I have two 17-year-old poodles who have needed after-hours vet care, and currently, in Ballarat, we are required to travel to Melbourne or Geelong, which can take up to two hours. In an extreme emergency, this delay could be detrimental to our pets' health. Travelling such distances under immense stress is not only life-threatening for our pets but also poses a significant risk to drivers, as accidents can happen when under such pressure. Additionally, I face vision problems while driving at night, which compounds the danger.

The residents of Ballarat are in dire need of a local 24/7 Emergency Vet Practice or Hospital. Currently, the absence of such a facility forces pet owners to embark on long and stressful journeys, putting both the lives of their pets and themselves at risk. This situation is far from ideal and demands immediate attention.

Ballarat is a vibrant and growing community, home to many pet owners who deserve the peace of mind that comes with having readily available emergency veterinary care. The establishment of a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital in our city would not only save valuable time in critical situations but also save lives.

Statistics show that timely access to emergency veterinary care can drastically improve the outcomes for pets in critical situations. With a local facility, pet owners would no longer be faced with the harrowing decision of enduring a two-hour drive or risking their pet's health.

There is also another side to this, and that is our valuable wildlife, wildlife sanctuaries in Ballarat and surrounds, have no access to vet care after midnight, and as we all know, wildlife, Kangaroo's, Koalas, Possums etc..are often hit by cars in the middle of the night or early mornings and need critical emergency vet care. Rushing them to Melbourne or Geelong is very stressful for the already traumatized animals, and chances of survival are limited due to travel time. 

We urge local authorities, veterinary practitioners, and investors to join forces and make this essential facility a reality for Ballarat residents. Our pets deserve the same level of care and urgency as we would hope for ourselves. Please lend your support and sign this petition to establish a 24/7 Emergency Vet or a Vet Clinic in Ballarat.