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PITP

  • NSW/VIC/QLD/ACT/TAS

    Pets in the Park runs free pet health clinics at two locations in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Parramatta. At each pet clinic veterinarians and vet nurses provide free health checks, vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment and basic medication for pets owned by Sydney's homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    SYDNEY / PARRAMATTA

    To ensure Pets in the Park cares for those pets most in need both clinics are run on a client referral basis. A comprehensive list of homeless services who can provide a referral for a client to Pets in the Park can be found here.

    Pets in the Park runs free pet health clinics at two locations in Melbourne. At each pet clinic veterinarians and vet nurses provide free health checks, vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment and basic medication for pets owned by Melbourne's homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    MELBOURNE FRANKSTON

    To ensure Pets in the Park cares for those pets most in need both clinics are run on a client referral basis. To find out more about this service please call: 0476 970 570



    Pets in the Park runs free pet health clinics at one location in Brisbane. At each pet clinic veterinarians and vet nurses provide free health checks, vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment and basic medication for pets owned by Brisbane's homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    BRISBANE

    Pets in the Park runs free pet health clinics at one location in Canberra. At each pet clinic veterinarians and vet nurses provide free health checks, vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment and basic medication for pets owned by Canberra's homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    CANBERRA

    Pets In The Park runs free pet health clinics at one location in Tasmania. At this pet clinic, veterinarians and vet nurses provide free health checks, vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment and basic medication for pets owned by people experiencing homelessness.

    TASMANIA

    To ensure Pets In The Park cares for those pets most in need, all of our clinics are run on a client referral basis. Please contact us at info@petsinthepark.com.au for a list of referral services.

    Next NSW Clinics

    • 25

      Oct


      29

      Nov


      31

      Jan


      Darlinghurst Clinic
      Last Sunday of every month.
      2pm - 4pm
      Last animal seen at 3:45pm
      St Johns Anglican Church
      120 Darlinghurst Road




    • 25

      Oct


      29

      Nov


      31

      Jan


      Parramatta Clinic
      Last Sunday of every month.
      12:30pm - 2pm
      Note: Cats cannot be seen
       Prince Alfred Park
      Cnr Church St and Victoria Rd

    Next VIC Clinics

    • 25

      Oct


      29

      Nov


      31

      Jan


      Melbourne Clinic
      Last Sunday of every month.
      2:30pm - 4:30pm
      Last animal seen at 4:15pm
      1 Raleigh Street,
      Footscray VIC 3011





    • 25

      Oct


      29

      Nov


      31

      Jan


      Frankston Clinic
      Last Sunday of every month.
      2pm - 4pm
      Last animal seen at 3:45pm
      Frankston Park
      Young Street, Frankston

    Next QLD Clinics

    • 04

      Oct


      01

      Nov


      06

      Dec


      Brisbane Clinic
      First Sunday of every month.
      12pm - 2pm
      Last animal seen at 1:45pm
      Salvation Army Streetlevel
      97 School Street, Spring Hill




    Next ACT Clinics

    • 04

      Oct


      01

      Nov


      06

      Dec


      Canberra Clinic
      First Sunday of every month.
      2pm - 4pm
      Last animal seen at 3:45pm
      Pilgrim House
      69 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City





    Next TAS Clinics

    • 03

      Oct


      07

      Nov


      05

      Dec


      Hobart Clinic
      First Saturday of every month.
      1:30pm - 3:30pm
      Last animal seen at 3:15pm
      Mathers House
      Bathurst Street Hobart





  • National Pets in the Park Official Notice

    Following current Department of Health guidance, the Board of Pets in the Park has taken the decision to suspend all PITP Clinics Nationally. The Board’s first and foremost priority is the health and wellbeing of volunteers and clients, families, colleagues and the community. As such it is necessary the organisation prepares for the potential increasing spread of Coronavirus by helping to prevent people from getting or spreading the Coronavirus.

    Suspension of all PITP clinics is effective 18 March 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice.

