SafetyNet PetAssist™: A lifeline for vulnerable pet parents in financial hardship

For some, the barriers to accessing veterinary care can be overwhelming, leading to heartbreaking decisions, such as delaying treatment, surrendering a pet, or in extreme cases, euthanasia due to financial constraints.

Recognising this challenge, PetSure introduced SafetyNet PetAssist™, a pilot program co-built with VetPartners and VetChat, to enable more equitable access to veterinary care for vulnerable people and disadvantaged Australians.

What is SafetyNet PetAssist™?

SafetyNet PetAssist™ helps people in need care for their sick or injured pet by providing access to free 24/7 vet telehealth, complemented with subsidised urgent in-clinic care where needed at a local participating vet clinic.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ works with partner organisations to support their clients by keeping their pets healthy, happy and by their side.

The program is currently in pilot phase servicing the Newcastle and Central Coast regions in NSW.

Improving access to veterinary care

At PetSure, we believe that every pet deserves veterinary care, regardless of their owner’s circumstances. SafetyNet PetAssist™ provides support for pet healthcare, ensuring that those who are in difficult situations still have access to veterinary care for their pets.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ is an innovative model that considers the barriers people may face when accessing veterinary care. The incorporation of veterinary telehealth means that those facing physical barriers (such as location), or mobility constraints can still get expert guidance on their pet’s health, regardless of time of day or geography. While still in its early stages, the program has supported 75 pets, including two that were saved when economic euthanasia was avoided. It’s a small but significant step in making veterinary care more accessible to those who need it most. Since its launch, SafetyNet PetAssist™ has provided more than $68,000 in subsidised veterinary support for urgent or essential veterinary care.

Through collaboration with partner organisations, such as Hunter Homeless Connect and REACH Homeless Services, the program aims to remove barriers that may delay or prevent access to veterinary care, facilitating earlier intervention, improving health outcomes for animals, and keeping families together – including non-human members.

Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to caring for animals, but limitations, financial or otherwise, often add emotional and ethical challenges to their work. It’s distressing for vets to see pets in need of care when their owners are unable to access it. These situations create moral distress, forcing veterinarians to navigate difficult conversations and, in some cases, watch treatable pets go without necessary medical attention.

One of the core goals of the SafetyNet PetAssist™ initiative is to improve the mental wellbeing of veterinary teams by providing an avenue for care that might not otherwise be available, and those participating are experiencing the positive impact of this already.

Customer impact story: Bella’s surgery made possible with SafetyNet PetAssist™

David, a 70-year-old retired pensioner, has shared a close bond with his cat Bella, a black and white Domestic Shorthair, for more than seven years. When he noticed a growing cyst on Bella and discovered she also suffered from dental disease, David felt overwhelmed by the potential cost of treatment. Worried he’d need to sell his assets, or even his home, David was relieved to learn he was eligible for SafetyNet PetAssist™.

Following a telehealth consultation with a registered vet, David learnt Bella needed surgery. Thanks to the support of the program, the entire $2,475 cost of Bella’s treatment, including the consult and in-clinic procedure, was fully covered with no out-of-pocket expense for David. He describes the service as a “godsend” that took away the stress and allowed him to proceed with the care Bella urgently needed.

Today, Bella is recovering well and back to her usual playful self, enjoying time outdoors with her two feline brothers and continuing her daily ritual of greeting David at the door when he arrives home.

So what’s next? The future of SafetyNet PetAssist™

By working closely with local communities, human support services, welfare organisations and veterinary clinics, the SafetyNet PetAssist™ team hope to continue to make an impact in helping more eligible pet parents access veterinary care when they need it most.

For more information about SafetyNet PetAssist™, eligibility criteria, and how to access support, click here.