Pets In The Park

24/12/2024

A Christmas message to:
🎄our incredible team of dedicated volunteers around the country who work so tirelessly to provide exceptional veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness
🎄our wonderful donors who give so generously to ensure we can continue to help others
🎄our partner businesses and sponsors that continue to lend their support in a multitude of ways
🎄our community who shares our news and shares the love
🎄the support organisations and their wonderful staff who we work with to ensure our service gets to those who need it most
🎄the people who love their pets and trust us with their care

Two little words...THANK YOU!

We want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and may 2025 shine brightly for everyone.

20/12/2024

Thanks to Katrina Bulloch, owner of West Blacktown Veterinary Clinic and her fabulous team for organising their annual charity Christmas photo shoot and raffle that raised over $1500 for Pets In The Park!

Over 50 people brought in their dogs, cats, and even some rabbits, to be beautifully photographed by the talented Yvette from Martinette photography (you should check out her work; it's incredible).

We love this type of event where the community comes together to create something special and no doubt everyone was thrilled with the gorgeous photos that were created on the day (check out Katrina's beautiful Chevy getting loads of Santa cuddles for being such a good girl).

Thank you to everyone involved; PITP is very grateful for the support.

20/12/2024

Pets In The Park strongly condemns the recent policy decision made earlier this week by the City of Moreton Bay to ban homeless individuals from owning a pet.

Australia is not a country that kicks the little people; rather, we are a society that lends a hand to help people when they are downtrodden. This does not appear to be the case in the City of Moreton Bay, however, where Council is now targeting some of the most marginalised members of its own community.

People suffering the devastating effects of homelessness live a very difficult, exclusionary existence. In many cases, their pets are their entire world. It's a reason for them to get up in the morning. A reason to feel loved. Companionship during lonely days. Security on dark unsafe nights.

Homelessness can and does happen to ordinary people in Australia with frightening ease. Whether it’s sudden job loss, relationship breakdown, family violence, faulty financial products, medical episodes, natural disasters – there are myriad ways in which a person can suddenly and very unexpectedly find themselves without stable housing. This decision carries dangerous implications for all Moreton Bay residents. If any resident were to face the unimaginable – losing their home – they too would fall victim to a Council policy that is designed to persecute, rather than assist.

Government policies have real-world consequences, and the decision by the City of Moreton Bay to outlaw pet ownership for people experiencing homelessness will simply deepen their hardship. At Pets In The Park’s free veterinary clinics, including our Caboolture clinic within the City of Moreton Bay area, we witness firsthand the lifesaving bond between vulnerable individuals and their pets – companions who provide emotional support, unconditional love, and a sense of hope and purpose during a person’s hardest times.

Our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to offer compassionate care to both people and their animals, ensuring their wellbeing. A more caring approach from the council, recognising and valuing this important bond, would not only support those in need, but also honour the hard work of volunteer-led charity organisations like ours that are committed to serving the Moreton Bay community.

We urge the residents of Moreton Bay, and the broader Australian community, to voice their compassion and concern for these vulnerable people and pets. Demand a reversal of this cruel, short-sighted policy decision. Demand real solutions that address the complex problem of homelessness with dignity and genuine care.

www.petsinthepark.org.au

18/12/2024

There's still time to make the most of an incredible opportunity to have your gift to Pets In The Park matched dollar for dollar!

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of The Phil Taylor Foundation, every donation up to $20,000 will have double the impact, giving us twice the resources to help pets and their people in need.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we've raised nearly $10,000 so that puts us nearly half way to meeting our $20,000 goal for this amazing appeal.

So for every dollar you give, another dollar will be added - it's that simple. Please make the most of this extraordinary opportunity as every gift, big or small, goes twice as far in transforming lives.

Please help us make this Christmas truly special and to everyone who has already made a donation, we say THANK YOU!

https://www.givenow.com.au/dollarmatchchristmasappeal

09/12/2024

"Does my donation make a difference?"

Yes. Yes it really does.

Feedback from PITP client and owner of "Bella" (Darlinghurst, NSW): "I couldn't afford [veterinary care], let alone feed her on top of that. And then feed myself. There's just no way it was happening. I got really depressed. And if it wasn't for these guys - they saved her life and they helped me get fed, and get her fed. I've had her for so long. I've slept with her every night for 17 years. She's my world. She's my everything. See without these guys, people just wouldn't make it through."

