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 funding packages are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Who we help
We help people and pets facing homelessness
For individuals impacted by homelessness, we provide crucial support by covering veterinary services whenever possible. Their cherished pets offer companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose, making their care essential to both mental and emotional wellbeing.
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 protect the wellbeing of both pets and their owners 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 help maximise the physical and emotional health of our animal-loving older people and nurture social engagement through the joy of having a companion animal.
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.
Our specialised rehoming service is offered when our clients pass away, ensuring that pets find loving homes, providing great peace of mind.
We help victims of family and domestic violence
Domestic violence affects all family members, including pets. By providing pet respite care we help to ensure that individuals and their families can find refuge, creating a haven of safety and support for both.
Pets are placed in caring temporary homes while their owners seek refuge or temporary accommodation for themselves. This service is available via a referral from a caseworker or healthcare professional.
We assist people impacted by mental health
We provide immediate support for individuals navigating a mental health crisis 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.
