StreetVet teams up with Battersea to expand its outreach programme.
National charity StreetVet has announced an alliance with Battersea to transform the lives of homeless people and their pets across the UK.
Over the next five years, the alliance – funded by a Battersea grant – will work together to provide preventative, routine and emergency veterinary care to thousands of pet dogs, cats and other companion animals.
With some 300,000 people in the UK experiencing homelessness – 25 per cent of which have pets – the partnership is expected to play a vital role in communities across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall.
Moreover, with support from Battersea, StreetVet will expand its volunteering outreach programme to people sleeping rough, living in temporary accommodation or living in insecure housing.
Over 300 vets and veterinary nurses already volunteer at 23 existing StreetVet locations across the UK, providing free food, pet essentials and veterinary checkups. The alliance will see further outreaches set up in new locations, almost doubling the support for homeless pets and their owners.
Peter Laurie, chief executive at Battersea, said: “With ongoing cost of living challenges and tragically high levels of homelessness in this country, we’re proud to be launching this alliance with StreetVet to expand their vital services. By working together many more pets and people experiencing homelessness will be able to access essential veterinary care and life-changing support, and in doing so we’ll be helping to preserve the incredibly special human-animal bond.”
Zoe Abbotts, CEO at StreetVet said, "We are thrilled to announce the new alliance between StreetVet and Battersea. This alliance opens up exciting opportunities for us to work together in supporting more pets and their owners experiencing homelessness across the UK.
“The alliance will enable StreetVet to extend our reach to more locations, something we have been unable to achieve until now due to limited resources. We recognise the nationwide demand for our vital support and are committed to expanding our services to meet this need. In these challenging times, our mission to keep pets healthy, happy and by their owner's side is more crucial than ever."
Image (C) Battersea/StreetVet.
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.