This Christmas, your gift to Pets In The Park will be matched dollar for dollar! Thanks to the generosity of The Phil Taylor Foundation, every donation up to $20,000 will have double the impact, giving us twice the resources to help pets and their people in need.

For every dollar you give, another dollar will be added, meaning twice the veterinary care, twice the support, and twice the difference for those experiencing homelessness and their beloved pets.

Will you help us make this Christmas truly special?

Big or small, whatever you can give has impact.
Donate today: https://www.givenow.com.au/dollarmatchchristmasappeal

09/12/2024

"Does my donation make a difference?"

Yes. Yes it does.

Feedback from PITP client and owner of "Bella" (Darlinghurst, NSW): "I couldn't afford [veterinary care], let alone feed her on top of that. And then feed myself. There's just no way it was happening. I got really depressed. And if it wasn't for these guys - they saved her life and they helped me get fed, and get her fed. I've had her for so long. I've slept with her every night for 17 years. She's my world. She's my everything. See without these guys, people just wouldn't make it through."

This Christmas, your gift to Pets In The Park will be matched dollar for dollar! Thanks to the generosity of The Phil Taylor Foundation, every donation up to $20,000 will have double the impact, giving us twice the resources to help pets and their people in need.

For every dollar you give, another dollar will be added, meaning twice the veterinary care, twice the support, and twice the difference for those experiencing homelessness and their beloved pets.

Will you help us make this Christmas truly special?
Big or small, whatever you can give has impact.

Donate today: https://www.givenow.com.au/dollarmatchchristmasappeal

07/12/2024

We had our final clinic of 2024 last weekend! It has been an amazing year serving both new and returning clients, as well as growing our PITP family of volunteers 😊 A huge thank you to everyone in the community who donated essential goods like food, medications, etc, too - every little bit helps.

Take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you in 2025! 🐾🩺

ps: stay tuned for our 2024 year-in-review video!

05/12/2024

On International Volunteer Day (as well as the other 364 days each year), we tip our hats and say 'thank you, thank you, thank you' to each and every one of our incredible team of volunteers.

In so many ways, they give of their time, their expertise, and their energy to make sure our clinics around the country deliver the very best in quality veterinary care to the pets of people who are experiencing homelessness. Without their commitment to PITP, we wouldn't be able to provide this much-needed care.

So on this day we acknowledge and thank you, for all that you do...it is so very appreciated.

05/12/2024

What makes StreetSmart so unique - they fundraise to support grassroots projects that tackle homelessness. StreetSmart recognises these smaller organisations (like Pets In The Park) provide vital frontline services, but often struggle with a lack of resources.

"Community based organisations are an important part of our social safety net, and in collaboration with individuals, philanthropic and corporate partners our mission is to lend a helping hand and empower social change"- StreetSmart.

So, it is with profound gratitude, Pets In The Park says a massive 'thank you' to StreetSmart for choosing us as one of 8 organisations being funded in their latest grants round which focused on providing housing support to those with pets, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and children and young people.

This grant will help Pets In The Park provide life-changing veterinary care, giving these beloved animals the health and happiness they deserve.

StreetSmart Australia

04/12/2024

Our very first dollar match Christmas Appeal was launched on Monday and we're so grateful for the donations we have received so far...with every dollar donated being doubled.

This Christmas, thousands of people experiencing homelessness in Australia will rely on the unconditional love of their pets to find hope and comfort.

Pets In The Park provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness across Australia. Our life-changing services ensure pets stay healthy, loved, and cared for — while easing the burden on their owners.

🎄 DOUBLE THE JOY THIS SEASON:

Your gift to Pets In The Park will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to the generosity of The Phil Taylor Foundation! Every donation (up to $20,000) will have double the impact, giving us twice the resources to help pets and their people in need.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to maximise the impact of your kindness. Every gift, big or small, goes twice as far in transforming lives.

Will you help us make this Christmas truly special? Donate today!

https://www.givenow.com.au/dollarmatchchristmasappeal

01/12/2024

This Christmas, thousands of people experiencing homelessness in Australia will rely on the unconditional love of their pets to find hope and comfort.

