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. Many of the people we assist prioritise their pets' needs over their own.
To help vulnerable people and their pets, we offer temporary pet boarding or home based respite care, and home pet care services, to keep people and pets together and reunite them as soon as possible. Our multi-disciplinary Human-Animal Bond Practitioners 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
Through collaboration with social service organisations, we consider the best options to support people experiencing insecure housing to maintain ongoing pet ownership, including short term boarding or access to veterinary care.
This service is available via a referral from a caseworker or healthcare professional.
We support older people
With many older people lacking support from family or friends, and experiencing greater social exclusion and loneliness, our services may include in-home assistance from our Human-Animal Bond Practitioner - Community Veterinary Nurse, pet 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 ensure their wishes and pet care needs are available to family, friends or first responder should they no longer be able to care for their pets. Having peace of mind about ongoing pet care arrangements creates a sense of wellbeing.
We support victims of family violence
Family violence can affect all family members, including pets. By providing short term pet respite care, we create time for people to consider next steps, knowing their pets are care for, enhancing safety and support for both.
Pets are placed in caring foster homes or approved boarding facilities and reunited with families as soon as possible.
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.
This service is available via a referral from a caseworker or healthcare professional.
