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Information for Clients & PETS

Welcome to Pets In The Park. We’re so glad you found us! We provide free essential vet care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about accessing our services for your furry friend.

 

 

How do I get free veterinary services for my pet?

To get help, follow these three simple steps:

Step 1. Check if you're eligible

You're eligible if you're experiencing homelessness. This includes:

  • Living on the streets, in cars, parks, or temporary shelters
  • Couch surging or staying in emergency accomodation.

Unsure? Don't worry - ask a support worker to help you figure it out.

Step 2. Get a referral

To access our services, you'll need a referral from a professional support worker confirming your eligibility.

  • Already have a support worker? Ask them to visit our Information for Referring Agencies page to help you.
  • Don't have a support worker? This is a great time to connect with one. Start with local services, councils, or use the Ask Izzy locator.

Referrals are valid for six months, so you'll need a new one when it expires.

Step 3. Visit a clinic

Once you have your referral, contact your local clinic to confirm the details. Some clinics require appointments, while others are on a first-come first-served basis.

Find your nearest clinic here

What is a Pets In The Park clinic like?

Our clinics are safe and welcoming spaces. You’ll meet friendly vets, nurses, and volunteers who love animals just like you. We’re here to help, not judge, so you and your pet can feel at ease.

At your consultation, our vets will check your pet’s ears, eyes, teeth, gums, heart, lungs, skin, and abdomen to make sure they’re healthy. You can also talk about any concerns or questions you have about your pet’s health or behaviour—our team is here to listen and help. We offer vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite treatments for fleas, worms, and ticks. We can also treat minor injuries and some common conditions. When donations are available, we share free pet supplies like food, bedding, toys, collars, and leashes.

Please remember we cannot provide emergency or after-hours care. If your pet has a serious problem outside clinic hours, you’ll need to visit an emergency vet. Services like spaying, neutering, dentals, and surgeries are not guaranteed and are only offered in rare cases through external providers when resources allow. These services are extremely limited, so please check with your local team, but understand they may not be available.

We’re here to support you and your pet. Your wellbeing is our priority!

 

What to bring to your appointment

To help things run smoothly, bring these with you:

  • Pet Details - Your pet’s breed, age, and health info (plus any vet records or medications, if you have them).
  • Referral - Some clinics may need a printed copy of your referral document. Your support worker can help you with this.
  • Leash or Carrier - Dogs must be on a leash, and cats or small animals in a secure carrier.
  • A Smile - Our clinics are community spaces filled with friendly faces and happy pets. Bring your good vibes!

    

What if my pet is experiencing a medical emergency right now?

Pets In The Park is dedicated to supporting pets and their owners through regular, free preventative care at our volunteer-run pop-up clinics. However, we are unable to provide out-of-hours emergency services. If your pet is critically unwell or needs urgent veterinary attention, we recommend contacting a local vet practice or an emergency vet centre as soon as possible. If you’re worried about costs, many emergency vet clinics offer payment plans or can connect you with organisations that provide financial assistance. You can also reach out to family or friends who may be able to help. Acting quickly is the best way to ensure your pet gets the care they need.

 

What if I'm not eligible or near a clinic?

If you’re struggling to afford vet care and don’t meet our criteria or live near a clinic, here are other organisations that may be able to help:

National

Queensland

New South Wales

Victoria

Australian Capital Territory

Western Australia