Pets In The Park provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness across Australia. Our life-changing services ensure pets stay healthy, loved, and cared for — while easing the burden on their owners.

🎄 DOUBLE THE JOY THIS SEASON:
Your gift to Pets In The Park will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to the generosity of The Phil Taylor Foundation! Every donation (up to $20,000) will have double the impact, giving us twice the resources to help pets and their people in need.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to maximise the impact of your kindness. Every gift, big or small, goes twice as far in transforming lives.

Will you help us make this Christmas truly special? Donate today!

https://www.givenow.com.au/dollarmatchchristmasappeal

17/11/2024

Can you believe it's almost the end of 2024? With our final clinic of the year just around the corner, we're still in need of a few more vets and vet nurses to join us. If you have some time next Sunday, we would love to have you around! Let's make this last clinic of 2024 a memorable one for our amazing clients and their furkids 🐾

As a way to say thank you, we’ll also be hosting a mini end-of-year celebration for all our amazing volunteers right after the November clinic 🥳🍻 You don’t need to be attending the November clinic to join the celebration thereafter — please swing by if you can! Do RSVP via the link in the email that Luke sent out and we will provide more details soon. Additionally if you are a volunteer with us but have not been receiving emails, do send us an email or DM us so we can figure things out.

Keen to see everyone next week ❤️

08/11/2024

Happy belated Halloween! Our October clinic was a treat-filled one 🎃 Marley the staffy definitely stole the show with the coolest Halloween outfit too 🕸🕷🐶

As usual, a huge thank you to everyone who donated supplies to our cause as well ❤️🐾

🗓 Next clinic (and final clinic of 2024!):
24 November 2024 (Sunday), 1 to 4.30pm

24/10/2024

It's nearly that time of year again to get those photos with Santa organised...and help raise some funds for PITP at the same time, thanks to the fabulous team at West Blacktown Veterinary Clinic

♥️❄️🎄 HO HO HOLY COW! Have you booked your pets Santa photos yet?! 🎄❄️♥️

🎄SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th, 9am - 12pm

🎅 Pets and humans are welcome to have their picture with Santa!

🎄 $60 for UNLIMITED digital photos taken on the day!

🎅 ALL PROCEEDS go to Pets in the Park - a charity supporting the pets of the homeless. 🐶💕

🎄 Photos by the amazing Martinette Fine Art Photography!

🎅 3 awesome RAFFLE prizes to be won!

🎄 Delicious & nutrition Petsypole treat stand!

Don’t miss out! Call us on (02) 9621 4984 to book your spot!

20/10/2024

Hi all!

To help us navigate the hustle and bustle of this spooky October season, we would like to request for more Vets and Vet nurses to join us next Sunday (even if it's for a couple hours that's totally fine as well). If you or someone you know are able to help out, please send us a DM or email 💗

The PITP team is looking forward to seeing everyone! Hope to see some cute Halloween outfits too 🎃✨🐾

05/10/2024

Where do we start? A massive shoutout to all our amazing volunteers - both vets and vet nurses - who showed up in full force last Sunday! We appreciate everyone so much. There was nothing short of good energy last Sunday despite the weather 😮‍💨

Furthermore, a huge thank you to all our donors for making sure our furry friends have sufficient food and non-food supplies to suit their needs 💗 A massive shoutout to: Mandy from Mand Made Mats (she sewed 30+ dog beds for our clients!), Diamond Valley Vets (Eltham Central and Montmorency), Woodend Veterinary Centre, Petbarn Hawthorn, Seddon Vet Hospital, Port Melbourne Veterinary Clinic, Humane Animal Rescue, Dr Megha, The Corner Vet, Tails of the Forgotten Paws, Dr Hannah, Thornbury Veterinary Hospital, Melbourne Cat Vets, Dr Ranika, Bundoora Veterinary Clinic & Hospital, and everyone else who contributed - please let us know if we missed you out so that we can include you in this caption!

