Pets In The Park Opens Northern Rivers Clinic to Support Homeless Pet Owners

JEFF GIBBS

Pets In The Park (PITP), a national charity providing free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness, has announced the opening of its newest clinic in Northern Rivers, a region facing some of the highest homelessness rates in Australia.

For many individuals experiencing homelessness, pets are a source of companionship, hope, and unconditional love. However, the fnancial burden of pet ownership often forces them to prioritize their pets’ needs over their own, making access to basic veterinary care a signifcant challenge.

“Pet ownership brings immense joy and enrichment, but also substantial fnancial challenges,” said Jay Potter, President of PITP. “Too often, owners sacrifce their own welfare to ensure their pets’ health. This is where Pets In The Park plays such an important role.”

A Monthly Lifeline for Homeless Pet Owners

The new monthly clinic, held in Byron Bay, will support individuals and their pets living rough in Ballina, Lismore, Mullumbimby, Evans Head, and surrounding areas. Accessible via referrals from local homelessness support organizations, the clinic will offer free veterinary consultations, vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping, and treatment of common ailments.

In addition to healthcare, donated pet products, including food, bedding, and toys, will be distributed to enhance the pets’ overall wellbeing.

A Collaborative Effort

The clinic’s establishment is the result of a year of dedicated planning by veterinary professionals

Dr. Elizabeth Settles, Helen McGregor, and Lauren Archer, working with PITP’s national offce. They secured a venue, gathered local veterinarians and vet nurses willing to volunteer, and developed a sustainable model to improve healthcare for these pets.

“This started with a conversation about the parvo outbreak in Lismore and how unaffordable vaccines were impacting puppies,” said Dr. Settles. “It evolved into creating a clinic to address broader veterinary care challenges for homeless pet owners.”

From March 2025, students from Southern Cross University’s new Vet Science program will join as volunteers, gaining invaluable experience while helping the community.

A Region in Crisis

The Northern Rivers region faces an acute housing crisis, with skyrocketing property prices and a highly competitive rental market that often excludes pet owners. Many individuals live in cars or refuse emergency accommodation to keep their pets. The lingering effects of natural disasters have only exacerbated these challenges.

Get Involved Veterinary professionals are invited to volunteer through PITP’s website at www.petsinthepark. org.au. The charity relies solely on donations, with contributions over $2 tax-deductible in Australia.

By providing essential services to pets and their owners, Pets In The Park is making a critical difference in the lives of Northern Rivers residents, helping them navigate the challenges of homelessness while keeping their beloved companions by their side.