In its ongoing pursuit of world’s best animal welfare practices, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is excited to announce an innovative new partnership with veterinary telehealth organisation VetChat.
The collaboration will provide NSW greyhound racing participants with 24 hour, seven day a week access to veterinary advice through VetChat.
Founded by an Australian Veterinarian in 2017, VetChat was created to ensure pet carers could access experienced Veterinarians more easily - regardless of location, situation, or time of day.
The telehealth platform connects carers directly with Australian-registered Vets within minutes, 24/7. Through Vet tele-triage, carers can describe or show their pet's issue and get clear guidance on next steps - whether that's managing at home until their regular Vet opens, or seeking immediate local care. Fast access is more than a convenience - it is an entry point to early intervention and prevention, for better animal welfare outcomes.
From July 1, NSW greyhound participants can contact VetChat through a dedicated number, any day, any hour, for trusted advice on next steps.
“It’s not rhetoric. Welfare is the number one focus of our industry here in NSW, and that’s why we have invested in this partnership,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said.
“In recent times GRNSW has introduced a number of initiatives focused squarely on the best outcomes for our greyhounds, and we feel our latest partnership with VetChat will be a major development for the sport.
“The nature of greyhound racing means our participants are ‘working’ all hours with their greyhounds, and sometimes they may arrive home very late from a night race meeting and notice a problem with their dog.
“Instead of worrying or panicking about the problem and having to wait for their Veterinary practice to open the following morning, they can now get instant help and information relating to their concerns, on the other end of a call.
“The service will be at no cost to participants and there is not a time limit on calls.
“We see this partnership with VetChat as just another way we can help participants to ensure their greyhounds are given the utmost care regardless of the circumstances or situation.”
VetChat has conducted more than 250,000 consultations, with an average response time of under two minutes.
VetChat vets are all Australian board-registered with an average of 11 years' experience, having worked in clinics across Australia and internationally.
“VetChat is passionate about ensuring all pet carers have access to veterinary guidance around the clock,” said VetChat founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr Claire Jenkins.
“We're pleased to be collaborating with GRNSW to ensure that all greyhound breeders and trainers have access to VetChat for advice from Australian vets whenever and wherever it's needed.”
The partnership will commence from July 1, and further details will be published on GRNSW websites leading into the launch.
For details about VetChat, participants can visit their website at: www.vetchat.com.au.
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