About the Foundation
Cherished Pets Foundation was founded in 2015 by Dr Alicia Kennedy to provide high quality, in-home, pet care assistance for elderly and disabled pet owners living independently.
- Our passion is pets and people.
- We believe in the power of pets to help people maintain their independence, health and wellbeing.
- We advocate for the vital role pets play in our health and wellbeing, particularly for senior citizens.
The Foundation supports companion pet ownership for our more vulnerable community members by keeping their pets healthy and providing support during times of crisis and transition. Cherished Pets cares for their beloved pets when they can't.
The isolation felt by senior, disabled and vulnerable community members is alleviated by the companionship of a pet. Australia is a nation of pet lovers and as our population ages the need for community pet care services will grow. Supporting and promoting pet ownership for older and disabled people will help build connected and age-friendly communities for the future.
Our people
Cherished Pets Foundation is a registered charity governed by a Board of Directors.
Current members of the Board are:
- Chris Balaam (Chairperson)
- Helen Butteriss (Treasurer)
- Debbie Taylor (Secretary)
- Barry Sproull (Governance Subcommittee)
- Dr Jen O’Dwyer (Animal Health Subcommittee)
The Animal Health Subcommittee oversees the health and wellbeing of all pets in the program and develops and implements animal health and wellbeing policies and proecedures:
- Dr Jen O'Dwyer (Chairperson)
- Dr Alicia Kennedy (Veterinarian)
- Natalie Davey (Project Manager)
- Nadine Williams (Pet Bereavement Counsellor)
- Kym Colls (Dog Behaviour and Training Consultant)
- Natasha Woodfine (Dog Behaviour and Training Consultant)
- Glenda Stewart (Community Vet Nurse)
- Sue Donnelly (Vet Nurse)
The Foundation’s services are provided by three part-time staff members:
- Founder and CEO - Dr Alicia Kennedy
- Project Manager - Natalie Davey
- Community Veterinary Nurse - Glenda Stewart
and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Services
Our team of community pet care volunteers support companion pet care so that pet owners can enjoy the benefits without the worry.
They help with daily pet care tasks such as:
- Pet feeding
- Dog walking
- Brushing and washing pets
- Cleaning up pet waste
- Transporting pets to the vet
- Administering flea and worm treatment.
Our veterinary professionals and animal health team:
- Provide pet health, wellness and behaviour assessments
- Pet health, wellness and behaviour management plans
- Peace of mind consultations.
Emergency planning services:
- Emergency pet care planning to ensure pets are cared for if their owner is hospitalised, moves into an aged or disability care facility or passes away.
- Respite pet care for pets in the event of an emergency or during times of change.