Pets in the Park: Ipswich clinic offers free veterinary care to homeless people’s pets

Each month, a small team of volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses meet at an Ipswich park to provide free and essential care to the pets of people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Here’s how they do it.

People across Ipswich who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness will now have access to free veterinary care thanks to the generosity of a small group of doctors and nurses.

Volunteer-run organisation Pets in the Park officially launched at St Paul’s Anglican Church last month, with about three veterinarians and six veterinary nurses opening their hearts and offering their time to the city’s most vulnerable and their pets.

Coordinator of the group’s Ipswich and Caboolture clinics and veterinary nurse for 24 years Andy Readdy said it came some 12 months later than expected due to Covid-related complications.

But the Ipswich healthcare clinic is now in full swing as volunteers treat the pets — including dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs — of some 14 clients.

Ms Readdy said skincare was the main focus of the operation at present, but volunteers were administering a range of medications and treatments including for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.

“Getting that under control for the animals is such a relief to them, and to the owners as well,” she said.

The team plans to offer surgery and dental care at their Ipswich clinic in the near future, as they already do at Caboolture.

After working with Pets in the Park for about four years, Ms Readdy said she had come to understand that caring for an animal not only provided people who are homeless companionship, it also helped connect them to important services and help.

She said the unconditional love, emotional support, and security that comes with owning a pet went a long way to enhancing their social, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing.

Built on generosity, public donations, and corporate support, the charity is able to deliver free preventive healthcare programs and services independently and without government funding. Each patient is estimated to cost the organisation between $50 and $60 each month.

Those interested in becoming a client should note Pets in the Park requires a referral from a social, case, or community worker stating they are experiencing homelessness or are at risk.

Those who wish to donate to the cause can do so at the organisation’s website.