Emergency Pet Care Program

This program is a compassionate short-term pet care initiative designed to support people experiencing crisis, such as homelessness, hospitalisation, or family violence, by providing a safe space or loving temporary home for their beloved pets.

We understand that pets are family, and no one should choose between getting help and keeping their companion during life's most difficult moments.

Our program offers secure, emergency boarding and dedicated foster care. Our goal is to reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible, helping keep families together even when life pulls them apart.

Before applying, please check the program eligibility requirements in the FAQ section below.

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We can only accept referral cases from human support organisations on your behalf.

  • Social worker

  • AOD counsellor

  • Hospital Unit Staff

 FAQs

  • To enter the emergency pet care program your client must exhausted all options from family, friends, neighbours and exploring pet-friendly accommodation options such as hotels, caravan parks, or other temporary housing.

    • Vaccination: If entering our emergency pet care program, all pets must be up to date with C5 for dogs or F3 for cats. This is non-negotiable due to service policy requirements. If not already vaccinated, this must be done before entering our boarding program and can be provided by The Stay Foundation. Pets can enter foster care if they are not up to date with vaccinations, but will be vaccinated while in our care

    • Desexing and Microchipping: Required under our program and can be completed during the pet’s stay in care.

    • Boarding Program Fee: A deposit of $25 per week is requested (e.g. $50 for two weeks, $100 for four weeks). This fee may be waived in circumstances of extreme financial hardship.

  • This program is a  2 - 4 week stay at one of our boarding partners or available foster carers.

    All companions must stay in contact where possible, within 2 weeks of entering the program.

    We can offer visitations for companions should they be requested.

    If a co-contribution from your client can be made, we can discuss extending options if boarding is required for longer than the program period.

  • Depending on the situation and resources, we can extend the program period or search for an emergency foster carer to cover the gap in care.

    In the event that the pet can’t return to the legal owner, we can work with families to offer advice on rehoming options including working with our rescue partners to find a positive outcome.

  • The Stay Foundation is driven by dedicated volunteers and all of our Emergency Pet Care program is provided through a referral system.

    We work closely with social service agencies and health professionals who connect us with people most in need of support.

    Our help is reserved for those experiencing emergency hospitalisation, homelessness or families struggling with significant financial hardship. To qualify, the person referred must be one of the following; receiving government welfare support, public housing resident, Extreme financial distress or Senior pension card.

    It is the responsibility of the referring professional to confirm this eligibility before making a referral.