Bristol vet students support vaccination programme
Bristol veterinary students fundraised to pay for the vaccines.
Students from Bristol Veterinary School have been supporting pet owners in the local community, helping out Bristol Animal Rescue Centre with its free vaccination event.
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, which supports pets and wildlife in need, ran an event offering free pet vaccinations for pet owners on low incomes or benefits. With the cost of living crisis having a significant impact on owners, the charity stepped up to ensure that pets were protected against illness and disease.
The event took place at Ambition Lawrence Weston Community Centre, and students from Bristol Paws Project, a veterinary society at the university, fundraised to pay for the vaccines, alongside administering them.
Victoria Oates RVN, outreach nurse at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said: "With families struggling to put food on the table for themselves - let alone look after their pets - our outreach services have been more in demand than ever before.
“With this vaccination event, we're hoping not only to protect pets in Bristol, but also to raise awareness of the vital work that we do here, looking after animals and keeping families together.”
President of the Bristol Paws Project and Bristol Veterinary School student Charlie Underwood, said: “We are delighted to be volunteering at the vaccine drive again to ensure that pets receive their vital vaccinations.
“Pet ownership has numerous mental health and wellbeing benefits, so we aim to reduce financial barriers - especially with the current cost of living crisis. We would like to thank people for their contributions and supporting such a worthwhile cause.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
