Vetwest Animal Hospitals has announced a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House Western Australia (RMH WA), becoming the exclusive veterinary care provider for one of the organisation’s most recognisable and much-loved team members – Gus, the resident therapy dog.
Gus, an 11-year-old black Labrador, has been a comforting presence at Ronald McDonald House at QEII since 2016, following an early career with Guide Dogs WA. Over the past nine years, he has met thousands of families staying at the House and is now regarded as a central part of its emotional support network for children and expecting mothers undergoing treatment at Perth Children’s Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Known affectionately as the House’s Director of Hugs and Pats, Gus plays a vital role in daily life at RMH WA. He welcomes families on arrival, spends time with children in communal areas, attends community events and provides quiet companionship during what are often the most challenging periods in a family’s life.
Ronald McDonald House WA supports families with ill or injured children who need access to specialist medical care in Perth, providing accommodation and essential services that reduce emotional, financial and practical stress while keeping families together.
According to RMH WA’s 2024 Impact Evaluation Report, families experience a 25% increase in emotional wellbeing during their stay, with 91% describing the Houses as a safe, healthy and supportive “home away from home” throughout their child’s treatment.
Under the new partnership, Vetwest’s Perth clinics will provide Gus with comprehensive veterinary care, including routine health checks, vaccinations, preventive medicine, nutritional support and any additional treatment required. The aim is to support Gus’s health and wellbeing so he can continue his work for as long as possible.
Russell Harrison, Chief Veterinary Officer at VetPartners, which owns the Vetwest group, said the partnership reflects the profession’s broader role in community care.
“Our Vetwest team is honoured to play a role in caring for such an important member of the Ronald McDonald House WA family. Keeping Gus healthy means he can continue doing what he does best — offering unconditional love, a reassuring presence and a reason to smile.”
For more than three decades, Ronald McDonald House WA has supported Western Australian families by reducing the pressures of long-distance medical treatment. Gus has become an integral part of that mission, providing a familiar sense of comfort and connection at a time when families are far from home.
Danielle Norrish, Executive Manager of Development and Brand Engagement at RMH WA, welcomed the partnership.
“Gus provides creature comforts many families miss when they find themselves far from home and loved ones,” she said. “We’re excited to partner with Vetwest, whose care for our Director of Hugs and Pats will help brighten the days of the families we serve.”
