“These much-loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security…”
A wonderful charity will soon be landing on the Central Coast that aims to improve the lives of homeless people in the area and their furry friends.
Pets in the Park, an Australian non-for-profit organisation, will be popping up in Wyong this November, offering up free basic veterinary care to the companion pets of those experiencing homelessness.
The free veterinary clinic will be at Wyong Town Park on Sunday 10th November, and will be providing treatments such as vaccinations and parasite control to the animals.
The aim of the charity, which is run completely by volunteers, is to improve the wellbeing of homeless people living with animal companions across the area, and ensure that all companion pets are healthy and looked after.
“Many people who are experiencing homelessness own pets that play a significant role in their lives. These much-loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security; basic human needs that are often not met elsewhere,” the charity’s website explains.
“Although pet ownership greatly enriches the lives of those who are homeless, it also comes at a significant financial cost. Annual vaccinations, flea treatment, routine worming, and de-sexing and microchipping an animal costs hundreds of dollars.”
According to recent studies completed at Ontario Veterinary College, homeless people who have companion animals are less likely to become depressed, use drugs or engage in risky behaviour. Meanwhile, they are more likely to assume and retain responsibility of themselves and their animals, and will feel more supported in working to improve their life situation.
The study also found that homeless people with animals were more likely to open up to people about their personal, financial and mental challenges, and that animals were a bond between homeless people and service providers.
Around one in every two hundred Australians are homeless, and the homeless population on the Central Coast currently sits at an estimated 1100.
It is estimated that approximately 5 – 10 percent of those experiencing homeless have companion animals.
The Pets in the Park clinic in Wyong will run from 12pm – 2pm, and is available to clients who are experiencing homelessness, have been assessed by a service provider and have been issued with a referral.
Find out more information about Pets in the Park here.
SEE ALSO: Central Coast school add therapy dog to the counselling team
SEE ALSO: Selling Houses Australia set to renovate Central Coast home
Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Pets in the Park Facebook Page
Published 15/10/2019
