Pop-up clinic for underprivileged pets
“We don’t only look after the people, we look after their pets.”
PROJECT HoPe and Jewish House hosted a pop-up clinic at Mission Australia, supporting people experiencing homelessness and providing their pets with veterinary care.
Project HoPe was launched in 2013 by Dr Sam Kovac of Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic in collaboration with Jewish House, and aims to support those experiencing homelessness by providing vital care to pets, who are often unable to receive full medical treatment.
Their vision is to vaccinate every homeless pet and provide access to veterinary services among this often-forgotten part of the community.
Most animal charities provide adoption services, but few provide ongoing care for those animals, and Project HoPe fits this important niche. It also provides crisis accommodation at the clinic for the pets of people who are looking for shelter, as well as pop-up clinics to increase the regular check-ups of underprivileged pets.
“We don’t only look after the people, we look after their pets,” Rabbi Mendel Kastel, CEO of Jewish House, wrote on social media.
“It’s important to show those experiencing homelessness or disadvantage that the community is there to support them and their beloved pets.”
Donated blankets, pet food, treats, toys and medication were distributed directly to rough sleepers when they attended the pop-up clinic, which was hosted at Mission Australia, a Christian charity that provides support for people experiencing homelessness.
Homeless pets – dogs, cats, rabbits and birds – were able to receive free health checks, dental checks, vaccinations, microchipping and nail clippings.
Kovac wrote on social media, “So proud to be working with the fantastic Jewish House and Rabbi Mendel Kastel to impact lives positively to those who need it most.”
As part of the collaboration, Project HoPe has constructed kennels at Jewish House in Bondi to make what is Sydney’s first pet-friendly crisis centre, providing much-needed relief to people in crisis who would otherwise be unable to support their pets.
Project HoPe needs support. To donate, visit https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/projecthopesydney.
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