We’ll be taking excess supplies to our St Kilda clinic happening this Sunday (6 Oct). If your organisation is keen to help us out for subsequent months or donate supplies regularly, please feel free to contact us 😊

🗓 Next clinic:
27 October 2024 (Sunday), 1 to 4.30pm

23/09/2024

Less than a week to go for our September clinic! A huge thank you to our volunteers that have signed up 😊 The PITP team have a couple of requests:

1) Veterinarians Needed: If any vets are available this Sunday, we’d love to have a couple more to join us!

2) Food Supplies Pickup: ARC Pet Barn has food supplies ready for pickup at their Narre Warren hub this Sunday (29th Sept). If you can help with this, please DM us or email us.

Hope to see everyone soon! Appreciate all the support and love that you have given to us thus far 🐾

07/09/2024

Stay prepared for the unexpected. The PITP team recommends pet owners to download the 'First Aid For Pets' app. It's free! We hope this app provides some assistance during urgent situations.

⭐️ As we only operate once a month and our contact lines are managed by volunteers, we are unable to respond to emergency requests.

*Disclaimer: This app is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always seek immediate help from a veterinarian in an emergency.

31/08/2024

Loads of love and smooches during our clinic session in August 🥰😚 A huge thank you to all the donations that we have received from the community - what's shown on the last slide was just a fraction of what we've received! As a charity organisation, having the community support really helps to make a difference. If you would like to contribute to our cause, just drop us an email or a DM to discuss further.

Lastly, to everyone that came down to help us out last Sunday despite their busy schedules, we appreciate you so much 🫶

See you in September!
Date: 29 September 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 1 to 4.30 pm

19/08/2024

Hey everyone! As we gear up for our August clinic session next week, we would like to appeal for more volunteers to support us if they could. We're in need of both vets and vet nurses, but we especially need more vets to help us out with consultations and reduce client waiting time. If you have a couple hours to spare next Sunday, we'd be greatly appreciative of your help (:

Please help us spread the word to anyone who will be interested! See you next Sunday 💗

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day! At Pets In The Park, we're celebrating our feline friends who bring joy, comfort, and a touch of independence to our lives. Cats play a vital role in providing companionship, especially for those experiencing homelessness. Join us in acknowledging the unique charm and companionship our cats offer every day!

06/08/2024

This week is national Homelessness Week – a time of sober reflection for our society. Despite our nation's wealth and progress, contemporary Australia is not an easy place for many of our friends and neighbours to survive in, much less thrive.

For individuals facing homelessness, their circumstances are seldom a matter of choice but rather a result of complex social factors, economics, marginalisation, and isolation within our community. This reality often leads to a very challenging and exclusionary existence.

Pets In The Park runs free veterinary healthcare programs, enabling homeless individuals to care for their pets while supporting their own wellbeing. Our organisation operates as a national community of local clinics, relying on volunteerism, public donations, and corporate support to deliver our vital programs.

We dream of a time when Australia's housing supply and social safety nets are strong enough to prevent any member of our community from slipping into homelessness, and charities like PITP are no longer necessary. Unfortunately, and disappointingly, this vision feels increasingly distant. Yet, with your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our community members who need it most.

If you would like to learn more about our charity, get involved, and support our volunteers, please visit us online: https://www.petsinthepark.org.au/

04/08/2024

Our July clinic session saw an assortment of furry clients, ranging from tiny sweethearts to big fluffy bundles of joy! 🥰 A massive thank you to our volunteer vets and vet nurses for spending your Sunday with us to helping make a difference in our community.

Swipe till the end and take a guess at what Buddha is drooling over! 🤤

30/07/2024

Today, we celebrate the International Day of Friendship and the special human-animal bond that means so much, especially to those experiencing homelessness. At Pets In The Park, we witness daily the comfort and companionship pets bring to their owners. Join us in honouring these unique friendships that make our world brighter!

21/07/2024

Hi everyone 💫

A big thank you to our volunteers for the fantastic turnout last month! As we prepare for our July clinic session next week, we urgently need more vets to join us. Our current sign-ups are insufficient to ensure smooth client flow and to attend to both our cat and dog clients effectively.

If you haven’t already, please check your inbox for an email sent on Saturday containing the sign-up form link. Additionally, do help us to spread the word to any Vets who may be interested in joining the PITP family 😊

Vets who are available next Sunday - please, please, please prove us RIGHT by signing up! 😌

18/07/2024

☎️ Phone Service Update: We have migrated to a new phone number! Please be patient with us as we sort out the logistics.

