Medibank Private has announced a long-term community partnership with one of Australia's leading animal welfare organisations, the nationally recognised Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
The partnership will see Medibank Private provide volunteer staff to assist Lort Smith with its vital work; caring for the over 100,000 lost, abandoned, mistreated and sick animals every year. The fund has also become a key supporter of the long-running PALS (Pets Are Loving Support) program, where community volunteers visit hospital patients and nursing home residents with their dogs to help with patient wellbeing.
In celebration of the new partnership, Medibank Private will donate $5 to Lort Smith for every new Medibank Pet Insurance policy sold between the 9th of November and 24th of December.
Medibank Private Chief Executive Officer of Private Health Insurance, Bruce Levy, says that with the success of the company's entry into pet insurance, supporting animal welfare in the community is the right thing to do.
"Since the launch of Medibank Pet Insurance in December 2008 we have rapidly come to understand the importance of animal welfare, not only for the sake of the animal, but for the importance of health benefits to the pet owner.
"Lort Smith plays a lead role in promoting responsible pet ownership, and cares for thousands of abandoned animals, and pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn. This is an important community role that deserves support.
"Our staff members have jumped at the opportunity to donate their time to the animal hospital, and our support of the PALS program means this partnership will help bring some joy into the lives of the sick and the elderly," he said.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Ric Holland, welcomed the partnership with Medibank Private.
"It is terrific for Lort Smith Animal Hospital to have a partnership with a respected national organisation such as Medibank Private. Medibank has long played an important role in the health of millions of Australians, and now as one of Australia's leading pet insurance brands, they are just as important to the health of thousands of dogs and cats.
"Medibank's support will mean a great deal to us. The service contributed to the hospital by Medibank staff volunteers is invaluable, and the support they are offering for the PALS program will help us continue to grow this important program.
"I am also delighted with their offer to donate $5 for every new Medibank Pet Insurance policy sold between 9th November and 24th December. This offer will benefit the hospital and the thousands of animals we treat immensely. As Australia's largest animal hospital we are very aware of the impact the cost of veterinary care can have. Pet insurance is a terrific investment for pet owners, and we would encourage pet owners to seriously consider taking it up," Mr Holland said.