RISING food bills, vet bills and the surrender of dogs and cats “adopted” during the COVID pandemic have created a “sad situation”, according to Rosy Fischer.
Fischer, of Mornington, has compiled a list of pet organisations that may help pet owners who are struggling to keep their pets.
“Many people are surrendering their pets with most shelters and rescue groups overwhelmed with pets,” she said.
“I regularly see people posting online pets for rehoming and asking for pet food, or assistance with vet bills.
“Financial constraints due to increased costs of living, vet fees, lack of pet friendly rentals, COVID pet returns, and homelessness have all contributed to this sad situation.”
Fischer urged donations be made to the organisations on the following list:
Pets of the Homeless (petsofthehomeless.org.au): Provides pet food, vet care and temporary shelter for pets, of anyone in need. Referral by a support worker, social worker, AOD, or NDIS worker is required.
Pets in the Park (phone 9783 7284): Helps with veterinary services on the last Sunday of the month in a park in Frankston.
Southern Peninsula Community Support (phone 5986 1285): Provides pet food and possibly vet care.
Western Port Community Support (phone 5979 2762): Provides pet food and may be able to provide vet care.
Mornington Community Support Centre (phone 5975 1644): Provides pet food and may be able to provide vet care.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital (phone 9328 3021): Provides veterinary care and gives a 15 per cent discount for Centrelink card holders and can provide no interest payment plans over six months.
Australian Animal Protection Society (phone 9798 8415): Provides veterinary care and may be able to help with cases in dire need.
Pet Medical Crisis Fund (petmedicalcrisis.com.au): Apply via website under “needing help”. Assists with veterinary costs, helping people who are not working, or on Centrelink benefits.
Saint Vincent de Paul (phone 5976 4974): Can provide pet food or give a voucher for pet food and home delivery.
Advanced Affordable Vet Surgery (aavs.com.au): Can help people in need with vet work at a cheaper rate and is reviewed on a case by case basis.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 September 2023
