodbye she deserved.
That moment became the beginning of Lily’s Fund — a dedicated fund to help other families facing similar circumstances.
Eligibility for Lily’s Fund
Because this fund relies entirely on donations, assistance is limited and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To qualify:
• A licensed veterinarian must recommend euthanasia due to quality of life concerns
• The pet owner must demonstrate documented financial hardship.
• Verification from a caseworker, social service agency, or similar professional may be required.
• Funds are typically provided directly toward veterinary care
• Assistance depends on available donations
How to Request Assistance
Requests for Lily’s Fund assistance should be submitted through the Crisis Comfort program or through a veterinary clinic, caseworker, or social service organization.
This helps us verify eligibility and ensures funds are used responsibly.
Supporting Lily’s Fund
Donations to Lily’s Fund help ensure that no pet has to suffer simply because their family cannot afford humane end-of-life care.
Every contribution helps another family give their pet a peaceful and dignified goodbye.
Who We Help
Our program is designed to support Erie County residents who need temporary pet care due to:
✅ Medical emergencies or hospitalizations
✅ Mental health crises or rehabilitation
✅ Domestic violence situations
✅ Veterans receiving care through the VA
We do not provide:
❌ Permanent rehoming services
❌ Long-term pet boarding
❌ Emergency veterinary care
How to Apply for Assistance
If you or someone you know needs pet care support, here’s how to apply:
1️⃣ Get a Referral – A caseworker or recognized organization (e.g., social worker, domestic violence shelter, VA, mental health provider) must contact us directly.
2️⃣ Provide Pet Information – We’ll gather details about your pet’s needs, vaccinations, and care requirements.
3️⃣ Placement & Care – If space is available, we’ll coordinate boarding, fostering, or drop-in visits.
📩 To Start the Process, Have Your Caseworker Contact Us at:
info@crisiscomfort.org
814-651-6793