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Discover SafetyNet PetAssist™: Protecting the Dog-Owner Bond
But what happens when the unexpected cost of emergency or palliative care threatens that very relationship? For vulnerable Australians, the financial barrier to accessing timely veterinary support is a harsh and growing reality that can force owners into heart-breaking choices.
With animal shelters across NSW and the Hunter region facing a growing "rehoming crisis" [1], with economic hardship cited as a major reason for relinquishing a pet, the need for proactive support has never been greater. Without access to affordable care, pets can be left untreated, surrendered, or denied a peaceful end. Studies show that providing affordable veterinary care to low-socioeconomic companion animal owners increases the number of veterinary visits for both disease/injury and wellness [2].
One innovative Australian program, SafetyNet PetAssist™, is stepping up to fundamentally change this landscape.[1] By providing an immediate safety net, the initiative is ensuring that a pet's health and life aren't determined by their owner's bank balance.
A Collaborative Solution for Equitable Care
SafetyNet PetAssist™ was co-built by major industry partners—PetSure, VetChat, and VetPartners—to create a system that addresses the two primary barriers to care: cost and accessibility.[2] The program targets pet owners most vulnerable to rising costs, including people living with disabilities, jobseekers, pensioners, and families in financial hardship.
The initiative provides eligible pet owners with a two-part support system:
Dr Simone Maher, Chief Veterinary Officer of SafetyNet PetAssist™, highlighted the difficult reality faced by many households:
The program’s impact in its initial launch areas of the NSW Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter precincts has been significant. Since launching in late 2024, the program has provided over $230,000 in veterinary support and helped over 300 pets.
Most critically, the program has saved 29 pets from economic euthanasia—the tragic decision to end a pet's life solely because the owner cannot afford the necessary medical intervention. This demonstrates the immediate life-saving role the program is playing in the community.
The program is also working closely with over 45 local community support services to increase awareness among clients who need it most.
Early data shows that the support is being directed toward acute, urgent care. The top five conditions treated under the SafetyNet PetAssist™ program are:
With animal shelters across NSW and the Hunter region facing a growing "rehoming crisis" [1], with economic hardship cited as a major reason for relinquishing a pet, the need for proactive support has never been greater. Without access to affordable care, pets can be left untreated, surrendered, or denied a peaceful end. Studies show that providing affordable veterinary care to low-socioeconomic companion animal owners increases the number of veterinary visits for both disease/injury and wellness [2].
One innovative Australian program, SafetyNet PetAssist™, is stepping up to fundamentally change this landscape.[1] By providing an immediate safety net, the initiative is ensuring that a pet's health and life aren't determined by their owner's bank balance.
A Collaborative Solution for Equitable Care
SafetyNet PetAssist™ was co-built by major industry partners—PetSure, VetChat, and VetPartners—to create a system that addresses the two primary barriers to care: cost and accessibility.[2] The program targets pet owners most vulnerable to rising costs, including people living with disabilities, jobseekers, pensioners, and families in financial hardship.
The initiative provides eligible pet owners with a two-part support system:
- Free 24/7 Vet Telehealth: Accessible online consultations via VetChat to get expert advice, overcoming geographic, mobility, and immediate cost barriers.[3]
- Subsidised Urgent In-Clinic Care: Assistance with out-of-pocket costs for urgent in-clinic treatment at participating VetPartners clinics and out-of-hours emergency care at facilities like the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC).
Dr Simone Maher, Chief Veterinary Officer of SafetyNet PetAssist™, highlighted the difficult reality faced by many households:
“In a tight household budget, pet medical care can be the expense that forces impossible choices.”Major Impact and Early Success in NSW
The program’s impact in its initial launch areas of the NSW Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter precincts has been significant. Since launching in late 2024, the program has provided over $230,000 in veterinary support and helped over 300 pets.
Most critically, the program has saved 29 pets from economic euthanasia—the tragic decision to end a pet's life solely because the owner cannot afford the necessary medical intervention. This demonstrates the immediate life-saving role the program is playing in the community.
The program is also working closely with over 45 local community support services to increase awareness among clients who need it most.
Early data shows that the support is being directed toward acute, urgent care. The top five conditions treated under the SafetyNet PetAssist™ program are:
Pet Health Condition Percentage of Cases
Gastrointestinal 18%
Wound or Laceration 12%
Neoplasia (Tumours) 9%
Dental or Oral Issue 7%
Acute Limping/Lameness 6%
Case Study: The Best Goodbye – Sasha and Ben’s Story
Any pet parent will tell you pets imprint their shape on your heart. We know they're not in our lives forever, and the hope of every owner is a peaceful end full of love and care. For Ben, that outcome was made possible.
Wound or Laceration 12%
Neoplasia (Tumours) 9%
Dental or Oral Issue 7%
Acute Limping/Lameness 6%
Case Study: The Best Goodbye – Sasha and Ben’s Story
Any pet parent will tell you pets imprint their shape on your heart. We know they're not in our lives forever, and the hope of every owner is a peaceful end full of love and care. For Ben, that outcome was made possible.
Sasha, a loyal English Staffy, had been Ben's companion for 12 years.
"She was my girl, my shadow, my rock," Ben says.
Through every high and low, Sasha was his one constant soul.
