Undergoing cancer treatment can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life - physically, emotionally, and financially. For many West Australians, especially those from regional and remote areas, travelling for treatment often means extended stays in hospital or at Cancer Council WA's Lodges in Perth.
We frequently hear from patients who are worried about the wellbeing of their pets during treatment. Boarding costs can be substantial, averaging around $500 for a typical 10 to 12-day stay and can add to the financial stress of a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to new support from the Petstock Foundation, Cancer Council WA plans to launch a Pet Boarding Support Fund to help patients cover these costs.
Support for Regional and Remote Patients
The emotional toll of being separated from a beloved pet can be significant. Many patients report feeling anxious or distressed about leaving their pets behind, particularly when they are physically unable to provide care due to surgery or treatment-related fatigue.
By helping cover the costs of pet boarding and pet sitting, the fund aims to encourage timely access to treatment, ensuring that patients from the country are not delayed or deterred from travelling for care due to worries about their animals. By ensuring pets are looked after in safe, trusted boarding facilities or by experienced sitters, the fund will help reduce anxiety and promote peace of mind, so that patients can focus on their recovery.
The Pet Boarding Support Fund will be administered by Cancer Council WA's accommodation and cancer support staff, who already provide vital emotional and practical support to cancer patients across the state. They will identify eligible patients in need of pet care support and provide one-off payments of up to $500 per person towards boarding costs.
The fund will also be available to metropolitan patients who are struggling with pet care during treatment. Patients will be able to choose their preferred boarding location anywhere in WA.
Initially, the fund will support at least 10 West Australians and their pets over the next year, as we test the reach and impact of this new support service. Feedback from recipients will help guide future development, with the long-term goal of expanding the fund to assist more West Australians impacted by cancer.
A massive thank you to the Petstock foundation, as this funding will help make sure patients and their pets are both looked after during one of life's most challenging times.
