A Friend in Need
The bonds between humans and their animal companions know no boundaries, transcending circumstances, and hardships. Yet, amidst the struggles of homelessness, it's easy to overlook the well-being of these loyal pets who offer companionship, solace, and a sense of belonging.
Andrew & Kim Brown @ Highfields VET Surgery
03 October 2023
Photography: Ana Ott
It may come as a surprise to hear that 800 people sleep-rough across the Darling Downs each and every night.
What may be just as surprising, is that many of those who have found themselves facing, or in a state of homelessness, are not alone, but have their pets or animals with them. They are a source of comfort and joy, they're family and companions, and at times, they offer protection and security.
It can be quite traumatic then, when people experience homelessness, to not be in a position to fully take care of their pets if they become unwell or unsafe, and in many cases, often putting the needs of their companions before that of their own.
With incredible local charities and services like those offered by The Base Soup Kitchen and Tony's Community Kitchen, tirelessly helping the region’s most vulnerable and those in need, it was this realisation that led Andrew and Kim Brown, owners and vet's at Highfields Veterinary Services, to launch a program that provides free veterinary care for the pets of homeless individuals on the Darling Downs.
For Andrew and Kim, it was about using what was already, metaphorically, and physically, 'in their hands'.
“Our goal was to provide a way for people in need to gain support for their animals, but in doing so, to support them. We didn’t want people to feel a ‘burden’ in the ongoing care of their animals, but to also just be there as a reassuring soundboard or to provide advice on an array of animal care areas", Andrew explains.
"We launched the first clinic at this year’s Homelessness Week expo with Base Services in August at the Library precinct. We saw about 30 animals that day, from Dachshunds, Staffies, Colleys through to a cute little Boston Terrier, who was very excited at all the "treats" (worming tablets and tick and flea chews) that we had on offer."
"We’re planning half-yearly pop-up clinics to be run with Base Services to monitor animals we may have already seen, but also to assist those who may have reached out to Base Services for assistance within that period. As the treatments we are providing free of charge or annual treatments (i.e. vaccinations), we would love to assist as many animals as we can for the homeless community. "
"We have already discussed even broader opportunities for the initiative – more locations, or more options. If any animal product businesses would like to assist us in providing care to these animals, we’d welcome hearing from you!
"Fundamentally, for us, and our team", Andrew continues, "it was really important to give back to the community".
"As cost of living pressures continue to face so many people across Australia, we understood that there would be an overwhelming impact across the community. "
"Veterinary care isn’t always affordable for people, and owning an animal is a long-term responsibility. We wanted to provide an option to those most vulnerable in our community, as the numbers in the homeless community continue to rise locally – we can all be asking ourselves what could we be doing to give back?"
