STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025

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The challenge we face

Pets bring us joy, kinship and comfort. We love and care for our pets like we would any member of our family.
 
While many can save for and attain routine veterinary care, there may be times when pet owners are unable to afford veterinary care, particularly in emergency situations. In some cases, it may be possible for pet owners to apply for loans, subsidised care or access payment plans. However, this is not possible in all situations, particularly for those who are unemployed, homeless or those living on a fixed, low incomes.
 
We believe pet owners should not have to make a choice of life or death (economic euthanasia) purely on the basis that they can’t afford the veterinary care to keep their pet alive.

Our vision

All pets in the ACT region have access to veterinary care, when they need it.

Our mission

All pets in need, owned by disadvantaged, low-income pet owners in the ACT region have access to veterinary care, particularly in times of emergency and to avoid economic euthanasia.​

Our values

TRANSPARENCY
we want to ensure we are transparent about who we are funding, and that the clients we support meet our mission

RESILIENCE
we want to keep raising funds, maintain a conversation around responsible pet ownership and ensure all volunteers and supporters have a genuine desire to help in our mission

COMPASSION
we are compassionate towards our clients, our users and our supporters and understand their needs

RESPECT
we acknowledge that we can only function as a charity with the support of public donations

KNOWLEDGE
we make sure that our charity has veterinary expertise on the committee when assessing applications, and other areas of expertise to ensure continuous delivery of a thriving charity

COLLABORATION
we want to collaborate with businesses and other charities that align with our mission and vision

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Our goals

1. Ensure low-income pet owners know about our charity, so they feel comfortable asking for help when seeking veterinary support.
2. Strong awareness in the veterinary community – clear and transparent communication with practices and staff about what we do and what support we offer.
3. Ensure sustainable funding streams and consistent fundraising initiatives to ensure we can support pets.
4. Develop a broad volunteer base to ensure we can fundraise with professionalism and ease, and maintain our mission.
5. Support the payment of veterinary bills of approved pet owners in their time of need.
6. Continued communication with those we support after they have used our services.
7. Receive ongoing donations to ensure we have a sustainable fund to support pets in their time of need.
8. Maintain clear processes and policies, so all applications for funding are consistent and transparent ensure financial accountability.

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This strategic plan was endorsed by the ACT Pet Crisis Support committee - April 2021