Best Mates: Free Veterinary Care & Emergency Cat Boarding For Homeless And People In Need

Caring cat parents want to keep caring for their beloved cats even when times get tough. What to do if you are in a hard financial situation or difficult life circumstances? “Best Mates” charity in Melbourne helps people in need to care for their cats, dogs, and other pets.

“Best Mates” charity was organised by Dr Jason Rapke, a Head Vet at the Glen Iris Veterinary Clinic. The charity works with Salvation Army Crisis Centre and Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda.

“Best Mates” provides free veterinary care and emergency cat boarding for people in need. Since starting operating about 6 months ago, “Best Mates” has already looked after dozens of cats.

“People who are going through hardships in life often rely on their pets for comfort and love and in many instances their pet really will be their best friend. However, due to their circumstances they can find it hard to source basic animal care including nutrition and veterinary help.” – says Dr Jason Rapke.

We asked the guys to share more details. Here is how “Best Mates” can be helpful for cat owners in need.

What Services Are Available For Cat Owners?

“Best Mates is a charity who works specifically with the Salvation Army Crisis Centre and Sacred Heart Mission to help the pets of people who utilize the services of these organisations. We see a variety of animals through a pet clinic once a month including routine check ups and for more complicated problems. The focus of the program is prevention of health issues and the alleviation of suffering and hence any treatments provided are done with this in mind. We also provide emergency cat boarding for people who find themselves temporarily without accommodation.”

Who Can Receive The Offered Services?

“People who are actively utilizing the services of the Salvation Army and Sacred Heart Mission are eligible to utilise the services.”

Emergency Cat Boarding

If a cat owner lost their accommodation at short notice, “Best Mates” might provide an emergency cat boarding.

“If people who are utilising the services of the Salvation Army or Sacred Heart Mission are in need of emergency boarding for their cat, then they need to call their case worker. They will then be asked to fill in an application form which is then forwarded to us. Assuming they are eligible, we can usually arrange same day transfer once the form is received.”

How Can A Cat Owner Participate In The Best Mates Event?

“Only persons who are actively utilising the services of the Salvation Army Crisis Centre or Sacred Heart Mission can participate. Persons who are interested in attending must register with either the Salvation Army Crisis Centre in St Kilda or Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda to be seen on the day. All cats must be brought in cat carriers preferably as this is the safest and least stressful way of containing them until they are seen by the vet.”

When Does The Best Mates Event Happen?

The “Best Mates” vet event starts at 4pm on Sunday, May 15, at the Salvation Army Crisis Centre in St Kilda, Melbourne. Then it be held on the first Sunday of every month.

• For more details: http://www.glenirisvethosp.com.au/community/best-mates
• To donate to “Best Mates”: https://www.givenow.com.au/bestmatesinc

Do you know a cat owner in need who might qualify for free veterinary help or an emergency cat boarding from Best Mates? Share with others!

xox Natalie
Ms Cat, Cat Mum, Editor-in-Chief at Ozzi Cat – Australian National Cat Magazine.
Special and Special Needs Cats Ambassador.

Tagged accommodation, Best Mates, boarding, cats, emergency, homeless, Jason Rapke, resources, Sacred Heart Mission, Salvation Army, Victoria