When Times Get Tough, They Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye: How You Can Help Keep Pets and Vulnerable Owners Together
As Australians face their fifth interest rate rise this year—pushing the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate to its highest level in 18 years—mounting financial pressures are hitting home in the most heart-breaking way. For many vulnerable people, the surging cost of living is leaving them struggling to afford the most basic care for their beloved companions.
Melbourne-based charity Pets Of The Homeless is currently seeing record demand for its essential services, including pet food, veterinary care, and emergency shelter.
“These are people who love their pets dearly and are doing their absolute best,” explains Yvonne Hong, Founder and CEO of Pets Of The Homeless.
“Some are skipping meals so they can feed their dog or cat, while others are facing the impossible decision to surrender their pets. It’s our mission to prevent that from happening.”
Founded 11 years ago from a single suitcase of pet food, the state-wide Victorian charity has since provided over 3.3 million meals, helped more than 4,500 pets access vet care and temporary accommodation, and delivered over 47,000 nights of safe shelter.
A Lifeline for Kint and Hippo
For Melbourne local Kint, his Staffy Hippo has been his rock through some of the hardest chapters of his life. After facing homelessness during the pandemic, Kint was supported into housing. Craving companionship, he began fostering Hippo—and it didn't take long to realise she was already home.
“Hippo means everything to me. She's my best friend,” Kint says.
With Hippo by his side, Kint started rebuilding his life with hopes of eventually helping others in similar situations. But when Hippo suffered a severe knee injury, everything ground to an abrupt halt.
Hippo was in constant pain and required surgery—a costly procedure that Kint simply had no way of affording on his own.
“It was agonising to see her suffering,” Kint recalls.
Seeing his distress, Kint’s social worker contacted Pets Of The Homeless, who stepped in to fund Hippo’s surgery in full.
“When they said they could help, I was just so overjoyed,” says Kint. “I wouldn't have been able to get through it without their help.”
Triple Your Impact This Giving Day
Stories like Kint and Hippo's illustrate just how vital the human-animal bond is when hardship strikes.
“For someone facing homelessness, family violence, or financial hardship, their pet can often be their only source of comfort and stability,” says Yvonne.
“The thought of losing that companionship when they're already going through so much is heart-breaking.” To meet this unprecedented need, Pets Of The Homeless is holding its ‘Never Tear Them Apart’ Giving Day on Wednesday, 11 November.
Thanks to generous gift matchers, every single dollar donated on the day will be tripled, turning a $25 donation into $75, or a $50 gift into $150 worth of emergency food, vital veterinary surgery, and warm shelter.
“We know times are tough for everyone, and asking people to give when they're feeling the pinch themselves isn't easy,” Yvonne adds.
“But the need for our support is growing, and no one should have to say goodbye to their pet when life gets hard.”
“With the community behind us, we can make sure they don't have to.”
To learn more or to have your donation tripled on Giving Day, visit Pets Of The Homeless.
