Vets for Compassion’s mission is to provide essential care to animals through various initiatives, including treating critically injured wildlife, farm animals, and pets with life-saving surgeries via their Animal Ambulance. They focus on sheltering, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife, particularly kangaroos displaced by development. Additionally, they rescue stray animals, respond to natural disasters in Victoria and New South Wales, transport wildlife to care facilities, and rehome domestic animals like cats and dogs. They also offer disaster preparedness advice to the Department of Primary Industries in NSW and collaborate with other organisations on desexing projects. Their dedicated team of volunteers is available 24/7 for rescue and treatment, although response times may vary based on availability.
Vets for Compassion collaborates with various organisations to provide essential care for injured wildlife and animals, relying on donations from partners, sponsors, and the public. They encourage inquiries about their current item needs, which can change based on circumstances.
High demand items for donation include:
- Wildlife food or credits with suppliers
- Self-heating pads, blankets, and mats for transporting stray animals
- Goods or services for fundraising, such as vouchers and event tickets
- Medical supplies (saline, gloves, hand sanitiser, syringes, heat/cold packs, antiseptic wipes, medical tape)
- Transport equipment (trailers, transport cages)
- Shipping containers (preferably insulated and ready for use)
- Animal cages (large cages, pet carriers, enclosures)
- Prefabricated indoor dog runs for stray animals
- Dental, ultrasound, and X-ray machines (especially suitable for echo imaging)
Essential items for volunteers include clean bath and beach towels, assorted medical supplies (bandages, dressings), blankets, fuel vouchers for rescuers, pet items (play pens, clippers, food bowls), handmade items (joey pouches, bird nests), fruit and vegetable vouchers, heavy-duty cat/possum traps, and softbox carriers for wildlife. Donated items should be in good condition and clean to ensure safety for wildlife in care.