    The organisation is currently assessing what if any capability or capacity may exist or could be created to provide alternative support or outreach arrangements and would welcome any ideas and or suggestions that PITP may be in the position to consider or respond to. We will continue to evolve and provide further guidance as circumstances change.

    For further information or enquiry please contact:
    Eric Bickerton - Chief Executive Officer
    Email: eric@petsinthepark.org.au
    Mobile: 0412 755 744

    • Georgia

      Occupation: Administration Person
      Georgia has been with us since the beginning and handles all the admin stuff. Georgia has a real love for bunnies!

    • Neil

      Occupation: Practice Manager
      When Neil is not messing around with Dr. Chris Brown on Bondi Vet he is helping out PITP!

    • Tyng

      Occupation: Veterinary Nurse
      Tyng is our stock controller, making sure all stock is in order. He also volunteers at the Animal Welfare League.

    • Alison

      Occupation: Veterinary Nurse
      Alison has a strong background in welfare and facilitating educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership

    • Chris

      Occupation: Vet Nurse/Construction Lawyer
      Chris is passionate about dog behaviour and animal welfare & enjoys trading the suit for scrubs to help out at PITP

    • Dr Mark Kelman

      Occupation: Veterinarian
      As well as being a property guru, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge from Virbac Animal Health, PITP's gold sponsor!

    • Wendy

      Occupation: Veterinary Nurse
      It's a real treat to have Wendy on board with her company AAS. Thanks Wendy!

    • Pauline

      Occupation: Veterinary Nurse
      Pauline is a regular and enjoys the spirit of the clinic and is passionate about animal care.

    • Anton

      Occupation: Senior Digital Specialist
      Anton has found a niche as the admin runner letting clients know that a vet is free and ready to see them now.

    • Sandra

      Occupation: Veterinarian
      Dr Sandra loves seeing all the PITP dogs, cats and their owners. Sandra works PT at a south inner west vet clinic.

    • Dr Loretta

      Occupation: Veterinarian
      Dr Loretta is our cat Veterinarian. When she's not looking after the PITP cats, she's teaching Vet Nursing at TAFE.

    • Jen

      Occupation: Precedents Co-ordinator
      Jen is responsible for the efficient administration system in operation and smiles and greets at each clinic.

    1 /

    Come Join Us!

    Our clinics would not take place if it wasn't for the wonderful team of volunteers we have. We're in desperate need for some extra hands, especially for our Parramatta clinic! If you have any of the following skills, or just want to give us a hand please contact us.

    Veterinarian / Veterinarian Nurse / Administration / Marketing / IT & Tech Support

  • our mission

    Pets in the Park (PITP) aims to support, build relationships with and improve the wellbeing of homeless people in society living with animal companions. Many people who are experiencing homelessness own pets that play a significant role in their lives. These much loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security; basic human needs that are often not met elsewhere. Although pet ownership greatly enriches the lives of those who are homeless, it also comes at a significant financial cost. Annual vaccinations, flea treatment, routine worming, and de-sexing and microchipping an animal costs hundreds of dollars.

    PITP is a registered charity with DGR (deductible gift recipient) status that runs free monthly pet health clinics in Darlinghurst and Parramatta and free quarterly de-sexing clinics. PITP is run completely by volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and strives to provide emotional and educational support to owners and practical help to their pets in a social and friendly environment. By reducing the financial burden of pet ownership, and by promoting access to human social services by operating in partnership with established providers such as Rough Edges Darlinghurst, PITP aims to make a difference to both animals and people in Sydney experiencing homelessness.

  • Our Team

    Dr Mark Kelman

    Dr Leah Skelsey

    Vicki Cawsey

    Linda Warlond

    Dr Mark Westman

    Dr Mark Kelman

    Veterinarian

    Mark has been with PITP from the inception and after moving to Melbourne in 2014 Mark coordinated the establishment of the the Frankston and Maribyrnong clinics. Mark brings a wealth of experience to his role as director after serving on several boards.

    Dr Leah Skelsey

    Veterinarian

    Leah lends her expertise with cats to our clinics each month and at the desexing clinics. Leah is the treasurer and co-ordinates this important area. Leah was responsible for achieving our state and now national charity status.

