Animal welfare in North and Central Otago is getting a boost thanks to the work of small business.
Oamaru Veterinary Centre and Brackens Print launched the community initiative, "Home Alone'' cards for animals, last week.
Vet centre practice manager Neil Kingan said the cards were designed to alert people to the presence of animals in a person's life if the pet owner became ill or incapacitated in some other way and could not communicate they had animals that needed support.
"These cards can be filled out with contact details of support people who can look after their pets until the owners return home.''
He said the cards would be distributed in Oamaru, Waimate, Palmerston and Ranfurly at Blue Cross Veterinary Centres, Oamaru Hospital, Oamaru Citizens Advice Bureau, Brackens Print and the Oamaru Information Centre, and with the next dog registration form.
