The Ambulance.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter high-top van (clear title). Don't be fooled by the year; this vehicle has been rebuilt from the wheels up. It is in fantastic condition and ready to go anywhere, anytime.

This is an ex-Ambulance Victoria vehicle from Mildura. Like all Ambulances, it was meticulously maintained, serviced, and repaired when necessary. It currently has 234844 on the odometer and has been serviced every 3 months since it was purchased in September 2023. The next service is due 06/25 or 244,000 km.

What has been done to the vehicle since purchase is mind-blowing, and it has taken over three hundred man hours to achieve.

Let's start with the new wheels and tires installed less than 1200 km ago. The suspension springs were also replaced. The outside of the vehicle was cleaned, cut, and polished before having the sign writing fitted. Professional reflective vinyl and tape were used, and it is easy to spot day or night. It is an absolute head-turner; we even have people taking photos of it.

Any lights found not working were either repaired or replaced. Emergency Amber lights were fitted to the vehicle both front and back. Side and rear lighting was also added to ensure you could see what you were doing at night. Even the side step was replaced to provide easy access for people getting in the van.

Inside, the vehicle was stripped of all the old Ambulance wiring to reduce the weight (there was a lot). It was also thoroughly cleaned and sterilised before any work was started. Then the rebuild could begin. Three extra large lockable cages were installed to ensure the comfort of pet patients at all times. Each cage has its own camera system so the driver or passenger can observe the pet while being transported.

A Nano Connect system was installed to work as an extension of the smartphone screen, making navigation maps easier to read. It also has 3 x mag-safe iPhone holder installed on the dash, two on the driver's side (personal and business and one on the passenger side for their convenience.

Three external cameras were also installed. One is attached to the dashcam for recording, and two work like rearview mirrors through the dash-mounted monitor. An internal camera is also installed to protect the driver and passenger.

A new exhaust was installed to ensure the fumes exited the side of the vehicle, not the back, so the fumes didn't enter the cabin.

The most significant investment on the outside that sets it apart from other pet ambulances and transport vehicles is the hydraulic lift, which is weight-rated to 600 kg and has plug-in controls and a remote for easy use. You might think this is overkill, but we have transported an 80 kg bullmastiff that could not move well, let alone climb into the vehicle. The owner appreciated that we could transport his pet with minimal discomfort to the dog.

Two sets of personalised plates, "AMBPET" and "PETAMB," are provided with the ambulance. The AMBPET is currently fitted, and changing to PETAMB will cost $150 through VICROADS. You could then sell the other set that is not being used.

The vehicle is fitted with front and rear heating and air conditioning for the comfort of people and pets. This ensures that animals are not exposed to heat during warmer months.

The vehicle is oxygen-ready; you must install an "E"-size medical oxygen tank from BOC gases. This tank is used mainly during transport between vet clinics and vet hospitals.

A Road Worthy Certificate will be included for easy transfer into the new owner's name.

We recommend that the new owners complete a pet first aid course through the RSPCA; we found it very valuable in learning how to stop bleeding and make pets comfortable for transport.

You do not need to be a Vet or even a Vet Nurse to run this business; in our experience, if a Nurse or Vet is required, the clinic will provide one and charge the customer.

Most of the medical equipment included is for use by qualified, trained Vet Specialists if needed. We recommend that your staff stop bleeding only by covering and bandaging.

Most of the work will involve transporting animals for check-ups, vaccinations, and regular appointments. Emergency transport occurs when an animal is at a vet clinic that is not open 24 hours a day and needs overnight care at an actual vet hospital, transported with or without and/or oxygen.

Only a couple of companies can offer oxygen in transport services, and Help 4 Paws is one of them. Others can charge up to $1500 to transport from Wyndham to Kensington; we usually charge $500 for the same service. They have a vet on board, but it is not always required if the animal is stable.

What you get!

• Help 4 Paws is currently being trademarked; this will be transferred to the new owner.

• The logo, which contains the Heart, Animals, Hands, and the Words "In Safe Hands," is being trademarked and will be transferred to the new owner.

• BOC Life Line emergency resus bag (portable oxygen) needs a CE BOC oxygen bottle installed.

• iPhone 14 Pro Max (currently with JB Mobile; new owner will take over contract)—with charging dock.

• Premium Mobile Number 04 30 01 01 30.

• 2 x Brand New Pulse / Oxygen meters with tongue and ear probes. Complete with charging docks.

• Zeller EFTPOS machine with charging dock, fitted with Optus SIM card for mobile use—the new owner will cover the ongoing fee of $15 per month for the SIM card. The machine is set up to charge the customer the fees involved in the transaction.

• Brand New Branded Invoice Books.

• Advertising material, including flyers, business cards, magnets, and two different types of pens, all with names and phone numbers.

• A developed website, www.help4paws.au, is already up and running. The website also includes a store, and the minimal stock we keep on hand will be included in the sale. You will also receive the domain names www.help4paws.com.au, www.helpforpaws.com.au, and www.helpfourpaws.com.au.

• St John First Aid Kit.

• Fire extinguisher and fire blanket.

• All weather floor mats in front of the vehicle.

• Dual battery system (both less than 12 months old).

• Rigid stretcher for moving pets.

• Medium and Large soft stretchers for moving pets.