    Vicki Cawsey

    Veterinary Nurse

    Vicki is the general of Pets in the Park. She ensures the smooth running of all Pets in the Park programs and is in charge of the volunteer program.

    Linda Warlond

    Photographer / Nurse

    Linda's main role is capturing all the wonderful images found on the Pets in the Park website and Facebook page. Linda also assists as a veterinary nurse when she doesn't have a camera in her hand.

    Dr Mark Westman

    Veterinarian

    Mark brings to Pets in the Park experience from programs both overseas and in Australia. Mark is responsible for coordinating veterinary supplies and organising Pets in the Park desexing clinics.

  • History

    Darlinghurst PITP (NSW) was launched at St John’s Church in 2012 by Vicki Cawsey, Linda Warlond and Dr Leah Skelsey.

    Parramatta PITP (NSW) was launched at Prince Alfred Park in 2012 by Dr Mark Westman.

    Frankston PITP (VIC) was launched at Frankston Park in 2014 by Dr Lucy White, Emma Tarlinton, Steve Phillips, and Dr Mark Kelman.

    Melbourne CBD PITP (VIC) was launched at Wesley Uniting Church in 2016 by Dr Joycelyn Tran, Dr Rebecca Bugg, Carol Addicoat and Dr Mark Kelman, having relocated for greater accessibility after an initial launch a year earlier at Seddon Seventh Day Adventist Church.

    Brisbane PITP (QLD) was launched at the Salvation Army Hall in 2016 by Dr Jackie Campbell and Katie Winston.

    Canberra PITP (ACT) was launched at the Early Morning Centre in 2017 by a team of dedicated Canberran volunteers including Dr Dilly Abeyawardane, Fiona Russell and Heather Bates.

  • Founding Story

    In 2012 Dr Mark Westman, Vicki Cawsey, Dr Leah Skelsey and Linda Warlond collectively realised there was an urgent need for a service dedicated to caring for the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

    The four co-founders united their passion, drive and determination to develop PITP and involve strategic partnerships with human service providers, including soup kitchens and outreach cafes, and a referral system working with social workers and case workers for people experiencing homelessness.

    This model was based on an outreach program started by Dr Mark Westman in Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta in 2009 when he took a fold out table and an esky of vaccinations and started free veterinary checks for homeless clients at a Stepping Stone Community soup kitchen in Prince Alfred Park.

    Today, PITP is a national charity and is dedicated to caring for animals owned by people struggling with homelessness, thanks to the support of many volunteer veterinarians, veterinary nurses, corporate partners and generous members of the public.

  • 0 Videos


    Date:

    News Articles

    Documenting the bond between homeless people and their animal companions.
    Small Animal Talk
    Date:     18 May, 2016
    Author: Dr Anne Fawcett

    You are the official photographer for PITP. Why is it important to document this initiative?

    I love my role as official photographer for PITP, that is in a volunteer capacity. The images I share with PITP help raise awareness of the services we offer. Photographs highlight the love between the owner and pet and help breakdown judgement on who should and should not have a companion animal in their lives.

    Companion animals in many cases are providing a community service and deserve basic health care. The photographs I take show the animals being cared for and the volunteers that help care for them. My photographs also document the commitment of the companion animal owners bringing them to the monthly clinics at PTIP where they are welcomed and acknowledged for taking responsibility in attending the monthly clinics to receive all the basic treatments and health checks needed.
    Read More

    Bringing vets to homeless pets (and their people)
    Generosity Magazine
    Date:     01 Nov, 2013
    Author: Sam Gibbs

    For many homeless pet owners, the costs of keeping their best mates healthy can be crippling. A small pack of Sydney vets is stepping up to ease the financial burden.

