Banjo's Story: Banjo was just one of many beloved pets who suffered needlessly while their owners scrambled to navigate a complex and often prohibitive emergency veterinary care system that puts costs before critical care. The heart-wrenching wait for treatment is sadly a common occurrence, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

Our pets are family, and in moments of dire emergency, the primary concern should be their immediate well-being—not financial discussions. This is why we are urging the Australian Government, RSPCA Australia, state veterinary boards, and local councils to revise current protocols to improve emergency veterinary care.

## CALL TO ACTION: BUILDING A COMPASSIONATE CARE SYSTEM

**Introduce a 'Treat First, Talk Cost Later' Protocol:**

Emergency veterinary clinics must prioritize lives by providing immediate stabilization care to pets in life-threatening conditions before delving into cost and payments. The principle is simple and humane—life-saving treatment should always come first, akin to practices in human medical emergencies.

**Implement Clear National Guidelines:**

Consensus standards for emergency vet conduct should be set by the Australian Veterinary Association and state veterinary boards to ensure consistent, urgent, and ethical management of critical cases irrespective of the veterinary hospital.

**Establish Government Oversight and Reporting Mechanism:**

Annual audits of emergency veterinary hospitals for compliance with welfare and emergency response standards are crucial. Any clinic prioritizing financial considerations over life-saving interventions should face appropriate penalties and thorough investigation.

**Develop Rapid Tick Antiserum for Emergencies (An 'EpiPen' for Dogs):**
Support research and funding for a rapid-response tick antiserum auto-injector, similar to an EpiPen.
This device could deliver life-saving antitoxin instantly, giving dogs a fighting chance before or during emergency care.
It’s time to invest in veterinary innovation that saves lives — just as we do for humans.

By advocating for these solutions, we address prevention, enhance survival rates, and reduce the overwhelming burden that emergency cases place on pet owners and veterinary services. Join us in demanding humane and consistent emergency care for our pets. Sign the petition to support this critical initiative. Together, we can push for a system where compassion leads and every pet has a fighting chance from the moment they step into a veterinary clinic.