By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator
THE team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital has proudly joined forces with the RSPCA Outreach team, travelling across regional New South Wales to deliver essential veterinary services to communities in need. This joint collaboration between RSPCA NSW, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, Animal Rescue Cooperative and local councils allows us to reach pet owners who may otherwise struggle to access basic veterinary care.
Last week was particularly special — it was a return to where it all began: Cranebrook. Our hospital administrator and veterinary nurse, Kellie, first started supporting the Cranebrook community 13 years ago after witnessing a heartbreaking surge in parvovirus cases in the region, often seeing 10–15 cases each week. With the support of the RSPCA Outreach team and the implementation of targeted vaccination programs over more than a decade, the number of reported cases has declined dramatically. It is proof that consistent community support and education truly make a difference.
The RSPCA Cranebrook Healthy Pet Day once again provided free health checks, vaccinations and microchipping to residents of Cranebrook and the surrounding community. Pet owners also had access to behaviour and training advice, pet food, free parasite prevention and subsidised desexing for those requiring financial assistance. We sincerely thank Zoetis for their generous donation of vaccines and parasite prevention products, as well as for providing volunteers on the day, whose support helped strengthen the impact of this important community initiative.
Importantly, these days are about far more than preventative treatments. Resources and education are freely available to help owners better understand how to care for their pet’s long term. Healthy Pet Days aim to create lasting impact — strengthening the wellbeing of pets while supporting the people who love them.
With the rising cost of living placing increasing pressure on household budgets, many families are being forced to make difficult choices between their own needs and the care of their animals. Programs like these help bridge that gap. RSPCA NSW continues to lead with compassion, offering practical solutions that keep pets healthy and families together. Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is proud to stand beside them in this mission.
By actively listening and engaging with each pet owner, we gain valuable insight into the unique challenges faced within different communities. Working on the ground reminds us why we do what we do. The human–animal bond is powerful, and being able to protect and strengthen that connection brings immense pride and gratitude.
We thank everyone involved — especially the local residents — for welcoming us and for their commitment to creating a brighter, healthier future for their pets.
Next stop: Hamilton in Newcastle, followed by a three-day road trip to Tamworth — continuing our journey to make a difference, one community at a time.
