Vet hospital opens doors to pets in 'devastating' bushfire zone
In a true display of community spirit in a time of need, a Sutherland Shire veterinary hospital has opened its doors for pets whose owners are affected by the Sydney bushfires, for free.
Kirrawee Vet Hospital used social media to spread the word that they were offering free pet boarding for 48 hours while residents battled with the blaze.
"These fires are devastating! If you need your animals boarded whilst protecting your house just come on in and we will look after them for free for 48 hours," the business posted on Facebook.
Many took up the offer, struggling to find somewhere to go with their pets.
"This is so generous. Is there any availability left for my Staffy? We are leaving Alfords Point and am having trouble finding somewhere to go with him," one person commented on the post.
However, by Sunday night vet staff posted that it was at capacity.
"I’m so sorry we are full, we are contacting other clinics to see if they can accommodate for anyone still looking for help," staff said on Facebook.
The business added that anyone in need should look in their comments section because people had started to offer their backyards for pets, mainly dogs and horses, to stay in or to help in anyway they could.
"Is there anything I can do to help? Does anyone go out in the burnt area to look for animals?" one person wrote.
"I’m with Sydney Wildlife and I have freed up my schedule and have put myself on standby for any animal call outs. Let me know if you need help and/or carers," another said.
"Pls post if you need sheets, towels etc I’ll be up there with them," one person commented.
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The hospital staff later thanked everyone for their generosity. "We live in the best community," they posted on Facebook.
Fires tore through bushland in Holsworthy, Voyager Point, Pleasure Point, Sandy Point, Illawong, Menai, Bangor, Alfords Point and Barden Ridge over the weekend, with many told to evacuate and leave their homes behind.
Many praised the vet staff for their offer.
"What an amazing offer! Nothing better to see a community help one another during this tough time," one person said.
"That's amazing of you... The Shire has some amazing people in it," another wrote.
