Our pets are not just animals—they are beloved members of our families. Yet, under Australia's current privatised veterinary system, a sudden after-hours medical emergency can force everyday families into an impossible, heartbreaking nightmare: choosing between financial ruin or opting for economic euthanasia.
During a severe cost-of-living crisis, no Australian should have to watch a family pet suffer because critical veterinary care is locked behind thousands of dollars in upfront fees.
We are calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Federal Government to establish a compassionate, pet product purchase 0.5% levy-supported safety net for our companion animals by implementing a National Veterinary Emergency Framework.
 
Our Core Demands:
1. Create "Veticare" (A Medicare-Style Subsidy Scheme)
We urge the government to introduce a subsidised veterinary card model—Veticare—designed to cover 20% to 90% of life-saving emergency medical bills. Funded through a minor micro-tax or levy on pet commercial products, this scheme will act as a financial buffer, ensuring that critical triage and emergency stabilisation are accessible to all pet owners regardless of income.

2. Integrate a 555 emergency vet number.

3. Launch a Dedicated Pet Ambulance Network We call for the creation and funding of a specialized, mobile critical care transport network. These Veterinary Ambulances will operate as mobile intensive care units staffed by trained professionals, capable of safely stabilizing and transporting critically injured pets and native wildlife to the nearest 24-hour emergency trauma clinics.
 
Why This Matters to Anthony Albanese’s Government:
The Labor party proudly built Medicare to ensure healthcare is a fundamental human right. As a nation of animal lovers—including the Prime Minister’s own dog, Toto—it is time to extend that same structural compassion to the animals that support our mental health, comfort our children, and complete our homes.
Please sign this petition to demand that the Federal Government steps up for Australian families and their pets. Let’s make Veticare and Pet Ambulances a reality!