• Pet specific first aid kits.

• Cat Baskets (2 x hard collapsable, 3 x soft zip up).

• Safe installed for spare keys and valuables.

• 3 x Mercedes Benz original Keys.

• Sheepskin seat covers.

• Air ride front sets (to take the bumps out of driving).

• Haz Mat bag.

• Mag light on each door for easy access at night.

• Waterproof cage liners (about 400).

• Medical Oxygen Gas Regulator.

• Medical Gas Flo Meter.

• Oxygen Humidifier (to avoid drying out of pets' noses).

• Various sizes of Medical Oxigen masks designed for animals.

• 3 plastic no-spill water bowls.

• 3 stainless steel water bowls.

• Towels (plus lots of spares included).

• Extra small, small, medium, large, X-large, & XX-large muzzles.

• Small and large chocker chains.

• Hard Leads with clip.

• Hard chocker leads.

• Soft leads with clips.

• Soft chocker leads.

• Medical supplies include dressings, bandages, gauze padding, and self-sticking bandages. (Extra stock is included).

• A stethoscope, tick removers, and light to check pupil reaction and ears.

• Splint rolls, emergency blanket, tapes, and a tourniquet.

• Ice packs and saline solution.

• Microchip Reader (Need access through vet or council to obtain owners details).

• Puppy Wipes.

• An AM / FM radio with Bluetooth capabilities for taking phone calls is connected to two Blaupunkt speakers mounted centrally above the driver.

• Rubber gloves in easy-use dispensers.

• Anti-bite, anti-scratch gloves in medium and large.

• A catch pole places a noose around an animal's neck to control it from a distance.

• Head Lamps for working at night.

• Vomit clean-up satchets: pour over and wait to harden (easy to clean).

• Antiseptic spray and paper towel.

• Two by GATOR brand monitors, one for back cameras and the other for internal cameras.

• 400 db Siren and horn, not often used but valuable to have.

• Everything in the attached photos is included except the animals; we are rather attached to them.

• An advertising sign measuring 2.4 meters x 1.2 meters is displayed on Heaths Road in Werribee. This will be included for the first six months after the sale has cleared. It may not seem like much, but during peak hour, this is perhaps the slowest road in Werribee, and everyone sees it :-).

• Regarding insurance for the business, it took a couple of months to find the right insurance broker to provide what we needed. Between vehicle insurance, public liability, and the most critical insurance, "Pet In Transit," which covers injuries to animals being transported, we can point you in the right direction. The vehicle alone was insured for $50,000, $20,000,000 in Public Liability, and $25,000 in Pet In Transit.

• It is IMPORTANT to note that the business, including the vehicle and all associated fixtures, fittings, advertising material, domain names, websites, and stock are being sold "AS IS", and no warranty is implied or intended in the sale. Commencement of transfer and RWC will not commence until a 50% deposit has been received; it will not be completed until the total agreed amount has been received. It is expected that transferring business names, domain names, the RWC, and transfer of number plates will take approximately 10 working days.

Customer Reviews

Read what our satisfied clients say about our pet ambulance service.

Bill had a beautiful 85kg Bullmastiff named Boof who was unwell and couldn't get into a vehicle without pain. Help 4 Paws assisted Boof by using our ambulance fitted with the hydraulic lift.

Thanks for all your help transporting him. It definitely made it easier on him.

Bill

Hoppers Crossing

Vicki had a gorgeous cat named Maxi, who, it is fair to say, wasn't the best traveller. But we pride ourselves on knowing how to transport nervous pets. Maxi had a great trip; we could watch him with our cage cameras for the whole trip.

Thank you so much for everything and for being so wonderful to Maxi. I feel better now that I know he is going to get the care he deserves.

Vicki

Footscray

★★★★★

★★★★★

So, down to business then!

You didn’t come this far to stop now.

Q. Who would buy this business?

A. You may be a vet nurse or a newer vet wanting to spread your wings. You could even be in the pet industry and looking to expand, or you might want to get into your own business. The most important thing for us is your strong affection for animals and their care.

Q. Why are we selling now?

A. Due to one of the owners recently taking ill with a long-term condition, we have little choice but to sell. Not really what we planned for; this was meant to be our retirement business in a couple of years, but life happens.

Q. How much do you think it cost to customise the ambulance?

A. We have estimated that the vehicle, the hydraulic tailgate, safety lighting, customising the outside, and fitting out the inside has cost approximately $65,000.

Q. How much is the business selling for?

A. Everything is included and ready to start work tomorrow. Nothing is left to do except build your relationships with Vet Clinics, Vet Hospitals and the General Public.

We are looking for the right person/people to take over as this was very much our passion. There are good days (when you get to help save them) and bad days (when sadly, they cannot be helped).

The selling price of the business is $80,000 (negotiable)

Q. How long has the business been established?

A. The business started on January 2024 under the name "AMBUPET", but for reasons that involve a second party and discovering they were using the name, we decided that a clean break was needed. We did not want to be associated in any way with this second party. We renamed and rebranded everything to what it is today: "Help 4 Paws".

Q. Can we inspect the ambulance?

A, Yes, we would insist you inspect it; you won't be disappointed. Please text us at 04 30 01 01 30 to arrange an appointment.