Ballarat is home to a growing population of pet owners who treat their animals like family. Yet when emergencies strike outside of normal business hours, there is no 24-hour vet service available locally. This leaves pet owners with a devastating choice: wait for clinics to open or drive over an hour to Melbourne or Geelong — often with fatal consequences.

My own dog passed away after needing urgent care at 6am and having no access to immediate help in Ballarat. Another friend lost their dog while driving over 90 minutes to the nearest open emergency vet. These tragedies are preventable.

Despite having many capable veterinary clinics in Ballarat, there is currently no local emergency care available 24/7. This is unacceptable in a city of our size.

We, the undersigned, call on local veterinary providers, Ballarat City Council, state authorities, and our elected representatives to:

• Establish a 24-hour emergency veterinary service in Ballarat
• Explore shared funding or rotating after-hours care among existing clinics
• Recognise that pet emergency care is an essential service                 
  
  Let’s take action before more lives are lost. Sign this petition and help us demand the urgent care our pets deserve.