Pets Of The Homeless is a volunteer-powered organisation supported by a small team of dedicated staff. Our services operate mostly on a referral basis, and we work closely with social services and healthcare professionals who refer and support individuals most in need of our assistance.
To be eligible for assistance, the minimum requirement is the individual must be receiving government welfare support.
Who Can Refer Clients To Our Service?
We can accept referrals from:
-AOD counsellor
- Registered NDIS support worker (referral for vet assistance only)
Is your client outside of Victoria? We have compiled a list of services interstate that might be able to assist.
Pet Food
No Referral Needed
Pets Of The Homeless runs a Pet Food Bank in Cheltenham and distributes pet food through a network of more than 80 community partner organisations across Victoria.
If you need help accessing pet food for your client, please visit our Pet Food Bank page to find the community partner organisation nearest to you using the map tool. Clients are welcome to visit partner organisations directly.
Desexing
No Referral Needed
Our Fix-A-Friend program provides low-cost, subsidised desexing for eligible pet guardians a current pensioner concession or healthcare card. Clinics run throughout the year at participating veterinary clinics. Visit our Fix-A-Friend page for upcoming dates and locations.
Vet Care
Referral Needed
Pets Of The Homeless may be able to help cover the cost of veterinary care for your client’s pet (depending on eligibility and available funding). You can find out more about our Vet program here.
The Process:
Step 1 – Submit an Application
Provide the details required for us to assess the case. Providing as much information as possible helps us review requests quickly and accurately.
Step 2 – Assessment
Our team reviews the application and determines whether funding can be approved.
Step 3 – Authorisation
If approved, we send an authorisation form confirming the funding.
Step 4 – Veterinary Care
Treatment is arranged through one of our partner veterinary clinics. We work with a network of trusted clinics and will aim to connect your client with a clinic that is as close and accessible as possible.
Step 5 – Ongoing Communication
Support workers liaise with Pets Of The Homeless throughout the process.
How To Refer:
1. Before submitting a referral, please review our Service Policy by clicking the "Apply To Help" button below, to understand the scope of our assistance and procedures. Failure to do so may delay our ability to provide support.
2. Once you have reviewed the policy, use the embedded link in the Service Policy to access and complete the request form with all required information so we can assess your request.
3. Please ensure the form is submitted using your official work email address. Referrals sent from private or free email services (e.g. Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo) will not be accepted.
Safe Shelter
Referral Needed
We may be able to provide temporary care for your client’s pet through our foster care or emergency boarding.
Our foster care program is available within metropolitan Victoria and relies on the availability of volunteer foster carers. If a suitable foster home is not available, or if the client is outside our foster care catchment area, we may be able to provide limited funding for emergency boarding at a commercial kennel or cattery. You can find out more about our Safe Shelter program here.
The Process:
Step 1 – Submit an Application
Provide the details required for us to assess the case. Providing as much information as possible helps us review requests quickly and accurately.
Step 2 – Assessment
Our team reviews each application to determine whether a suitable foster home can be arranged or if funding for emergency boarding can be approved.
Step 3 – Pre-Admission
If approved, we send an admission form confirming the placement.
Step 4 – Admission/Placement
Once arrangements are confirmed, the pet will be placed into foster care/emergency boarding for the agreed duration.
Step 5 – Ongoing Communication
Support workers liaise with Pets Of The Homeless throughout the process. Each case will be assigned a dedicated Pets Of The Homeless case manager.
How To Refer:
1. Before submitting a referral, please review our Service Policy by clicking the "Apply To Help" button below, to understand the scope of our assistance and procedures. Failure to do so may delay our ability to provide support.
2. Once you have reviewed the policy, use the embedded link in the Service Policy to access and complete the request form with all required information so we can assess your request.
3. Please ensure the form is submitted using your official work email address. Referrals sent from private or free email services (e.g. Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo) will not be accepted.
