The flooding emergency across NSW means that not only families are needing rescuing, but their beloved pets too. Australian animal welfare charity, Vets Beyond Borders (VBB), played a vital role in the deployment of veterinary volunteers in the Black Summer fires of 2020 and are on standby once again for the NSW flood emergency.

VBB’s Australian Veterinary Emergency Response Team (AVERT) is ready to work alongside partners RSPCA NSW and the Animal Welfare League of NSW (AWL-NSW) to provide support to the pets of families displaced by the current flood emergency. AVERT volunteer veterinary professionals are also well positioned to assist communities with livestock, horses, and any injured wildlife caught up in the disaster event.

“During these times of crisis, families endure a great amount of hardship and grief, compounded with the uncertainty of when they may be able to return to their properties. Our volunteers can assist with basic husbandry, care, and any veterinary support that families may require for pets and livestock” said Dr Sally Colgan CEO of Vets Beyond Borders.

“We’re on standby to provide support to the Castle Hill evacuation centre, and we’re gearing up to board the AWL-NSW Mobile Vet Truck, which is preparing to provide vital support to the disaster affected communities in the mid-north coast of NSW”, Dr Colgan explains.

“AVERT comprises almost 2000 vets and vet nurses across Australia ready to help out in times of crisis. The veterinary profession is incredibly empathetic and the ability to dig deep and turn up day after day to help out is such an admirable quality. Our volunteers are amazing” said Dr Colgan.