Caring for Indigenous Australians’ companion animals in rural and remote Australia

Boehringer Ingelheim has maintained a strong partnership with Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) since 2016, collaborating to deliver essential programs in rural and remote communities. These initiatives include veterinary field programs, pop-up clinics, research, and education efforts.

Australians’ companion animals in rural and remote Australia

AMRRIC recognises and supports the interconnectedness of animals, people, country, and culture. By partnering with rural and remote Indigenous communities, AMRRIC works to improve the health and wellbeing of animals, their communities, and ecosystems. They acknowledge the inseparable link between the health of companion animals and that of their owners and communities, a perspective shared by Boehringer Ingelheim.

The Role of Dogs in Rural and Remote Communities

Dogs play a crucial role in rural and remote communities in Australia, serving as loyal companions and essential workers. They assist with herding livestock, protecting property, and hunting, making them invaluable to daily operations. Beyond their practical roles, dogs provide emotional support and companionship, alleviating isolation and loneliness. Their presence significantly enhances the quality of life, offering comfort and security to their owners.

Parasiticide Donations - Our Partnership with AMRRIC

Access to parasiticide treatments is vital for controlling ticks and other parasites in remote communities, especially with the ongoing ehrlichiosis outbreak in Australia. To address this, we have partnered with AMRRIC to protect dogs in over 50 remote communities across NT, WA, and SA from fleas, ticks, mites, and biting lice. Through this collaboration, Boehringer Ingelheim is donating NexGard, which treats and controls external parasites in dogs. This initiative, in conjunction with PETstock, aims to enhance the quality of life for pets and their owners by providing essential veterinary care and resources. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to improving animal health and supporting the unique needs of rural and remote communities in Australia.

For more information on this collaboration, click here.

Volunteering to make a difference

We have supported AMRRIC in various projects over the years, with a recent company-wide volunteer activity being a prime example. At a recent company conference, our colleagues focused on creating educational packs. These learning kits are used in rural and remote Indigenous communities across Australia to educate school children about important animal and human health topics. The visual and interactive nature of these packs helps overcome language barriers, as English can be a second or third language for many students. In just over 2 hours, Boehringer volunteers created more than 40 educational kits, covering four different topics.

Please see the images below from the event.

Image gallery: Boehringer colleagues creating educational kits for those in rural and remote Australia during a company volunteering day.