We believe that someone’s limited resources should not prevent pets from receiving necessary vet care.
From routine procedures and vaccinations through to major surgery, we contribute to — or completely cover — the cost of veterinary care where possible. Due to our limited resources, we operate within a set budget for each individual we assist. The funding provided is intended to be a one-time support, not for ongoing veterinary needs throughout the pet’s life.
Routine Care
We understand the importance of routine veterinary care in preventing health issues for pets which is why we offer support to cover or subsidise the costs of routine check-ups, vaccinations, blood tests, other diagnostics, and dental care. By addressing these essential aspects of pet health, we aim to ensure the well-being of beloved animal companions in challenging circumstances.
Surgeries
During times of hardship, the expense of urgent and emergency surgeries for pets often proves overwhelming for many. Pets Of The Homeless alleviates this concern by subsidising the costs of crucial procedures aimed at saving a pet’s life.
Fix-A-Friend Community Desexing Days
Spaying and neutering not only helps control the pet population but also brings numerous health and behavioural benefits to our furry friends. Our Fix-A-Friend initiative offers low-cost, subsidised community desexing to individuals holding concession or health care cards, ensuring this vital procedure remains affordable for those facing financial challenges.
For a nominal fee pets receive comprehensive care including desexing, vaccination, microchipping. Our desexing clinics are held monthly, rotating to different locations. For upcoming dates, please head to our Fix-A-Friend page.
Farewell Fund
Nothing can ever truly prepare you for having to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Whether they pass away suddenly or you’re fortunate to share some final days together, the loss of an animal companion is always devastating, and the grief can linger for a very long time.
Can you imagine, then, having to contemplate such heartbreak while also facing hardship? Imagine knowing your pet is suffering, but not being able to afford the peaceful passing they deserve. Or being able to pay for euthanasia but not cremation, and so missing out on keeping your pet’s ashes with you.
Our Farewell Fund covers the cost of veterinary euthanasia for sick pets, along with cremation and the return of their ashes to their grieving human companions. In a perfect world, pets would be immortal and nobody would ever have to access the fund, but it is here for those who need it.
How To Access Help
If you reside in Victoria and require assistance with veterinary care for your pet, please click here for more information. If you are outside of Victoria, we have compiled a list of services interstate that might be able to provide assistance to you.
FAQs
Do I need to be experiencing homelessness to qualify for help?
No. Pets Of The Homeless supports people experiencing financial hardship, which can include—but is not limited to—people experiencing homelessness.
To be eligible for assistance, the minimum requirement is that you are currently receiving government welfare benefits, such as a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
Can I apply directly for help myself?
No. To access support from Pets Of The Homeless, you must be referred by a support worker or community service organisation. This helps us ensure assistance reaches those most in need and that the right supports are in place for both people and their pets.
To find out who can refer you, please visit https://www.petsofthehomeless.org.au/how-we-help/get-help-individual
What veterinary costs can you help with? Is there a limit to how much support I can receive?
We may be able to assist with a range of veterinary care, from general procedures through to emergency surgeries, depending on the situation and available resources.
Each individual is allocated a lifetime support limit. Once this limit has been reached, we’re unable to provide further veterinary assistance.
All requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to eligibility and program capacity.
Do you pay the vet directly or reimburse clients?
We pay veterinary clinics directly for approved treatment. Unfortunately, we’re unable to reimburse clients for veterinary invoices that have already been paid.
Can I choose my own vet?
Generally, no. Pets Of The Homeless works with a network of partner veterinary clinics across Victoria. These clinics are familiar with our policies and procedures and provide discounted services, allowing us to support more people and pets within our available funding.
In some cases, we may approve treatment at a non-partner clinic if there is no partner clinic available in your area. Please note that treatment at a non-partner clinic may result in higher costs, and we may not be able to cover the full cost of care.
Do you help with transport to vet appointments?
We know that transport can sometimes be a challenge. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transport to veterinary appointments at this time.
What if my pet needs ongoing treatment?
We’re able to provide support only within an individual’s lifetime funding limit. Once this limit has been reached, we’re unfortunately unable to provide further assistance with ongoing treatment.
My social worker got in touch with Pets Of The Homeless (POTH) because my beloved cat, Phantom, was very sick. Phantom needed X-rays and I could not afford it. They responded straight away and referred us to a nearby vet. The vet removed a tooth and sent away for a biopsy. Unfortunately, I was told Phantom had cancer. I was so worried, but POTH was so kind and funded check-up visits, and when the time came they paid for Phantom’s euthanasia and cremation. I cannot thank them enough because it was just so hard for me losing Phantom without the extra stress of worrying how I was going to pay for everything. Phantom had been with me through all the bad times when I was on the street, and was a great comfort. I am forever grateful to POTH for the support they gave to me and Phantom.
