VetPartners is providing a lifeline to people on low incomes who find it difficult to access essential veterinary care for their pets.
More than one in three people surrender their pets to the RSPCA for financial reasons, and PetSure-commissioned research shows 30% of pet owners would consider economic euthanasia if a veterinary treatment cost more than $3000.
The SafetyNet PetAssist program helps overcome some of the barriers to accessing veterinary care by providing free 24/7 telehealth consultations and subsidised in-clinic care to eligible pet owners for a wide range of urgent and essential presentations.
A collaboration between VetPartners, PetSure and VetChat, the program partners with community support services to reach vulnerable people with sick or injured animals.
SafetyNet PetAssist is currently being piloted in the Newcastle/Central Coast region, with the goal of one day enabling access to veterinary care for one million pets who may otherwise go without.
“VetPartners has been incredibly proud to partner with PetSure and VetChat in designing and running the pilot program, and we want to thank our amazing clinics that have worked so hard to make the pilot a success,” VetPartners CEO Sinead Ryan said.
“One of the benefits of the program is that it not only helps pet owners in need, it’s also extremely rewarding for our clinic teams to be able to help people who otherwise couldn’t access care.
“We look forward to supporting SafetyNet PetAssist as this groundbreaking program is made available in more places and to more pet owners throughout Australia.”
At New Lambton Veterinary Hospital, practice manager and veterinary nurse Hayley Fewings has seen the difference the program can make.
“It’s heartbreaking when pets go without treatment because of money,” Hayley said.
“One woman’s dog had been in a fight, but she delayed treatment because she couldn’t afford it. Thanks to SafetyNet, her pet got the care it needed, and she was literally overwhelmed with gratitude.
“This program has been incredible – not just for pets and owners, but for vets too.”
Find out more about SafetyNet PetAssist.
VetChat CEO Claire Jenkins (left), PetSure Chief Veterinary Officer Simone Maher and VetPartners CEO Sinead Ryan (with Lenny!)
