Last year was one of the hardest years of my life, personally and professionally. In 2025, as Pets Of The Homeless marked its 10th year supporting vulnerable people and their pets across Victoria, I experienced profound personal loss while leading one of our busiest years on record.
After years of caring around the clock for my senior animals, my dear cat Bugs and my beautiful dogs Kip and Henry passed away only months apart. Their constant, loving presence was suddenly gone, and the grief was immense.
At the same time, the demand for support from Pets Of The Homeless continued to grow across Victoria. So I put my head down, carried on, and leaned into the work – and in doing so, gained an even deeper understanding of just how vital this organisation truly is.
Grief, Resilience, and Running a Grassroots Charity
Running a grassroots charity is never easy, and 2025 was relentless.
Late nights, urgent foster care callouts, emergency vet support, pet food shortages, and more families reaching out for help than ever before.
But through all of it, there was one constant light.
You.
Our community of supporters, foster carers, volunteers, donors, partners, and advocates continued to show up for people and pets when it mattered most.
Through our 10th anniversary celebrations, foster care callouts, pet food drive and packing days, vet visits, deliveries, Giving Day, and milestone moments.
You reminded me why this work matters, and why compassion still wins.
What We Achieved Together Across Victoria in 2025
Because of you, Pets Of The Homeless was able to deliver meaningful, life-changing impact for people and pets across Victoria in 2025.
Why This Work Matters Right Now in Australia
Across Australia, cost-of-living pressures, housing insecurity, family violence, and limited access to affordable veterinary care continue to place enormous strain on people with pets.
At Pets Of The Homeless, our mission has always been simple and unwavering:
Keep best friends together, no matter the circumstances.
In 2025, that mission mattered more than ever.
With Gratitude, From Me to You
To everyone who donated, volunteered, fostered, packed food, shared our stories, ran events, or simply believed in what we do — thank you.
You didn’t just support an organisation.
You carried me through one of the hardest years of my life.
And for that, I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for being there. It means more than you’ll ever know.
Yvonne Hong
Founder & CEO
