Pets in the Park

Pets In The Park is a group of vounteer vets and vet nurses helping the homeless care for their companion animals by providing free veterinary care. Pets In The Park runs free monthly vet clinics and quarterly desexing clinics for the much loved animal companions of people struggling with homelessness.

 

For many homeless people, having a pet provides the unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security that they are unable to find elsewhere. The benefits of this bond between owner and pet are immense: including increased social, emotional and physical health. Although pet ownership greatly enriches the lives of those who are homeless, it also comes at a significant financial cost. Annual vaccinations, flea treatment, routine worming, and de-sexing and microchipping an animal costs hundreds of dollars.

 

Pets In The Park began in 2009 when Dr Mark Westman took a fold-out table and esky of vaccinations to a small park in Parramatta and started free veterinary checks for the pets of clients attending an outreach program. This idea was developed by vet nurse Vicki Cawsey who loved the idea of providing free veterinary care for the animals of Sydney's homeless. Teaming up with vet nurse Linda Warlond and Dr Leah Skelsey Pets In The Park Darlinghurst began in 2012. From this starting point Pets In The Park has continued to grow and is now a national charity with clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.