The volunteer-run Tiny Vet Clinic has paused its operations for now. Photo: ACT Pet Crisis Support.
Canberra’s most vulnerable pet owners no longer have access to a mobile vet clinic, which has provided care for the past six years.
ACT Pet Crisis Support announced the temporary closure of the Tiny Vet Clinic on its social media channels and website.
“Our volunteer team are deeply saddened to share that the Tiny Vet Clinic has been temporarily closed due to circumstances beyond our control,” it wrote.
“While this pause is not what we hoped for, we want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can behind the scenes to bring the service back as soon as possible.”
The closure only relates to the Tiny Vet Clinic and the dental program.
The service was established by Dr Eloise Bright, who also operates Canberra Behaviour Vet.
According to its website, this has also been temporarily closed “due to illness”.
The Tiny Vet Clinic operates out of a converted caravan once a month, setting up shop in Kambah, Ainslie and Karabar on different Wednesdays of the month.
It provides care to the pets of pensioners, those on a low or fixed income, the homeless and those experiencing financial difficulties.
It has previously received support from the PetStock Foundation and Hands Across Canberra.
Hands Across Canberra CEO Genevieve Jacobs said the Tiny Vet Clinic’s impact resonated far beyond the “obvious need” met by its services.
“Vulnerable people who may be struggling with homelessness are often deeply invested in the emotional support provided by their companion animals, who can make all the difference in keeping their lives together,” she said.
“At the same time, they may struggle to meet the costs required for even basic veterinary care and to access transport. The combination of practical assistance, emotional support and dignity offered to the clinic’s clients (both two and four-legged) made a real difference to their wellbeing in every way.”
Hands Across Canberra has supported the clinic’s initiatives in the past, but currently has no grants allocated to the service.
Ms Jacobs said the charity sought to “meet ordinary human need” through its collaborative grants each year, and Dr Bright’s initiative fit the bill.
“We’re aware that in a very prosperous city, it’s a long way down when you fall off the Canberra cliff,” she said.
“Dr Eloise Bright’s initiative has been an excellent way to provide practical, useful support for people and animals who need a hand from the community.”
Dr Bright had hoped to open a mobile veterinary clinic that could also perform surgeries.
It’s unclear if this dream is also on hold.
“We understand how much our community relies on this vital support, and we genuinely regret any disruption or distress this causes. Your patience, understanding, and continued support mean the world to us,” the ACT Pet Crisis Support post read.
“We’ll keep you updated with any developments and let you know as soon as a recommencement date is confirmed.”
Region attempted to reach Dr Bright for comment.