🐾 Attention all University of Melbourne Werribee staff and students! 🐾

We recently got an approval to place a donation bin on your campus - it is located near the lockers and library book drop 📍

Items we are accepting (new or second-hand) for our dog and cat clients:
- Pet food (if opened, please seal them up/add an additional bag to prevent pests!)
- CAT flea treatment and dewormers
- Non-food items: toys, blankets, food/water bowls, scratchers, etc
- Medications (*Please contact us prior to dropping medications off!)

Further instructions are provided on the donation bin - do check it out and donate if you can 🏃👀

**Due to campus safety reasons, do note that this donation bin is for UniMelb students and staff only! Members of the public wishing to donate items, please DM us so we can arrange something together.

p.s.: If time permits, there might be a pet toy crafting event for you DVM students this semester! The toys you create will be donated to our furry clients 🐶🐱

12/07/2024

We're excited to announce that Pets In The Park will be attending the ANZCVS Vet Science Week 2024 on the Gold Coast, QLD! Visit us at booth #44 in the GCECC exhibition hall to learn more about our mission and how we're making a difference in the lives of people and their pets experiencing homelessness.

A big thank you to the College for welcoming us. We look forward to connecting with fellow veterinary professionals and sharing our vision. See you there!

07/07/2024

*Our phone service is unfortunately still down. Do email or send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook for any enquiries!

Mid-year clinic done and dusted 🥳 We not only saw familiar faces and new clients, but also had a volunteer surplus! The PITP team is grateful to everyone who offered to spend their Sunday helping us out and seeing our volunteer community grow.

Furthermore, a huge thank you to all our donors for making sure our furry friends have sufficient food and food options to suit their needs 💗 We also received lots of toys, blankets and other items for our clients to take home. A massive shoutout to: Macedon & Riddells Creek + Anglican parish of Macedon communities, Dr Lou, Dr Abbey, Evervet Melbourne (South Yarra), Petstock (South Melbourne Moray St), Sunbury All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospital, Dr Kristi + clients at Hoppers Crossing Veterinary Clinic and Hospital , Petbarn (Hawthorn) and everyone else who contributed - please let us know if we missed you out so that we can include you in this caption!

If your organisation is keen to help us out for subsequent months or donate supplies regularly, please feel free to contact us 😊

🗓 Next clinic:
28 July 2024 (Sunday), 1 to 4.30pm

Swipe to the end to see a very contented Marley enjoying her new toy 🧸🐶

20/06/2024

We're proud to share this ABC News article highlighting Pets In The Park and the incredible work of our teams:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-20/pets-in-the-park-vets-for-homeless/103511152

Our dedicated volunteers across Australia provide free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Read the stories of pet owners like Carole and Tarlea, and see how the bond between people and their pets is strengthened through our charity's efforts!

• More news articles about us: https://www.petsinthepark.org.au/about/media
• Donate to support us: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LEQJHQGK8CZ22

Pet ownership can offer a wealth of positives for many people, but for those experiencing homelessness, the costs can be insurmountable.

02/06/2024

Smiles all round in St Kilda!

20/05/2024

Today marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week 2024, and we are delighted to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated volunteers of Pets In The Park. Across Australia, our charity programs provide essential veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness, ensuring that these beloved companions receive the care they need.

Our volunteers are the backbone of Pets In The Park, bringing their skills, compassion, and dedication to every clinic. Their commitment and selfless concern for the wellbeing of others create a profound impact on our clients, their pets, and the broader community. The love and care our volunteers provide not only improve the health and happiness of the animals but also bring immense comfort and support to their owners.

Each volunteer at PITP plays a crucial role in fulfilling our mission, and we cannot thank our team enough for your tireless efforts. Your kindness, passion, and integrity embody the spirit of our charity, making an outsized impact on the vulnerable communities we serve.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we honour and appreciate each of you for your incredible contributions to Pets In The Park. Your work is invaluable, and we are truly so profoundly grateful for your dedication. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community for people and pets!

THANK YOU for everything you do 🐾