TORONTO - A pet-lover's charity says it's expanding its services to help Ontario's welfare recipients with emergency veterinary care.

The Farley Foundation -- named after the beloved family dog in Lynn Johnston's popular "For Better or For Worse" comic strip -- helps those in need by subsidizing vet costs.

Ontario veterinarians consider applications from seniors and disabled people on certain kinds of government assistance, as well as women at risk of abuse who have pets.

But the charity says it did so well with fundraising last year that it can now expand its criteria to include people on welfare.

Foundation president Dr. Mark Gemmill says many people are struggling to make ends meet financially.

He says 83 per cent of the pet-owning population considers their pet to be part of the family and are concerned about their health and well-being.

"We speak with pet owners on a regular basis who have difficulty paying for their own food, shelter and medication," Gemmill said.

"No matter what happens in their lives, these pet owners can rely on the companionship offered by their pet, they are motivated to get up and go in the morning because their pet needs to go for a walk ... and they have something positive to keep their minds on."

The foundation was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in 2001. To date it has given out more than $1.2 million to help about 3,100 people and their pets.

It currently serves only Ontario residents, although there have been requests to expand across Canada.