The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs

Balwyn Welfare Association

The objective of the Companion Animal Volunteer Support (CAVS) program is to provide support services to frail older people and people with disabilities to help them keep and care for their pets at home. A pet is often the most important companion in the lives of many people, but illness or frailty can make caring for pets too difficult to manage alone, and as a result many are forced to give up or put down their closest friend.

The service involves determining the particular needs of a client and matching up both client and pet with a suitable volunteer/s. The services offered by the program through our dedicated volunteers are dog walking, bathing, grooming, assistance in transporting a companion animal to the veterinarian, changing kitty litter trays etc. Each volunteer undertakes an interview process and a police check as dictated by the terms of our HACC Service Agreement.

The program has a twofold effect – not only does the companion animal receive the required assistance to keep it happy, healthy and remaining in its familiar environment, but an important social contact and friendship develops between the client and volunteers.

The program is free; the service operates throughout the City of Boroondara.

Contact:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Email: