Sydney, 23 June 2025 – A new pet insurance brand has officially launched in Australia, with a mission that goes beyond policies and premiums. Buddy Pet Insurance is here to protect paws, whiskers, tails – and the people who care for them.
Alongside offering cover for unexpected vet bills, Buddy has committed to give $1 million through its Giving Program, which supports animal welfare, veterinary welfare, and research initiatives around the country. Since launching the program in June, Buddy has already committed $450,000 in funding, with much more to come.
The Giving Program supports both animals and the dedicated professionals on the front line of their care. With just 15,000 vets responsible for over 30 million pets in Australia – and mental health challenges in the profession on the rise – Buddy is supporting initiatives that provide meaningful support for the people behind the scrubs.
Buddy's brand pillars reflect the values of its customers – with a focus on animal welfare, vet wellbeing, and research. From funding for wildlife ambulances to supporting vet education and on-the-ground rescue work, Buddy is committed to making a difference where it matters most.
The program is currently supporting three inaugural partners: WIRES Wildlife Rescue, WWF-Australia, and Vets Beyond Borders, with additional partnerships to be announced in the coming months. Each organisation plays a vital role in improving the lives of animals across Australia – from native wildlife rescue and koala conservation to delivering veterinary care in under-resourced communities.
Buddy's support is helping WIRES keep one of its busiest Wildlife Ambulances on the road in Sydney – helping professional wildlife rescuers respond quickly to emergencies and deliver injured animals to vet clinics and carers.
"Every rescue counts – and support like this helps us respond faster and provide critical care to native animals, especially in emergencies," said Matthew Godwin, Emergency Response Manager at WIRES Wildlife Rescue. "We're thrilled to be working with Buddy, whose contribution is helping to keep one of our Wildlife Ambulances on the road and saving lives."
As part of its Giving Program, Buddy is proud to partner with WWF-Australia and support its koala conservation efforts – part of a broader goal to regenerate nature by 2030. With koalas at risk of extinction on the East Coast by 2050, this partnership is focused on restoring critical habitat and doubling koala populations in key regions. Buddy's contributions will help fund urgent on-ground work to protect wildlife and the landscapes they call home.
"Koalas are one of Australia's most loved animals, but their numbers have declined. That's why WWF has a goal to double koala numbers on the east coast by 2050. Buddy's support will help our mission to restore habitat and bring koalas back, tree by tree. It's great to see Buddy stepping up with practical assistance for our most iconic species," said Tanya Pritchard, Senior Manager Koala Recovery, WWF-Australia.
Buddy is also partnering with Vets Beyond Borders' VetMatch program – helping to fund volunteer vet placements in under-resourced communities across Australia and the Asia Pacific, where access to veterinary care is limited.
"At Vets Beyond Borders, we are dedicated to advancing animal health and welfare wherever it is needed," said Anne Lloyd-Jones, General Manager of Vets Beyond Borders. "With Buddy's support, we can deploy more veterinary volunteers across Australia and the Asia Pacific, creating lasting change in communities that need it most."
Buddy's Giving Program is only just getting started, with further partnerships and initiatives to be announced throughout the year.
