We provide support to vulnerable people and their pets during emergencies and crises in the Geelong and Bellarine regions.
We recognise that unexpected challenges can affect anyone, and we believe that those facing hardship deserve the benefits of animal companionship.
To help vulnerable people and their pets, we offer veterinary care, temporary pet boarding, respite care, and home pet care services. These services prevent beloved pets from being surrendered, ensuring they remain with their families or are reunited. Our Veterinary Social Workers provide collaborative support, liaising with social service providers, human health professionals, and veterinarians to help enhance wellbeing for both people and animals.
Please note that our capacity for self-referrals is currently limited, and crisis support and vet bill assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis through a case manager or healthcare professional.
Who we help
We help people and pets facing homelessness
For individuals impacted by homelessness, we provide support by providing veterinary bill assistance and access to subsidised vet bills through our partner vet clinic, Cherished Pets Community Vet Clinic.
Many of the people we assist prioritise their pets' needs over their own. Through collaboration with social service organisations, we ensure access to routine veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccinations, and dental services. By addressing these critical aspects of pet health, we strive to support the wellbeing of both pets and people during challenging times.
We support older people
For older people, our veterinary care safeguards the human-animal bond by pets and their people together for longer.
With many older people lacking support from family or friends, and experiencing greater social exclusion and loneliness, our services include in-home veterinary assistance from our community vet nurse, transportation, volunteer support for dog walking and pet care, and emergency boarding during unexpected illness or hospitalisation.
We assist older people in preparing an Emergency Pet Care Plan by providing support from Social Workers who help older people feel prepared and supported regarding their own care and that of their pets. We ensure that their wishes are known, which supports families and caregivers while enhancing wellbeing and fostering a sense of community throughout the end-of-life planning process.
We support victims of family violence
Family violence can affect all family members, including pets. By providing pet respite care we help to ensure that people and their families can find refuge knowing their pets are care for, enhancing safety and support for both.
Pets are placed in caring temporary homes and reunited with families.
This service is available via a referral from a caseworker or healthcare professional.
We assist people impacted by mental health
We provide support for individuals navigating mental health challenges and those requiring hospitalisation for medical treatment or rehabilitation, particularly when pet ownership complicates their challenges.
Our top priority is to ensure pets receive essential care, including emergency boarding and respite care, and that they are reunited with their owners whenever possible.
By providing care for pets, we create opportunities for their owners to receive the support they need for themselves.
