Our Animal Care Truck has been busy. Over the past three months, with Buddy Pet Insurance’s support, we’ve brought free veterinary care to four communities across NSW.
While our Animal Care Truck is funded by NSW Government support to service regional communities, Buddy Pet Insurance’s contribution allows us to expand our reach into metropolitan communities.
The Impact So Far
Since March 2026, the Animal Care Truck has visited Penrith, Orange, Lithgow, Hebersham and Campbelltown, providing free pet health checks, vaccinations and microchipping to pet owners who may otherwise have gone without.
We are proud to share that in total:
- 327 animals received free health checks
- 187 free dog vaccinations administered
- 112 free cat vaccinations administered
- 137 free microchips implanted
Penrith (18 March) kicked things off as our first Buddy-funded Animal Care Truck visit, with 52 animals cared for, including 25 dogs and 27 cats.
Orange (22 April) and Lithgow (23 April) followed on consecutive days, each seeing 64 animals receive free care, vaccinations and microchips.
Hebersham (20 May) delivered our largest outreach event to date, with 147 animals cared for in a single visit, a clear sign of just how much demand exists for accessible veterinary services in metropolitan communities.
Derek, our Animal Care Truck Manager, sees the impact of this partnership firsthand. He shares that when the team asks pet owners when they last visited a vet, roughly seventy percent say two to three years ago, or never, a telling sign of how essential this outreach work is.
Derek has also seen how much people care for their pets, even amid financial hardship, and how relieved they are to access free vaccinations, microchipping and vet advice they might not otherwise be able to afford.
Behind every statistic is a pet and an owner grateful for the care they received.
Russ & Charlie, Penrith — Retiree Russ brought his five-year-old pup Charlie in for a free health check and left delighted with the friendly, professional service.
Jade & Max, Penrith — Jade praised the free vaccination service for easing the financial pressure of keeping her cat Max healthy, and said it was “a fantastic thing for the community.”
Troy & Bunny, Hebersham — Troy brought his eight-year-old Staffordshire Terrier Bunny in for a free health check and vaccination, giving him peace of mind that his loyal companion is happy and healthy.
What’s Next
The Animal Care Truck is hitting the road again, with its next stop servicing the Wollongong LGA in Primbee on Friday 21 August from 9am – 2pm.
Thank you to Buddy Pet Insurance for making this life-changing outreach possible, we look forward to continuing the momentum!
