A special bond exists between people and animals.
Our mission is to nurture, support, and strengthen that connection.
Cherished Pets Foundation's purpose is to ensure that the enriching benefits of the human-animal bond are accessible to all, enhancing the health and wellbeing of pets, people, and the community.
We focus on supporting people whose personal circumstances put the human-animal bond with their own cherished pets, at risk.
By safeguarding the wellbeing of pets and their owners, we empower individuals facing vulnerability, promote healthier lives, and strengthen community connections. Together, we are creating a future where the human-animal bond drives positive social change.
Our compassionate multi-disciplinary team of Human-Animal Bond Practitioners, including Community Veterinary Nurses, Social Workers and Program and Support roles, and a dedicated team of volunteers, provide advice and a range of services, including Home Care Assistance, emergency pet respite through a human health referral service, pet transport to veterinary care and dog walking, all centered around preserving and strengthening the human-animal bond.
Vision
Our vision is a world where the human-animal bond creates and contributes to the development of connected and healthy communities.
Our Social Service Team helps ensure pets stay healthy, happy, and right where they belong — by their person’s side. This service provides tailored, ongoing support for people who may need a little extra assistance due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances. By supporting pets at home, we reduce stress for owners and prevent unnecessary pet surrender.
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In-home assessments of pet and human needs
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Regular visits to monitor wellbeing
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Volunteer support with walking, feeding, and transport
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Emergency Pet Care Plans for peace of mind
Our Human–Animal Bond Practitioner Social Workers bridges the gap between human and animal welfare. Working alongside health and social service case managers, they help people navigate challenges such as insecure housing, domestic and family violence, or other barriers to pet care.
- Arrange emergency pet respite when someone can’t provide care
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Facilitate safe pathways for rehoming if ongoing ownership is not possible
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Provide clear information and guidance so people can make informed choices
- Dog walking – giving dogs the exercise, attention, and companionship they need
- Transport – helping pets get safely to the vet or other essential appointments
- In-home pet respite care – offering short-term support so pets are comfortable and cared for at home
Our Impact
With 69% of Australians owning a pet, and more than 85% of Australian pet owners feeling having pets impacts their lives positively, the human-animal bond holds significant potential for positive social change.
Cherished Pets Foundation measures the social impact of its services to understand areas of strength, service delivery, and community impact. All our surveyed pet owners reported experiencing health and wellbeing benefits from their pets, reaffirming the profound value of supporting the human-animal bond.
$4M+
Total Social Value for our community
5080
Total people and pets supported
2125
Vet Social Work Services Provided
1947
Nights Pet Respite Care
Board of Directors
Simon Fieldhouse
Simon is Chair of Cherished Pets Foundation and a dynamic facilitator with over 20 years’ experience in leadership, change and culture, supporting leaders to shift perspectives and drive meaningful transformation. He is the founder of Mush Consulting, an accredited Adaptive Cultures, PROSCI and PCI practitioner, holds an MBA, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Alicia Kennedy
Alicia (Dr Lissi) and national leader in veterinary social services in Australia. As founder of Cherished Pets Veterinary Clinic and Cherished Pets Foundation, she has led the integration of veterinary social work into community-based care, supporting people and pets experiencing vulnerability. Recognised with the 2024 AVA President’s Award, and a 2025 Churchill Fellowship, she champions the human-animal bond for lasting social change and creating thriving, connected communities.
Gail Rodgers
Gail has dedicated her career to both the community and corporate sectors, bringing a strong passion for the Geelong region and the Bellarine Peninsula, where she has lived for more than 30 years with her husband Peter and their Murray River Retriever, Charlie. She retired in 2024 after serving as CEO of Geelong Community Foundation. Her previous roles include Manager at Volunteering Geelong, Corporate Citizenship Manager at Ford Motor Company, and Executive Officer at United Way Geelong (now Give Where You Live). Gail has been instrumental in developing innovative partnerships that strengthen local communities.
Duncan McNab
Duncan is Treasurer of Cherished Pets Foundation and has over 20 years’ experience across senior finance and leadership roles. He is currently CFO of a state-owned IT agency and runs his own CFO advisory practice. His expertise includes management reporting, cashflow, budgeting and forecasting, and board support to support entities to grow and realise their goals. Duncan is passionate about using his skills to give back to the community he lives in.
Ben Fahey
Ben brings strong expertise in financial analysis, data and impact measurement, and is known for helping organisations turn numbers into insight. He supports teams to strengthen decision-making, improve performance and align strategy with impact through a practical, systems-focused approach. Ben’s love of animals is well known, particularly his bond with his dog, Boo
Christina Wyatt
Christina is an occupational therapist with over 20 years’ clinical experience in Australia and the UK, specialising in adult rehabilitation, disability and aged care. She works as Professional Practice Advisor at Occupational Therapy Australia, advocating for stronger aged care practice. Christina volunteers with Sacred Heart Mission’s St Kilda Women’s Shelter and volunteered for 10 years with her late dog Millie through the Delta Society.
Michelle Shepherd
Michelle is a highly experienced and engaged communications professional with a proven track record in strategy, public relations, business, and brand development. Her extensive 25-year career in the Creative Industries has honed her expertise in these areas. Michelle is also deeply passionate about animals and the environment and served on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia for a decade. She is an Alumna of the Williamson Community Leadership Program 2017, holds a Foundation of Governance from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is the dedicated human of a Wired Hair Pointer named Einstein.
Chief Executive Officer
Judy-Ann Quilliam
Judy-Ann brings extensive experience in executive leadership, governance, philanthropy, fundraising, partnerships and community engagement, with a strong track record of helping purpose-led organisations grow, develop sustainable partnerships and strengthen their impact.
Alongside her professional experience, Judy-Ann brings a genuine connection to the purpose of Cherished Pets Foundation. A lifelong animal lover, she shares our belief in the importance of the human-animal bond and the role pets can play in providing companionship, connection, stability and hope, particularly during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Now calling the Bellarine Peninsula home, Judy-Ann is passionate about contributing to her local community and working alongside our Board, team, volunteers, supporters and partners to strengthen the reach and impact of Cherished Pets Foundation.
As CEO, Judy-Ann is focused on building a strong and sustainable future for the Foundation, helping ensure more people experiencing vulnerability or crisis can access the support they need to keep their cherished pets safe, cared for and by their side.
Judy-Ann can be contacted via email:
ceo@cherishedpetcare.com.au
Contact Us
Our small team receive a large volume of enquiries daily, so please have a look through our website for information, or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Email: care@cherishedpetcare.com.au
(03) 5222 2804 – please leave a detailed voice message if we’re not available and we’ll return your call.
We work Mon – Fri (not public holidays) and may take up to 2 working days to respond as we’re often out and about working with our clients, both human and animal.
