Our work

BAWCS Community Pets Support Program is designed to benefit and support the welfare of companion animals within Victoria belonging to disadvantaged pet owners.

The Program's aim is to addresses a gap in service provision for disadvantaged pet owners in our community.

Service support provided include:

• Veterinary care - to support costs associated with treating a pet that is being impacted by ill health including ending a pet's suffering if supported by a veterinary professional.
  
  Please note: for veterinary care requiring surgery quoted above $1,000 please consider the following alternative options for funding support and advise what the outcome has been in your application.


1. Have you contacted Good Shepherd NILs? Good Shepherd can provide interest-free loans of up to $2000. They do not check credit history. Please call 136 457 to find out more.
2. Have you applied for a Centrelink Advance Payment?
3. Have you applied for these Buy Now Pay Later options: (ZipPay, AfterPay, Humm, VetPay).
4. If you find yourself ineligible, can a family member or friend apply on your behalf?
5. If you are a homeowner, does your home insurance cover your pet's medical expenses?
6. Have you asked family and friends for a loan? While we understand this can be difficult for some, we want to achieve the best outcome for your pet, so please take all opportunities to contribute towards their care.
7. If you are in a severe crisis such as escaping Domestic or Family Violence, have you applied for a Crisis Payment (Centrelink) or contacted Safe Steps regarding their Pets in Crisis program?
8. Can you access Superannuation?
9. Have you started crowdfunding using platforms such as GoFundMe or MyCause?
10. Are you a member of any groups, communities, or organisations that may be willing to lend a helping hand? Both online and offline groups can be great sources of support and sometimes may have funding to offer towards pet care.
11. Do you have a support worker, case manager or social worker who is assisting you currently? We ask this as it may open other avenues of funding.
12. If you are struggling with debt, have you contacted the National Debt Helpline? They can assist by assigning you a non-judgemental financial counsellor to advocate for you and reduce your debts down to much more affordable payments.

• Emergency pet accommodation - to support pets in domestic violence situations or when owners are admitted into psychiatric care and have no family or friends.
• General affordable pet accommodation - supporting local agencies with their client's pets in times of entering into Rehabilitation Programs (drug/alcohol), respite care, hospitilisation.
• Pound reclaim fees to reunite pets with their owners/supporting responsible pet ownership.
• Outreach Support where BAWCS volunteers visit pets in the owner's home whilst they are away. Pets that aren't able to be 'boarded' are particularly targeted such as rabbits, birds, fish, reptiles etc. This part of our Program also supports the purchase of pet needs including food.
• Training support instead of surrender. By providing qualified dog training support, owners are given an option to keep their pets instead of making the often heartbreaking decision of surrendering.

To check your eligibility for support, please apply here.