The Home Together Program is proudly supported by the Petstock Foundation. Their commitment helps us deliver life-changing support for pets and the people who care for them. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for animals in need.
The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to make a long-term, positive impact on the lives of pets and people. Through partnerships, fundraising, and advocacy, the Foundation supports animal welfare organisations across Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible pet ownership.
Katie, our qualified social worker, supports pet families experiencing hardship with practical help and links to services for pets and people.
Katie says – ‘As a social worker and animal lover, I am committed to reducing human suffering and enhancing the well-being of animals. The beauty of the Home Together Program is it enables me to do both.
My focus is on helping people who are at risk of surrendering their pet, addressing the barriers they’re facing and accessing support. Essentially helping people more – to help more pets.’
Many people love their pets deeply but face circumstances that make it hard to care for them. Some of the most common challenges include:
– Unstable or unsafe housing
– Hospitalisation for physical or mental health needs
– Financial hardship making it difficult to afford pet food, vet care, or pound release fees – Experiences of family violence impacting safety, wellbeing, and financial stability, which can also affect a person’s ability to care for their pet
You may be eligible for support if:
• If you’re experiencing financial hardship or housing instability
• If you’d like practical support and information on resources to help you keep your pet
• You live in one of The Lost Dogs’ Home’s partner councils: Bayside, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Macedon Ranges, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Port Phillip, Wyndham, or Yarra.
No. The goal of Home Together is to help you and your pet stay together whenever it’s safe and possible. We work alongside you to explore solutions that support both you and your animal.
If, after exploring options, it’s determined that parting ways is the best choice for you or your pet, we will support you without judgment and provide the information and emotional support you need during this difficult decision.
You can email hometogether@dogshome.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to let you know if we have capacity to take on your case. Even if we can’t offer ongoing support right away, we’ll do our best to provide guidance, information, and resources.
• A copy of the owner’s photo identification (front and back) and proof of address if different from that on ID.
• A copy of your own photo identification.
The right support will depend on where you live and the challenges you’re facing. Common services we can connect you with include:
• Charities supporting pet guardians in hardship
• Housing and homelessness services
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Financial assistance options
• Family violence support
• Legal services
• Pet food banks and supplies
• Community meals and resources
