Our purpose
To keep pets and people together by providing accessible compassionate care and championing the powerful impact of the human-animal bond.
Our vision
Every pet receives the care they deserve, and the joy of animal companionship is accessible to all.
Our Government Manifesto 2026
Many people with pets are experiencing serious financial hardships. To respond to growing community needs, Lort Smith is seeking government partnership in six priority areas.
Read more about our priority areas here.
Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan sets the direction for Lort Smith and guides how we respond to the changing needs of pets, people and the wider community.
Lort Smith has provided compassionate care to animals and their people since 1936. Our commitment began with a simple mission: to care for the pets of people in need.
Today, we have a greater understanding of the important role pets play in people’s health and wellbeing, and the challenges that can affect people’s ability to care for them.
For people suffering hardship or facing crisis, keeping their pets can be especially difficult. Financial hardship, homelessness, mental health challenges, domestic and family violence and other life crises can put the bond between people and their pets at risk.
We take a holistic approach to animal welfare, supporting pets and the people who love them through these difficult times. We will continue to provide accessible and affordable veterinary care, while expanding programs such as Pet Therapy and emergency shelter for pets of people facing crisis.
A sustainable future is vital to continuing this work and providing high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Our staff, volunteers and wider community all play an important role in helping us create lasting impact for pets and people.
Accessible veterinary care
Access to veterinary care should not depend solely on a person’s financial circumstances. We provide high-quality, affordable veterinary care and support to people experiencing financial hardship, helping them continue to care for their pets when they may otherwise struggle to do so.
Through our veterinary services and support programs, we provide free and discounted care and assistance to help make essential veterinary treatment more accessible.
Supporting people and pets through hardship and crisis
For people experiencing hardship or crisis, pets can be an important source of companionship, connection and emotional support. But difficult circumstances can make it challenging to provide the care they need.
We support people and pets through financial hardship, homelessness, mental health challenges, domestic and family violence and other crises. Our support programs include assistance with veterinary costs and emergency pet boarding, helping people keep their pets safe and cared for during difficult times.
Championing the human-animal bond
The relationship between people and animals can have a powerful impact on wellbeing. We work to bring the benefits of the human-animal bond to people across the community.
Through programs such as Pet Therapy, Lort Smith connects animals with people in hospitals, aged care, mental health, housing, youth and community settings, supporting connection, companionship and wellbeing.
Learn about our Pet Therapy program
Building a sustainable future for animal welfare
Our work depends on a strong and sustainable organisation. Alongside our community and veterinary services, the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan includes priorities that strengthen our people, culture, capability, facilities and long-term sustainability.
Together, these priorities help ensure Lort Smith can continue to deliver high-quality veterinary care, support people and pets experiencing hardship and champion the human–animal bond into the future.