Cherished Pets Foundation

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Cherished Pets Foundation Cherished Pets Foundation supports vulnerable people and their pets through veterinary and social services.

By protecting the human-animal bond, we improve animal welfare while strengthening the health and wellbeing of people and communities.

When Daniel was suddenly hospitalised in a serious condition, there was no time to make plans for his two beloved cats, ...
12/10/2026

When Daniel was suddenly hospitalised in a serious condition, there was no time to make plans for his two beloved cats, Bonnie and Clyde.

His mum, Jan, stepped in, visiting each day to feed them and clean their litter trays while also supporting Daniel in hospital and caring for her own pets at home. But with Daniel expected to remain in hospital for some time, it became clear they needed a longer-term solution.

Through Daniel’s NDIS support worker, the family was connected with Cherished Pets Foundation.

We were able to bring Bonnie and Clyde into Crisis Care, making sure they received the veterinary care they needed before arranging safe boarding where, importantly, they could stay together.

What was initially expected to be a stay of just over a month became four months when complications extended Daniel’s hospitalisation.

During that time, caring for Bonnie and Clyde was only part of our role. We also wanted to help Daniel stay connected to them.

Photos and videos were regularly shared with Daniel through his mum, giving him the reassurance of seeing his cats safe, settled and cared for while he focused on his own recovery.

Eventually, Daniel was well enough to return home and Bonnie and Clyde were reunited with their person 💛

But their story with us didn’t end there.

A few months later, Daniel needed further surgery and rehabilitation. Bonnie and Clyde came back into our care for another three weeks, and this time Daniel already knew there was a team he trusted to look after them until they could be together again.

For people facing an unexpected hospital stay, one of the biggest worries can be what will happen to the pet waiting for them at home.

Sometimes, being able to focus on your own health starts with knowing your cherished pets are safe, cared for and waiting for you when you’re ready to come home. 🐾 💚

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

We were delighted to join the Bellarine Community Support Register’s Bellarine Community Support Register Inc (BCSR) 20t...
08/10/2026

We were delighted to join the Bellarine Community Support Register’s Bellarine Community Support Register Inc (BCSR) 20th anniversary celebration this week 🎉

Since we began in 2015, we’ve shared a long and strong friendship with BCSR, as both our organisations support isolated people in our community. Over the years there have been plenty of cross referrals and shared ideas, and the Bellarine can be very proud to be home to two unique and very special organisations.

It was wonderful to celebrate together, and a perfect opportunity for Judy-Ann to meet some special friends of CPF.

📷 Pic 1 (L to R): Judy-Ann, Dr Lissi, Beth King (Kings Funerals, Gail Rodgers (CPF Board Director and former BCSR Chair!) and Leonie Saundry (current BCSR Chair)

📷 Pic 2: Joining us is local councillor Cr Elise Wilkinson-Connewarre Ward

Alison Marchant - Member for Bellarine

The sun is out in Ocean Grove today, so our team popped next door to Pepina coffee van Ocean Grove for a coffee ☀️☕It’s ...
08/10/2026

The sun is out in Ocean Grove today, so our team popped next door to Pepina coffee van Ocean Grove for a coffee ☀️☕

It’s been a big first week for our new CEO Judy-Ann, who has spent it getting to know our world, our programs and the people who make it all happen. We’re loving having her on board!

A lifelong animal lover Judy-Ann shares our belief in the power of the human-animal bond, and we can’t wait for you to meet her over the coming months.

Please join us in giving Judy-Ann a very warm welcome to the Cherished Pets Foundation family 🐾

📷 Pictured L to R: Dr Lissi (our Founder), Judy-Ann (our CEO), Rachel (HABCare team) and Jane Boag (Program Manager)

Throughout 2025/26, our incredible volunteers completed over 600 official visits supporting people and their cherished p...
06/10/2026

Throughout 2025/26, our incredible volunteers completed over 600 official visits supporting people and their cherished pets across our community 💚

From dog walking and cat care to veterinary transport, respite care, grooming and more, every visit looks a little different.

Sometimes it’s practical help. Sometimes it’s being a familiar, friendly face. But it all contributes to the same goal: helping people and their cherished pets stay together.

To our wonderful volunteers, thank you for the time, care and compassion you bring to our community.

Interested in volunteering with Cherished Pets Foundation?
Find out more about volunteering with our team 👉 [email protected]

Welcome Judy-Ann, our new CEO 👋We’re delighted to welcome Judy-Ann Quilliam as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cheris...
04/10/2026

Welcome Judy-Ann, our new CEO 👋

We’re delighted to welcome Judy-Ann Quilliam as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cherished Pets Foundation.

Judy-Ann brings extensive experience in executive leadership, governance, philanthropy, fundraising, partnerships and community engagement, with a strong track record of helping purpose-led organisations grow, build sustainable partnerships and strengthen their impact.

But it was more than Judy-Ann’s professional experience that drew her to Cherished Pets Foundation.
A lifelong animal lover, Judy-Ann shares our belief in the importance of the human-animal bond and the role pets can play in providing companionship, connection, stability and hope, particularly during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Having recently made the Bellarine Peninsula her home, Judy-Ann is looking forward to contributing to her local community and working alongside our Board, team, volunteers, supporters and partners as Cherished Pets Foundation enters its next chapter.

