No Cat Left Behind: How a Ground-breaking Program is Saving Vulnerable Pets

The bond between an owner and their cat is often profound—a source of comfort, stability, and unconditional love, often proving to be a true lifeline in difficult times. But what happens when the unexpected cost of emergency vet 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, tragically including economic euthanasia.

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 in the worst cases, euthanised due to affordability and accessibility concerns.

Studies show that when affordable veterinary care is provided to low-socioeconomic companion animal owners, the number of veterinary visits increase for both disease/injury and wellness [2].

One innovative Australian program, SafetyNet PetAssist™, is stepping up to fundamentally change this landscape. 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. 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.

• 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.”

“This program assists with out-of-pocket costs for eligible cases, easing pressure on families and on vets who carry those difficult conversations around treatment cost.”

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, including Hunter Homeless Connect and the City of Newcastle Outreach team, 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: Whiskers’ Second Chance – A Story of Love and Anxiety

For Lee, a pet owner from Raymond Terrace on the NSW Central Coast, his Domestic Shorthair, Whiskers, is an essential therapeutic companion. Lee, who lives on the disability support pension and suffers from PTSD, relies on Whiskers for stability.

“It took some time to get full custody [of my daughter], so when she finally came home that Christmas, we got Whiskers together,” Lee recalls.

Whiskers came to live with Lee and his daughter three years ago, a kitten with a very specific purpose: to provide comfort and stability during a family transition. They moved to Raymond Terrace, where Whiskers soon befriended a neighbouring cat. The trio decided to take in the friendly feline when her owners planned to give her up.

Shortly after the new companion arrived, Lee noticed a worrying change in Whiskers' behaviour. “He started peeing in different places,” he says. “Eventually he got blocked up, so I took him to the vet.”

Whiskers was rushed to the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC) at Broadmeadow, where veterinarians determined the cat was suffering from a urethral obstruction, possibly compounded by anxiety over the change in his home environment. This condition is common, but can rapidly become life-threatening, often requiring expensive and immediate care.

Lee was devastated when he learned the procedure would cost almost $4,000. As a pensioner, the bill was insurmountable.

“I suffer from PTSD, and Whiskers is my little buddy,” he says, his voice reflecting the gravity of the moment.

“He helps so much with my condition, but there I was faced with this bill. I dare say he would have had to be put down.”

This heart-breaking reality—economic euthanasia—was averted thanks to SafetyNet PetAssist™. The program provided the necessary subsidised care for Whiskers’ treatment. After a critical week of care at a participating clinic, Whiskers was safe at home and on the road to recovery, still a little sore, but comfortable and reunited with his feline friend and the family he means so much to.

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. 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, from Launceston Veterinary Hospital to VetCentre New Norfolk.

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 vast remote and rural parts of Tasmania present logistical challenges to accessing care at physical clinics," she explained. "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."

She added that VetChat is proud to be part of the initiative, noting that by connecting vulnerable pet carers with Australian registered vets 24/7, Australians can easily access expert veterinary advice and seek reassurance and clarity on next steps—regardless of any barriers or their personal circumstances.

Dan Wiggins, VetPartners Regional Manager – Tasmania, also welcomed the program. “Every pet owner wants to do the very best for their animals, but sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. 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—from the initial phase in NSW to its expansion into Tasmania—is not just about saving pets; it's also about supporting the people who love them and conducting research into the social impact of providing this care. 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 cat is protected, even when life presents the toughest financial challenges.

Is Your Cat 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

Photo Credit: Lead image photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash.

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.

From Rescued to Rulers: Meet the Stars of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s 2026 Calendar

They survived the streets, healed broken bones, and learned to love again. Now, these resilient felines are the stunning stars of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV)'s new pin-up calendar, showcasing the life-changing power of second chances and the unbreakable bond between a cat and their human.

The calendar features cats adopted through the CPSV, each with a heart-warming story of resilience and connection. We delve into the personal journeys of three of these iconic cover stars—Barry, the miracle survivor, and Teddy & Tom, the inseparable duo—to explore why adopting a rescue cat can transform a home.

The Survivor: Barry, the Cat Who Refused to Give Up

When Barry, estimated to be between 6–10 years old, first arrived at the Cat Protection Society of Victoria, his history was heartbreakingly clear. He was diagnosed with cat flu and FIV, had a severe ear infection, and X-rays even revealed an old bullet lodged in his shoulder. Evidence of multiple untreated fractures—a back leg, tail, and sternum—showed he had been hit by a car and healed on his own without veterinary care. He also required desexing, a microchip, and a major grade 4 dental!

"He had been through more than any cat ever should," shares a spokesperson from the CPSV. "And yet, through all of this, Barry never once let his past define him. His calm, affectionate, and gentle nature shone through."

When Eliza and Nicholas met Barry, the connection was immediate. “He fell asleep in my lap and we stayed in the visiting room for over an hour,” says Eliza. Barry’s traumatic start has given his owners a profound sense of perspective. 

“His strength and resilience has given us perspective on the issues we deal with in our own life.”

Despite everything, Barry’s trust is absolute. He enjoys snuggling up under the blankets, demands lap-time, and follows his people everywhere—even on family trips. 

“We can't believe, despite his poor treatment before we adopted him, how much he loves people,” says Nicholas.

Barry is truly one-of-a-kind. He loves car rides, often resting his paws on the window to look outside, and he's completely unfazed by other animals. 

And there’s one charming, noisy quirk his owners adore: “Barry snores loud enough to wake both of us up!”

"Cats who come to us with tough or uncertain pasts aren’t always the most outwardly affectionate at first, but there is no doubt they are incredibly resilient," a CPSV spokesperson explains. 

