Blue Cross food banks mark 3 million pet milestone
The food banks help over 85,000 pet owners.
Blue Cross has now fed over three million dogs, cats and small animals with its food bank service.
Through its collaboration with the Pets at Home Foundation, the pet charity has been providing support for pet owners across the UK since 2022.
It is now helping more than 85,000 pet owners across its five pet food banks. The charity also works with over 500 food banks across the UK.
The charity accepts food donations at its rehoming centres and animal hospitals, as well as through Pets at Home pet care centres. These are then distributed at its food banks in Sheffield, Exeter, Newport, Bicester and Manchester.
Among those that Blue Cross’ food banks help is fifty-year-old Vincent and his Staffordshire bull terrier Tika.
Vincent was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was 21 years old. Its effect on him recently has meant that he has been forced to stop work as he awaits surgery.
This has made it challenging for him to look after his dog as well as having food himself.
Vincent said: “If it wasn’t for the pet food bank, I’d probably have to do without food myself or electricity or something just so I could get her some food until we got some more money.
“I’d have to go without something which I’ve done in the past. I’ve had days before where I’ve had nothing to eat myself for a couple of days but still had food for the dog.”
Chris Burghes, Blue Cross chief executive officer, said: “Pets are part of the family, and for so many they are their only family or companion; their only reason to get up every morning; and we know the sacrifices many owners will make to keep them, including ensuring their pets are fed instead of themselves, like Vincent.
“We want to help keep pets and people together as much we can rather than people being forced to make the difficult decision to give up their pet.”
Pet owners can find their nearest pet food bank or donation point here.
Image © Shutterstock
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.