When Ben lost his job, he quickly found himself in major financial hardship. Soon after, Sasha’s health began to decline. "Her breathing changed, she started drinking constantly," he recalls. "The worst part was that I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t afford a vet."
Desperate and feeling like he was failing her, Ben discovered SafetyNet PetAssist. He was put in touch with a vet who directed him to New Lambton Veterinary Clinic. Staff suspected Cushing’s disease, a life-long condition, but obtaining a confirmed diagnosis and planning ongoing care was prohibitively expensive.
"The vet explained Sasha was eating fine, she had energy and she wasn't in pain," Ben says. "Ultimately, I knew I’d have to say goodbye before long, but I had no idea when that would be."
A Critical Night
The end arrived with shocking speed. One week, Sasha’s condition worsened considerably: "She wouldn’t eat, she started stumbling. She was confused and sad. I was watching her suffer and I couldn’t bear it."
Ben was sure his initial SafetyNet PetAssist coverage had expired, but upon logging in, he found he was able to extend his access. "It was nearly 3am, but I didn’t care," he says. "I hit the video call button, praying for an answer."
Within 10 minutes, a vet called back and organised an urgent consultation at AREC in Broadmeadow.
"That moment gave me hope in one of the darkest nights of my life."The Hardest Decision
At the clinic the next morning, tests confirmed Ben's worst fears: Sasha had a critical mix of conditions, including Pancreatitis, Diabetes, Anaemia, and a severe infection, compounding the suspected Cushing's. Extended hospitalisation and intensive care were required, funds that were far beyond Ben's means.
The vets suggested the kindest act would be to let Sasha go. "I broke. I completely broke," Ben remembers. "I told her she was a good girl, that I’ll always love her and that I hoped she’d forgive me. And then she was gone.”
It was thanks to SafetyNet PetAssist that Sasha wasn't alone at the end. The program covered $2,234.17 for Sasha’s treatment, including all telehealth and in-clinic consults, tests, and the final euthanasia.
“She didn’t suffer in pain and confusion. She was safe, warm and loved. I had the chance to say goodbye properly, which means everything to me. It was a way for me to be the kind of owner she deserved, right to the end.”
Expanding the Safety Net to Tasmania
Building on the life-saving success in NSW, SafetyNet PetAssist™ announced a significant expansion, launching in Tasmania in October 2025. [4] This move brings the program to a state where PetSure analysis indicates approximately 113,000 residents are pet parents [3], and nearly 29 per cent hold concession cards [4], highlighting the significant, unmet demand for accessible veterinary support.
The expansion involves six participating VetPartner clinics across the state, including Launceston Veterinary Hospital and VetCentre New Norfolk.
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| Teamwork in Tasmania: SafetyNet PetAssist Partners at Spreyton Veterinary Services. |
Dr. Claire Jenkins, Founder of VetChat, emphasised the importance of accessible, immediate advice, particularly in remote areas. "The telehealth component of the program will help break down geographical and mobility barriers in helping vulnerable pet parents in these areas access timely care for their pets."
Dan Wiggins, VetPartners Regional Manager – Tasmania, also welcomed the program. “We believe that limited financial resources should never be a barrier to experiencing the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring. By removing some of the financial barriers to care, we’re helping to keep families and their beloved pets together, where they belong.”
The program’s journey is not just about saving pets; it's also about supporting the people who love them. The University of Sydney and the Black Dog Institute are undertaking a study into the program's effects on the well-being of the pet owners themselves.
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration can create systemic change, ensuring that the unique bond between an owner and their pet is protected, even when life presents the toughest financial challenges.
Is Your Pet Eligible for Help?
If you are a cat or dog owner in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter regions, or Tasmania, are experiencing financial hardship, receiving Centrelink benefits, and your pet needs urgent veterinary care, you may be eligible for support.
Visit the SafetyNet PetAssist™ website to find out more and access support:
petsafetynet.com.au
Dan Wiggins, VetPartners Regional Manager – Tasmania, also welcomed the program. “We believe that limited financial resources should never be a barrier to experiencing the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring. By removing some of the financial barriers to care, we’re helping to keep families and their beloved pets together, where they belong.”
The program’s journey is not just about saving pets; it's also about supporting the people who love them. The University of Sydney and the Black Dog Institute are undertaking a study into the program's effects on the well-being of the pet owners themselves.
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration can create systemic change, ensuring that the unique bond between an owner and their pet is protected, even when life presents the toughest financial challenges.
Is Your Pet Eligible for Help?
If you are a cat or dog owner in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter regions, or Tasmania, are experiencing financial hardship, receiving Centrelink benefits, and your pet needs urgent veterinary care, you may be eligible for support.
Visit the SafetyNet PetAssist™ website to find out more and access support:
petsafetynet.com.au
Sources
[1] Newcastle Herald article, “Pet surrenders growing as inquiry details ‘rehoming crisis’” (December 2024).
[2] Mueller, M.K.; Chubb, S.; Wolfus, G.; McCobb, E. Assessment of canine health and preventative care outcomes of a community medicine program. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2018, 157, 44–49.
[3] PetSure population analysis based on Animal Medicines Australia, “Pets in Australia” report 2025 data and ABS Census Data 2021
[4] DSS Benefit and Payment Recipient Demographics – quarterly data to June 2025.
