SafetyNet PetAssist™ is designed to assist vulnerable and disadvantaged pet owners by providing access to veterinary telehealth and subsidised in clinic veterinary care for dogs and cats. By using the SafetyNet PetAssist™ service, eligible pet owners agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms outline the scope of services, eligibility requirements, and obligations for both SafetyNet PetAssist™ and pet owners.

To access SafetyNet PetAssist™, pet owners must meet eligibility criteria, including:

– Experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford urgent, essential veterinary care for a pet dog or cat.

– Live within the SafetyNet PetAssist™ pilot area, covering the NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings and the Central Coast, or the entire state of Tasmania.

– Receiving 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).

– 18 years of age or older.

Eligible pet owners who complete the SafetyNet PetAssist eligibility check will be granted access to a MySafetyNet account for an initial period of six (6) months. During this time, users may access the services provided under the SafetyNet PetAssist program, including:

– Free telehealth consultations with a registered Australian veterinarian through VetChat.

– Subsidised in-clinic veterinary treatments for a select range of expenses relating to urgent or essential veterinary care at participating veterinary clinics.

If additional support is required beyond the initial 6-month period, pet owners may re-complete the eligibility check to determine if they remain eligible to continue accessing the program. This can be done by logging into their MySafetyNet account and clicking the “Request SafetyNet Extension” button. Continued access will depend on meeting the eligibility criteria at the time of reassessment.

Pet owners may access services for up to three pets (dogs or cats).

The SafetyNet PetAssist™ program provides subsidy for a limited range of urgent or essential veterinary procedures and treatments with a participating veterinarian at a participating in-clinic location. Please note the following are not able to be subsidised through SafetyNet PetAssist™:

• Diagnostic investigation, management and treatment of ongoing chronic conditions (including but not limited to arthritis, allergies and behavioural conditions),
• Orthopaedic (bone) surgery (except for amputation),
• Externally provided diagnostic services,
• Specialist veterinary services, and/or
• Expenses related to routine care of your pet, including vaccination, desexing and parasite prevention.
• Management and treatment of parvovirus infection.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ reserves the right to modify the scope of services based on available resources and demand.

Contact us for more information.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ is committed to supporting those who need it most. If we determine that services have been accessed fraudulently or based on incorrect information, we reserve the right to withdraw access to SafetyNet PetAssist™ for the individual involved. Any suspected fraudulent activity may result in termination of services and further action if necessary.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ is currently in a pilot stage. The duration of the pilot is subject to change based on budgeting and resourcing factors. At the conclusion of the pilot, eligible pet owners who have already been provided access to the SafetyNet PetAssist™ offering will be able to access the service for the complete six (6) month period of eligibility. 

SafetyNet PetAssist™, its partners, and participating veterinary clinics will provide services to the best of their ability; however, SafetyNet PetAssist™ cannot guarantee the availability of resources or the outcome of veterinary treatments. By using SafetyNet PetAssist™, you acknowledge that SafetyNet PetAssist™ will not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of its services.

To help improve and expand SafetyNet PetAssist™, we may invite eligible pet owners to participate in research studies to better understand the benefits of the program. Participation is voluntary and will not affect access to services. By agreeing to participate, you consent to having your data used for research purposes in accordance with our privacy policy.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ is committed to protecting your privacy. Personal information collected while using SafetyNet PetAssist™ services will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Please review this document for further details on how your data is collected, used, and stored.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ reserves the right to update or modify these terms at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the SafetyNet PetAssist™ website.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ reserves the right to withdraw or terminate access to services if a pet owner exhibits any of the following:

• Aggressive or threatening behaviour towards SafetyNet PetAssist™ participating veterinary staff, support teams and/or referral partners;
• Verbal abuse, harassment, and/or offensive language, including discrimination or intimidation; and/or
• Repeatedly rude, disruptive, or inappropriate conduct towards participating veterinary staff, support teams and/or referral partners.

(collectively known an “inappropriate behaviour”)

1. If any of the above inappropriate behaviour occurs, SafetyNet PetAssist™ will:
Provide the pet owner with a written warning regarding the inappropriate behaviour; and

2. In the event that there is continued inappropriate behaviour, SafetyNet PetAssist™ will review the individual’s access to SafetyNet PetAssist™ services. SafetyNet PetAssist™ reserves the right to terminate, suspend or permanently withdraw access to the SafetyNet PetAssist™ program due to inappropriate behaviour.

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Service of SafetyNet PetAssist™, please contact us at safetynet@petsure.com.au.