EMERGENCY BOARDING PROGRAM
*In addition to the above, please be aware that due to our limited resources and capacity, the Emergency Boarding Program can no longer assist homeless clients who are in-between housing or cases of DV. Please refer to our Community Directory in the Additional Resources tab below for further support.*
AWLQ’s Emergency Boarding program offers pet boarding services to people who require hospitalisation and have no other means for their pet to be cared for. For some people who sadly have no family or friends in their lives – often their animals are their sole reason for being and are critical to their well-being. Animal Welfare League Queensland is committed to ensuring that pets and their owners can stay together during times of uncertainty and hardship, such as urgent hospitalisation, planned medical procedures or natural disasters. We are proud to support our community in this important way and are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of both people and their animals. Our Emergency Boarding Program works closely with hospitals and support service providers to assist community members and their pets in times of need.
In most cases, animals will be placed into loving volunteer foster homes for an initial two weeks of care; extended stays may be approved upon application, discussion and capacity within AWLQ but cannot be guaranteed. Animals must be social with people and other animals to be eligible for the program as we rely heavily on volunteer foster families to support the program.
Applications to the AWLQ Emergency Boarding program are by referral only from a community support/social care agency/worker, or hospital staff.
For any enquiries about the program, please contact our Emergency Boarding Coordinator at [email protected].
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
The Emergency Boarding program is free and includes boarding of the pet, food for the duration of stay, heartworm/flea/tick preventatives (if required) and an initial veterinary health check.
WHAT LOCATIONS DOES THE PROGRAM COVER?
We cover from Brisbane North to the NSW border and out to Ipswich, please see map – click here.
WHO CAN MAKE A REFERRAL TO THE PROGRAM?
We accept referrals from Hospitals, Community Care Agencies, Case Managers, Case Workers, Social Workers etc. Please complete the enquiry form and the Emergency Boarding Coordinator will get in contact with you to discuss eligibility and send out admission form.
CAN I SEE MY PETS WHILE THEY ARE IN EMERGENCY BOARDING?
Unfortunately we are not able to facilitate visits with the pet while they are in foster care however we send out regular photos and updates so you will be up to date with how your pet is going during this time.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PET IS NOT SUITABLE FOR FOSTER CARE?
If it is determined that your pet is not suitable for foster care we would check availability at our shelters and arrange a pen at the shelter for their stay.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PET IS AGGRESSIVE WITH OTHER ANIMALS OR PEOPLE?
Unfortunately we cannot accept referrals for pets that are aggressive, if this is not communicated during referral and this is identified during boarding, the Owner will be contacted immediately to collect their pet and emergency boarding will cease.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Download a copy of AWLQ’s Gold Coast Community Directory – click here
Please note that we are currently working on a directory for the Brisbane, Logan & Ipswich areas and they will be available shortly.
