Who we are
Cherished Pets is a veterinary social enterprise with a BIG mission. We provide veterinary care and interconnected social services that support the health and wellbeing of both pets and people. We are proudly the world's first B Corp vet and the first veterinary organisation in Australia that focuses on the human-animal bond to enhance the health and wellbeing of people, pets and communities.
Our vision is a world where the human-animal bond is recognised and supported for its role in creating connected and healthy communities.
The Cherished Pets Model of Care
Since 2015, Cherished Pets’ has been providing human-animal bond centred veterinary services to pets and people in the Geelong region. Our innovative social enterprise model prioritises inclusion and accessibility and is propelled by our commitment to fostering social impact.
Our Ocean Grove clinic operates a private GP veterinary service with fees set at the market's median. A percentage of veterinary fees in our private clinic combine with funding from the Cherished Pets Foundation, to support the delivery of our innovative social veterinary service.
By using our veterinary services, every pet’s visit contributes to social responsibility and community wellbeing.
Our Social Hearted ® Model of Care bridges the gap between animal welfare and human health and wellbeing, delivering accessible and equitable veterinary care to vulnerable and disadvantaged people and their pets.
What we do
With a multidisciplinary approach, we operate with a Community Care Team, including Veterinary Social Workers (VSW), a Volunteer Coordinator, a Community Vet Nurse, a Program Coordinator and over 60 volunteers. Access to our support is through social service agency referrals and partner veterinary practices.
Our Veterinary Social Workers play a vital role in evaluating both the client’s needs and those of the pet. Based on an assessment, a funding package is allocated to address specific emergency accommodation and crisis care, transport and veterinary service requirements.
Our home care assistance program provides ongoing support and connects with the client’s support team. Funding packages can be utilised at participating partner hospitals, ensuring geographical accessibility and equity, and allowing all individuals to access the same high-quality veterinary services within their neighbourhoods.
The support we provide for pets is a lifeline, and the linkage to human social services ensures people in all areas of our society are supported.
Our work
Dr Jane Goodall & Cherished Pets
VideosDr Jane Goodall talks about her beloved dog Rusty, reminds us we are not the only beings on the planet with personalities, minds, and feelings, and shares a message about the importance of Cherished Pets' veterinary social services bringing hope, peace of mind, health and wellbeing to so many people and animals.
Dr Jane Goodall & Cherished PetsOur impact in 2023
OtherIn 2023, Cherished Pets Veterinary and Social Services created a multitude of positive animal welfare and human health and wellbeing outcomes.
Our impact in 2023
Head office:
- Victoria
Service location(s):
- Victoria
Type(s) of actor:
- Social Enterprises
Area(s) of activity:
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