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.
Lort Smith has a long and respected history of delivering unconditional care to all animals, while honouring the deep and enduring bond people share with their pets. Since opening our doors in 1936 with a mission to treat the pets of those in need, our commitment has remained steadfast even as the world around us has changed.
Societal understanding of companion animals and their role in human wellbeing has evolved dramatically. Today, the positive impact animals have on our health and happiness is widely recognised and deeply valued.
Yet with these changes come new challenges. Supporting the animals of people experiencing hardship is far more complex than it was nearly a century ago. Today, there is far better understanding and acceptance of the drivers behind societal issues. This knowledge means we must deliver services that are not just compassionate, but that have a holistic approach across issues such as mental health, homelessness, and domestic and family violence.
It is our goal to continue assisting members of the public who are suffering from these issues, through expansion of our pet therapy programs and emergency shelter for pets of people escaping crisis situations, whilst continuing to provide free or discounted veterinarian services to the pets of people who are suffering financial hardship.
This knowledge also calls for us to work more deeply and collaboratively to make sure the strength of the human–animal connection delivers the profound impact we know it can.
In this evolving landscape, operating as a registered charity, achieving financial sustainability is vital. We strive to offer access to high-quality, affordable veterinary care, regardless of a pet owner’s circumstances, while ensuring the long-term resilience of our services.
To do this, we rely on the generosity and shared compassion of our community. It’s essential we provide meaningful opportunities for our staff, volunteers, donors, and clients to contribute and feel part of something truly impactful.
Lort Smith is part of the social fabric of our community. Our story is rich and enduring, built on compassion, expertise, and trust. We have many important stories to tell – and it is our responsibility to ensure they are heard.
To learn more, read our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan here.