Veterinary practice launches innovate 'tap to donate' system
Dr David Hedges showcasing the new system.
A veterinary practice in Littlehampton has installed an innovative 'tap to donate' system, allowing passers-by to easily donate to local animal charities.
Stellar Vets has installed card readers in its practice window, with a fixed donation price of £3. The location of these means that anyone wishing to donate can simply tap their card against the window.
Two charities local to Littlehampton, Clymping Dog Sanctuary and Worthing Cat Welfare, have been chosen as the recipients.
Dr David Hedges, from the practice, explained the unique collection method: “We have supported Clymping Dog Sanctuary and Worthing Cat Welfare since we opened, collecting bedding, blankets, food and toys, as well as matching any financial donations made by the public in our collection tins on reception.
“We have also fundraised and helped find new forever homes through our Facebook page for cats and dogs the charities are caring for.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve found far fewer people carry cash on them. The collection tins have become an inefficient way of raising money for the causes we believe in, and banking the cash is a hassle.
“We knew there had to be a better way, so we started to research alternatives. Two systems specifically for charities were exorbitantly priced and the fees to use their kit would have consumed the first 250 donations, which was something we found wholly unacceptable!
“So, we did some more research and created something we believe is a first for any veterinary practice in the UK.”
As the machines are set up to operate 24 hours a day, people can donate at any time of day, on any day of the week – allowing the practice to fundraise even when shut.
Dr Hedges continued: “We are so lucky that we have so many amazing clients who often help with our charitable efforts, but the fact that our practice is situated right next to the main bus stop, where hundreds of people walk past every day, means we will be able to raise significantly more money than ever.”
Clymping Dog Sanctuary has been rescuing dogs in the local area since 1952, and Worthing Cat Welfare has taken in unwanted and abandoned cats since 1995.
Allison Pyett, from Worthing Cat Welfare, said: “Technology changes quickly and now so many people use their cards and phones to pay for things.
“Carrying cash has become quite rare these days and as a result we’ve seen the income for our charity decline whilst the number of cats we need to help increases, so a system like this will make it easier for people to help us.
“We can’t thank the team at Stellar Vets enough – there are so many people who want to help, and Stellar Vets has made it simple to do that.”
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.
