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Supporting People and Their Pets

PetSafetyNet is a collaborative initiative co-designed by PetSure, VetChat and VetPartners to help improve access to veterinary care for eligible pet parents experiencing financial difficulty. Through a combination of telehealth services and, in many circumstances, assistance with covering the cost of in‑clinic care when needed*, we work with veterinary clinics and community groups to create a network of support that keeps pets healthy and happy.

If your veterinary clinic is interested to be involved as we consider expansion, please contact us at safetynet@petsure.com.au


Our Purpose

Pet parents in financial hardship and with a sick or injured dog or cat are not alone. We aim to keep people and pets together, enhance animal welfare and positively impact veterinary teams.

What We Do

We know how hard it can be when your pet is sick and you’re worried about how to afford vet care. That’s why PetSafetyNet helps pet owners facing financial hardship, so your pet can get the care they need when they need it.

We believe every pet
deserves care, and we’re here to make it easier for those who need it most.

Who Is Eligible*

If you’re 18 + and receive a Centrelink or DVA payment, hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and live in one of our supported areas, we may be able to help.

Available now in NSW (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey,) and throughout Tasmania.

How It Works

If you’re eligible for PetSafetyNet, our qualified veterinarians (available 24/7) will meet you online for a consultation on how best to care for your pet. Where necessary, your pet may be referred to a nearby participating clinic to receive subsidised treatment. For more information, read our FAQs below

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Locations

PetSafetyNet is now available in these areas of New South Wales:

  • Newcastle
  • Lake Macquarie
  • Cessnock
  • Maitland
  • Port Stephens
  • Central Coast
  • Port Macquarie-Hastings
  • Kempsey

It is also available throughout Tasmania.

Eligibility Check

Click here to check if you are eligible for help through PetSafetyNet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What help is available from PetSafetyNet?

For eligible pet owners:

-A free online appointment with a qualified Australian veterinarian. They will provide their professional opinion about what care your pet needs and how to get it. If in-clinic care is required, your telehealth vet will refer you to one of our participating vet clinics.

-A limited range of subsidised urgent or essential treatments at a participating clinic near you.
Out-of-pocket costs apply for in-clinic services not supported by PetSafetyNet.

How can I get help?

Click here to find out whether you’re eligible for PetSafetyNet.

If you are eligible, you’ll need to show your Health Care Card (Services Australia issued) or Pensioner Concession Card (Services Australia or Dept of Veterans’ Affairs issued) during your telehealth consultation or at a participating veterinary clinic.

How long can I access treatment?

PetSafetyNet support is available 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.

Who is eligible for PetSafetyNet?

You may be eligible to access PetSafetyNet support if you meet the following criteria:

– You’re experiencing financial hardship and unable to afford urgent veterinary care for your pet.
– You live in NSW within one of the following areas: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, or Kempsey, or within the state of Tasmania.
– 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) in your name
– The pet you’re seeking support for isn’t currently covered by pet insurance.

Can I have more than one pet treated?

Yes! PetSafetyNet helps you care for up to three pets (dogs or cats) during the 30-day eligibility period.

Where is PetSafetyNet available?

PetSafetyNet is currently available in the following areas of NSW:

– Newcastle
– Lake Macquarie
– Cessnock
– Maitland
– Port Stephens
– Central Coast
– Port Macquarie-Hastings
– Kempsey

It is also available across the entire state of Tasmania.

We’re working to expand PetSafetyNet around Australia and bring this service to as many people and pets in need as possible.

If you are eligible, you’ll need to show your Health Care Card (Services Australia issued) or Pensioner Concession Card (Services Australia or Dept of Veterans’ Affairs issued) during your telehealth consultation or at a participating veterinary clinic.

What if I’ve been assessed as ineligble?

Please check out our Help & Advice page for information that might be helpful. If you are in desperate financial need, you can email us about your situation at safetynet@petsure.com.au and we will review your circumstances.

What if my pet’s treatment isn’t supported through PetSafetyNet?

We are sorry that PetSafetyNet is not available for your pet’s treatment. Out-of-pocket in-clinic expenses will be payable for those treatments not supported by PetSafetyNet. We encourage you to visit our Help & Advice page for information that may help you and your pet.

How can my veterinary clinic get involved?

Please get in touch with us at safetynetsupport@petsure.com.au.

See how PetSafetyNet is helping pets in need

PetSafetyNet 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