Once they find the family that truly understands them, these cats seem to recognise the safety, warmth, and love they’ve been given. They appreciate having a full food bowl, a soft bed, and a place where they finally belong.”

The Partners in Crime: Teddy & Tom, The Inseparable Duo

Teddy and Tom, both under one year old, were adopted by Kaitlin and her partner, Tom, as tiny, playful kittens and have been inseparable ever since. Their boundless energy and constant presence instantly made their house feel like a home.

“The home feels so warm and welcoming with two little faces always ready to greet us as soon as they hear the car pulling up,” says Kaitlin.

The two cats have distinct personalities that amusingly mirror their human counterparts. Teddy is constantly in motion and "into something," much like his owner, Tom. Meanwhile, Tom (the cat) "is more like me, absolutely LOVES a nap and treats," Kaitlin laughs.

Adoption has brought unexpected joy, transforming Tom, the human, from a lifelong "dog lover" into an enthusiastic cat owner. For Kaitlin, the feeling of caring for them is reminiscent of parenthood. 

“I am constantly thinking about them, showing people pictures of them, thinking of what flavour meals to buy them. I didn't think anything was missing but now I couldn’t live without them.”

Transforming Lives, One Adoption at a Time

The stories of Barry, Teddy, and Tom highlight the central theme of the 2026 calendar: the transformative power of adoption. Whether it’s providing companionship, bringing laughter, or offering a profound new perspective on resilience, rescue cats give back as much, if not more, than they receive.

As the CPSV notes, adopters of older or special-needs cats "often express an overwhelming sense of gratitude that they were able to change the fate of a cat who truly needed them... it’s clear that the transformation goes both ways: their cat’s life has changed for the better but so has theirs."

Eliza and Nicholas, who now can’t imagine life without Barry, perfectly sum up the sentiment: “There's not a day where he doesn't make us laugh or feel loved. He really is the best addition to our life.”

Get Your 2026 Cat Pin-Up Calendar!

Celebrate these incredible stories of second chances and resilience! Every purchase of the CPSV Pin-Up Calendar helps the Cat Protection Society of Victoria continue its vital work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats in need.

To support the CPSV and snag your copy of the 2026 Pin-Up Calendar, visit the official website today: https://catprotection.com.au

Pet Diabetes Month Breakthrough: New Global Guidelines Promise Happier, Healthier Lives for Australian Cats

This November, as we recognise Pet Diabetes Month, there is significant news offering renewed hope and clarity for Australian cat carers: the release of ground-breaking global veterinary guidelines that promise to revolutionise the way feline diabetes is managed.

A Needed Update: The 2025 iCatCare Consensus Guidelines

To mark World Diabetes Day (November 14th), International Cat Care (iCatCare) officially announced the release of the brand-new, comprehensive veterinary resource: the ‘2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in cats.’

Diabetes mellitus is a challenging disease, but its treatment has seen significant advancements in recent years. Recognising the need for an updated "playbook," a panel of world experts collaborated on this essential resource.

Local Relevance: The guidelines were developed by experts from the USA, Netherlands, UK, Italy, and Australia, ensuring they reflect the latest, globally informed best practices for local veterinary professionals.

These essential guidelines, co-authored and chaired by iCatCare Veterinary Specialist Consultant Samantha Taylor, are available to access for free in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS).

Empowering Vets with a Comprehensive Resource

Designed as an everyday reference tool, the 2025 consensus guidelines provide detailed and practical information across the entire scope of feline diabetes care:

• Pathogenesis and diagnosis.

• Making informed treatment choices.

• Managing complications and comorbidities.

• Anaesthetic guidance for diabetic patients.

• The latest feeding recommendations.

The resource also features easy-to-use charts, such as the Diabetic Clinical Score, to support rapid decision-making and patient monitoring in Australian vet practices.

Team-Based Care: New Guides for Nurses and Carers

The biggest breakthrough for the local care team is the addition of two key supplementary guides, promoting a comprehensive, team-based approach to managing the disease:

1. Brand-New Nursing Guide

For the first time, iCatCare has produced a dedicated Nursing Guide, created specifically to help vet nurses and technicians deliver consistent, high-quality care for diabetic cats.

• Title: ‘Nursing the cat with diabetes mellitus’

• Access: Available to download for free from the JFMS website.

2. Clarity for Cat Caregivers

Crucially, a dedicated Cat Carer Guide is now available to help owners navigate their cat’s condition with confidence.

• Title: ‘Managing the diabetic cat: a guide for caregivers’

• Value: It provides a clear, jargon-free explanation of the disease, available treatment options, and essential daily care considerations.

• Access: This guide is free and available on the iCatCare website, allowing veterinary professionals to easily share it with caregivers to support conversations about home care.

Call to Action for Australian Cat Carers

If you share your home with a diabetic cat, or suspect your cat may be at risk this Pet Diabetes Month, the release of these guidelines is a major step forward.

These new guidelines are endorsed by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA), confirming their status as the gold standard for care.

Your Next Steps This November:

• Talk to your vet about the new 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines and how they might inform your cat’s treatment plan.

• Ask your clinic for the free Cat Carer Guide to ensure you have the best, most current information available for home management.

Access Links:

Guidelines: 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in cats.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X251399103

Nursing Guide: Nursing the cat with diabetes mellitus.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/1098612X251399103/suppl_file/sj-pdf-3-jfm-10.1177_1098612x251399103.pdf

Cat Carer Guide: Managing the diabetic cat: a guide for caregivers.
https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-managing-the-diabetic-cat.pdf