Supporting People and Pets
Who We Are
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is a collaborative initiative codesigned by PetSure, VetChat and VetPartners to help improve accessibility of veterinary care for eligible pet parents facing financial difficulty. We integrate telehealth with subsidised in-clinic care for urgent and essential treatment, working with veterinary clinics and community groups to create a network of support.We are operating a pilot programme in 2025 to help understand underserved communities’ needs and develop a scalable solution.
Our Purpose
We aim to keep people and pets together, enhance animal welfare, and positively impact veterinary teams.
SafetyNet PetAssist™ helps people who are eligible to care for their sick or injured pets.* From professional advice to a limited range of urgent or essential veterinary procedures and treatments, we work with our partners to support eligible people to keep their pets healthy, happy and by their side.
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is currently serving people 18 years of age or older who are in financial hardship, unable to afford urgent, essential veterinary care for a pet dog or cat, and receive a Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs support payment, who have either a Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card, and living within the eligible areas, detailed in the FAQs below.
Pet parents with a sick or injured dog or cat, who are in financial hardship, are not alone.* After sharing some basic information via our website to determine whether a pet parent is eligible*, our qualified veterinarians (available 24/7) will meet with the pet parent online, listen carefully and provide their professional opinion on how best to care for the pet. Where necessary, the pet may be referred to a nearby participating clinic to receive treatment.
Locations
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is available now in these areas of New South Wales:
- Newcastle
- Lake Macquarie
- Cessnock
- Maitland
- Port Stephens
- Central Coast
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is grateful for our partnerships with VetChat, VetPartners, Pet Medical Crisis, PetSure,
BlackDog Institute, The University of Sydney, AREC and other generous organisations.
Eligibility Check
Click here to check if you are eligible for help through SafetyNet PetAssist™.
Frequently Asked Questions
– A free online appointment with a qualified veterinarian who will listen to you and give you their professional opinion about what care your dog or cat needs and how to get it.
– A limited range of subsidised in clinic urgent or essential services with a participating veterinarian near you.
Once you’ve visited our website, you’ll be guided through a few simple questions to check if you’re eligible for SafetyNet PetAssist™. Just click here.
If you are eligible, you’ll need to show your Health Care Card (Services Australia issued) or Pensioner Concession Card (Services Australia or Department of Veterans’ Affairs issued) during your telehealth consultation or at a participating veterinary clinic. We’re here to make sure that you and your pet can access care with as little stress as possible.
You may be eligible to access SafetyNet PetAssist™ support if you meet the following criteria:
– You’re experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford urgent veterinary care for your pet dog or cat.
– You live in NSW and within Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, or the Central Coast.
– You’re 18 years of age or older.
– You receive a Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs support payment and hold either a Health Care Card (Services Australia issued) or Pensioner Concession Card (Services Australia or Department of Veterans’ Affairs issued).
SafetyNet PetAssist™ provides 24/7 access to online consultations with registered Australian veterinarians through VetChat, providing immediate support and advice when your pet dog or cat needs it. If in-clinic care is required, we’ll refer you to one of our participating veterinary clinics.
For eligible pet owners:
– Online consultations are free.
– In clinic care is subsidised for a limited range of urgent or essential services with a participating veterinarian
Access to veterinary support through online consultations will remain available to support your pet’s recovery when required.
Out-of-pocket costs apply for in clinic services not supported by SafetyNet PetAssist™.
SafetyNet PetAssist™ is currently available in the following areas of New South Wales:
– Newcastle
– Lake Macquarie
– Cessnock
– Maitland
– Port Stephens
– Central Coast
We know there are many more pet parents who need support around Australia. Our goal is to expand and bring this offering to as many people and pets in need as possible.
We are sorry that SafetyNet PetAssist™ is not available to you right now. You might want to contact Centrelink to find out about other options. In the meantime, please check out our Resources page for information that might be helpful. If you are in desperate financial need, you can email us about your situation to safetynet@petsure.com.au, and we will review your circumstances.
We are sorry that SafetyNet PetAssist™ is not available for your pet’s treatment. Out-of-pocket in-clinic expenses will be payable for those treatments not supported by SafetyNet PetAssist™. We encourage you to visit our Resources page for other resources that may help you and your pet.
Yes! SafetyNet PetAssist™ helps you care for up to three pets (dogs or cats) during the 30-day eligibility period.
You can access support for 30 days. If your pet needs more care after that, you can reapply to see if you are still eligible through your MySafetyNet account page.
Please get in touch with us at safetynetsupport@petsure.com.au
SafetyNet PetAssist™ acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country where pets and people live, work and play. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and to all First Nations people. We acknowledge continued connections to land, sea, culture and the important role that animals play in First Nations communities