Our Animal Care Truck has kept rolling this winter. Over the past three months, with Buddy Pet Insurance’s support, we’ve expanded our reach into two new metropolitan communities, Wollongong and Campbelltown.
While our Animal Care Truck is funded by NSW Government support to service regional communities, Buddy Pet Insurance’s contribution allows us to extend our reach into metropolitan areas where the need for accessible veterinary care is significant.
The Impact So Far
Since the program began, Buddy’s support has helped the Animal Care Truck visit six communities across NSW: Penrith, Orange, Lithgow, Mount Druitt, Campbelltown and Wollongong.
In 2026 to date, Buddy Pet Insurance has allowed the truck to provide:
- 509 animals with free health checks
- 266 free dog vaccinations
- 204 free cat vaccinations
- 228 free microchips
The truck has travelled 7,850 kilometres across the state this year, combining Buddy-funded metropolitan visits with its rural outreach program.
Campbelltown — 8 July
Our visit to Milton Park in Macquarie Fields brought free veterinary services to pet owners across the Campbelltown LGA, with a particular focus on supporting low-income earners, pensioners and people experiencing financial hardship.
The team cared for 130 animals — 52 dogs and 78 cats — providing 42 dog vaccinations and 78 cat vaccinations. A further 65 animals were microchipped, helping give their owners greater peace of mind.
For some families, the cost of routine veterinary care can mean difficult choices. Janet brought her dog Teddy to the truck to have him microchipped for the first time. “Teddy hasn’t been microchipped. I found it hard, too expensive. You’ve got to toss up, is it the kids, or is it the dog? Not that the poor dog should miss out, but unfortunately, that’s what happens. Now I’ve got the opportunity to take it up.”
Wollongong — 21 August
In August, the Animal Care Truck visited Albert Butler Park in Primbee, bringing free veterinary services closer to home for families experiencing financial hardship in the Wollongong area.
The team provided care to 52 animals — 38 dogs and 14 cats — including 37 dog vaccinations, 11 cat vaccinations and 26 microchips.
For Kelly, the visit was particularly important for Lucy, her six-year-old Staffordshire Terrier. Lucy had previously belonged to Kelly’s son, who was now incarcerated and no longer able to care for her. As far as Kelly knew, Lucy had never been vaccinated or visited a vet before. The Animal Care Truck gave Lucy the opportunity to receive essential veterinary care for the first time.
Behind the Numbers
Every number represents a pet whose health has been protected and an owner who has been given greater peace of mind.
At Macquarie Fields, Tahmina brought Gumball, a rescued cat, to be microchipped and vaccinated. She told our team that she has rescued 13 stray cats over the past decade, keeping seven herself, while managing the costs of caring for them without access to funding.
“With the cost of living, it all adds up. There are millions of stray cats out there. This service is really needed.”
At the same visit, Hendric brought Max, a recently rescued dog who had spent much of his life isolated in a backyard.
“It’s getting expensive these days. We’re so grateful.”
Stories like these show why making preventative veterinary care accessible matters. A vaccination, microchip or health check can be a relatively simple intervention, but for a family experiencing financial pressure, the cost can be a significant barrier.
What’s Next
Our upcoming visits, thanks to Buddy Pet Insurance:
- Fairfield Showground on Tuesday 20 October from 9am – 1pm.
- Blue Mountains Animal Care Centre on Thursday 5 November from 10am – 2pm.
Thank you to Buddy Pet Insurance for keeping our wheels turning and helping us reach more pets and families this year.