We’re very excited to have Judy-Ann joining the Cherished Pets Foundation family and look forward to introducing her to many of you over the coming months.

Please join us in giving Judy-Ann a very warm welcome. 💚

There are many ways you can help keep people and their cherished pets together. 💚When someone is facing illness, hardshi...
27/09/2026

There are many ways you can help keep people and their cherished pets together. 💚

When someone is facing illness, hardship or crisis, a little support at the right time can make an enormous difference – helping their pet remain safe, cared for and connected to the person they love.

You can support Cherished Pets Foundation by:

༶ Donating to help fund vital services including crisis pet care, veterinary support and Home Care Assistance.
༶ Volunteering your time to provide practical pet care, respite care and companionship in our community.
༶ Fundraising through your workplace, community group or your own fundraising activity.
༶ Sharing our work so more people know that support is available, and more people understand why keeping people and pets together matters.

However you choose to help, you become part of a community protecting the human-animal bond during some of life’s most difficult moments. 🫶

Learn more about how you can support Cherished Pets Foundation via the link below:
https://cherished-pets.raiselysite.com/

If you had to describe what your pet means to you in just a few words, what would you say? 🐾💚Best friend. Family. Comfor...
18/09/2026

If you had to describe what your pet means to you in just a few words, what would you say? 🐾💚

Best friend. Family. Comfort. Company. Your reason to get out for a walk each morning. Or perhaps the little face waiting at the door that makes coming home that much better.

At Cherished Pets Foundation, we see every day just how meaningful the human-animal bond can be, particularly during life’s more difficult moments.

Today, we’d love to hear about yours!
Tell us your pet’s name and what makes your bond with them so special in the comments. 👇

We have a feeling there might be some beautiful stories among our community. 💚

We recently said goodbye to a very special dog who had been part of our Home Care Assistance program since 2018. 💛Bess w...
11/09/2026

We recently said goodbye to a very special dog who had been part of our Home Care Assistance program since 2018. 💛

Bess was the sweetest girl, and her volunteer, Anna, has shared this beautiful reflection:

"Bess and I walked together for four years. She was the most beautiful gently German Shepherd who would yelp in excitement when I arrived at Mary's home. She was so affectionate - the perfect companion for Mary, who could no longer walk her. When we got the timing right, my husband and I would take her for a walk with our two dogs, and Bess loved being alongside them. She loved chasing balls and picking up pinecones along the way. Through Bess, Mary and I became firm friends and remain so. She was such lovely company for Mary and is missed so much now." - Anna Taylor 🫶

Our Home Care Assistance volunteers provide practical support to help people care for their cherished pets at home, but as Bess, Mary and Anna’s story shows, these connections can become so much more.

Our volunteers share in the companionship, joy and love these pets bring, and they feel their loss deeply too. Often, the friendships formed with their people continue long after.
Sending much love to Mary and Anna as we remember beautiful Bess 🌈🐾

Helen joined Cherished Pets Foundation’s Home Care Assistance (HCA) Program in early 2023, receiving volunteer dog walki...
06/09/2026

Helen joined Cherished Pets Foundation’s Home Care Assistance (HCA) Program in early 2023, receiving volunteer dog walking support for her two much-loved 13-year-old Maltese x Shih Tzus, Bagel and Floof. 💚

In early 2025, Helen was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As her health declined, she needed to move into palliative care. Helen had already arranged for a close friend to care for Bagel and Floof when the time came, but her health deteriorated more quickly than expected, and her friend was overseas.

Deeply devoted to her dogs, Helen was reluctant to leave home until she knew her girls would be safe and cared for.

Our team quickly arranged home-based respite care for Bagel and Floof. Just two days after her cherished companions were safely settled, Helen passed away peacefully.

When Helen’s friend later advised that she was no longer able to take the dogs, CPF stepped in to temporarily care for them while we searched for a long-term home.

Above all, we wanted to honour Helen’s wish that Bagel and Floof remain together.

Within two weeks, the girls were welcomed into a permanent foster home through a regional rescue group, where they have since settled in happily together. 🐾

Helen’s final wish was a simple but incredibly important one: that her beloved girls stay together, safe and loved.

We’re grateful that we could help make that possible. 💚

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

Could you provide a safe and loving home for a pet in need? 💚Cherished Pets Foundation is looking for volunteer Pet Resp...
02/09/2026

Could you provide a safe and loving home for a pet in need? 💚
Cherished Pets Foundation is looking for volunteer Pet Respite Carers across Geelong and the Bellarine.

Our respite carers provide short-term, home-based care for much-loved pets while their owners are experiencing crisis or hardship. These pets aren’t available for adoption; the goal is to keep them safe and cared for until they can be reunited with their families.

We’d love to hear from people with a broad range of dog care experience. In particular, we’re always grateful for carers who are comfortable with larger breeds, senior dogs, or dogs who may need a little extra patience and support.

Respite care can be anything from an overnight stay to several weeks or longer, and sometimes we need carers at short notice.

If you’re based in Geelong or the Bellarine, can collect pets from our Ocean Grove hub and are happy to complete our volunteer checks and home assessment, we’d love to hear from you.

Most importantly, we’re looking for kind, reliable people who understand just how much pets mean to the people who love them.

Interested in becoming a Pet Respite Carer?
👉 Email [email protected] and we’ll send you an application form.

Address

69 Madeley Street
Ocean Grove, VIC
3226

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