    Dr Mark Westman is a co-founder of nonprofit Pets in the Park, an RSPCA veterinarian, PhD candidate, and all-round nice guy. Small Animal Talk's Anne Fawcett caught up with the boy in blue. Read More

    Interview with Dr Mark Kelman
    Small Animal Talk
    Date:     29 Oct, 2013
    Author: Dr Anne Fawcett

    Can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

    I`m Dr Mark Kelman, and I do a few different things - to try and sum me up: I'm a vet, I work in pharmaceuticals, I'm also a property investor, an educator and a philanthropist. I graduated from vet school in 2000 from Murdoch University, and spent 6 years in clinical practice and loved it. Then I decided it was time for a change and moved into veterinary pharmaceuticals with Virbac Animal Health, where I have had several roles, mainly around Technical Services Management. I have been fortunate to have a very interesting position which includes research in veterinary animal health, including disease surveillance. I also attend many conferences, both to speak and listen. Read More

    Man's Best Friend
    Sydney Morning Herald
    Date:     25 Oct, 2013
    Author: Peter Munro

    She doesn’t look like a princess, this hunk of muscle, teeth and teats. But she’s softer than she seems. When Chris Curran bought her from a brother’s mate two years ago, she would curl up for a pat or a scratch on the couch, a small ball of white fur with brown spots. “She was petite rather than a ruffian,“ he says. While watching her the name came: Princess. Read More

    Pets in the Park
    Australia Veterinary Association
    Date:     01 Oct, 2013
    Author: Emma Malcolm

    The Pets in the Park Program provides basic veterinary care to the animals of Sydney’s homeless. I recently paid a visit. The Darlinghurst Pets in the Park is held in the grounds of a church, a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross. I wandered in and found myself talking to Duncan, whose Ridgeback Cross, Princess, graces the cover of this month’s AVJ. Duncan is most impressed by the Program. “What an excellent service! It’s my first time here and I’m very, very happy and will definitely be back,” he said as Princess played with a Staffordshire Terrier. Read More

    Interview with Dr Mark Westman
    Small Animal Talk
    Date:     23 Jul, 2013
    Author: Dr Anne Fawcett

    Who are you and what is your day job?

    I graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from Sydney Uni in 2003, and my primary passions are shelter medicine and non-invasive companion animal research. I have been able to combine these two passions together by working part-time as a veterinarian at the RSPCA and commencing a full-time PhD at the University of Sydney. My research encompasses feline GIT parasites and feline retroviruses, and in particular my project is investigating the protective rate of the FIV vaccine under field conditions. My fantastic supervisors are Prof Richard Malik and A/Prof Jacqui Norris. Read More

    Vets treat the pets left out in the cold
    St George & Sutherland Shire - The Leader
    Date:     19 Mar, 2013
    Author: Belinda Connolly

    A GROUP of St George and Sutherland Shire vets and veterinary nurses are helping care for pets whose owners cannot afford treatment. As part of Pets in the Park, Leah Skelsey, Linda Warlond and Mark Kelman volunteer their time to help companion animals of people living rough in Sydney. Dr Skelsey said a team of volunteers go to St John’s Anglican Church, Darlinghurst, on the last Sunday of each month to care for the cats, dogs and rabbits that lived rough with their owners. Read More

  • e-Newsletter

    Why not find out what we're up to in our FREE e-newsletter? We let our subscribers know what we've achieved at our clinics, a closer look at our volunteers and also any upcoming events you can come along to. So, what are you waiting for? We really appreciate all the support.

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    Facebook Feed

    (09-July-2017)
    With a little determination you can do it!

    (04-July-2017)
    A huge congratulations to Dr Anne Fawcett on publishing her book. We are all so proud of her achievement and contribution to the Veterinary Profession. Dr Anne regularly volunteers her time at Pets In The Park to help many of our patients. She is an inspiration and so much fun to have around.

    (04-July-2017)
    We’ve been selected to participate in Local Matters at Grill’d Parramatta Church St this July! Local Matters is the Grill’d community donation program that sees each Grill’d restaurant donate $500 back into the community every month. The donation is split between 3 local community groups $300 / $100 / $100. HOW YOU CAN HELP? We’d love your support in receiving the highest $300 donation! Simply head to Grill’d Parramatta Church St during July for a burger and pop your Local Matters token in our jar. The group with the most tokens at the end of the month receives the largest donation. It’s a simple (and delicious) way to show your support! You’ll find us on a jar at Grill’d Parramatta Church St, 310 Church St Parramatta.

    (03-July-2017)
    Sylvania Veterinary Hospital have supported PITP with many discounted surgeries over the years and have also provided PITP the use of their clinic and dental equipment when we run volunteer Dental Clinics. We would like to wish them all the best int the 2017 Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards. You can support them if you wish by voting online at www.thebusinessawards.com

    (27-June-2017)
    Angel had a full mouth extraction with Dr Christine Hawke, at RSPCA NSW today. We would like to thank Dr Christine for her valuable time and specialist treatment and the RSPCA for the lending the facility and our regular volunteer Dr Esther for co-ordinating this procedure. Dental disease can cause tremendous pain and affect an animals health in many ways. Angel is going to be feeling a great deal better in the next few days!!

    (25-June-2017)
    Here's a couple of photos from yesterday's clinic. The puppies are Bella and Boss. The other photo has Nu Nu the dog with her owner and her treating team.

    (24-June-2017)
    Heart warming to see this well deserved recognition.

    (23-June-2017)
    Pets In The Park make prime time on Channel 10 The Project. If you missed it take a look at the link. Our story starts approx 2mins 40sec into the clip. Dr Leah Skelsey is one of four co-founders at PITP and most of her volunteering is behind the scenes. Today Leah did a great job representing PITP in this short time slot. We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer at PITP for sharing their time and skill to homeless community and their animals.
    Read More...

    (19-June-2017)
    Pets In The Park Canberra are already making a positive impact in the community.
    Read More...

    (02-June-2017)
    Pets in the Park would like to acknowledge the wonderful achievement of one of the Directors Linda Warlond from lindawarlond.com Linda has dedicated so much of her time to capture the true essence of Pets in the Park and the work all the volunteers do and the benefits the program has for them and their beloved pets. Linda received an AIPP award for Pet/Animal Photographer of the year , 'This award is in addition to the AIPP NSW award she won in 2016 for Professional Portrait Photographer of the Year.' which is well deserved when you look at the work she has done. Well done Linda we are all proud of you and love the moments you capture for Pets in the Park
    Read More...

    (02-June-2017)
    theconversation.com
    Read More...

    (01-June-2017)
    Some photos from our Parramatta clinic last sunday.


  • Photo Albums Available

    • Parramatta June Clinic

    • Darlinghurst February Clinic

    • Pets In The Park Darlinghurst

    • Parramatta January 2017 Clinic

    • Christmas Cheer

    • Parramatta clinic September 2016

    • Darlinghurst clinic, September 2016

    • Parramatta clinic August 2016

    • Darlinghurst clinic August 2016

  • National Supporters

    • Virbac Animal Health

      Passionate about animal health.

    • Applaws Natural Pet Food

      We believe in goodness

    • Microchips Australia

    • BRC

      Lift Interiors and Fixtures

    How you can donate

    Please note: All donations are 100% tax deductible.

    Our clinics would not exist without the dedication of our volunteers and donations of basic pet supplies. However, this does not cover all the costs of the equipment and medications required to keep our patients happy and healthy. We greatly appreciate any donation – your generosity will help us to continue our work to the highest standard.

  • Contact Us

    If you have any enquiries or would like to leave us some feedback, please feel free to contact us using the form adjacent.

    Please note: our organisation is made up of a small team of volunteers. We will aim to respond to your enquiry within three business days. Thank you for your understanding.

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    Contact us on 1300 017 979

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  • thankyou!!


    Thank you for your generous donation to the Pets in the Park charity. Your commitment to helping the pets of the homeless in Sydney's CBD and Parramatta community is appreciated by those affected.

    Thanks to donors like you, Pets in the Park can provide monthly clinics in the Darlinghurst area, quarterley desexing operations as well as quarterley clinics in the Parramatta region. Your donation will help sustain these activities, as well as expanding our clientele.

    We also offer a monthly e-newsletter which you can subscribe to so we can keep you up to date with all our events.

    Again, thank you for all you do for our organization.

    Pets in the Park

  • privacy

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    If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us.

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