The Ross-Roberts Veterinary Assistance Fund was established by Dr. Stephen Roberts in memory of his wife, Dr. Sue Goetz Ross, to provide financial assistance for pet owners with limited means to get life-saving veterinary attention for their animals when they need it most, thus preventing unnecessary suffering and keeping pets in homes and out of shelters.

The scope of the fund has since expanded to include financial assistance for pets with treatable, chronic conditions, like diabetes, which can result in pets being surrendered to shelters due to a lack of access to veterinary care and the expense of treatment.