Charity aims to build national network of supporting practices
A charity that provides help to homeless people and their pets is appealing to the profession to help aid its network of supporting practices.
StreetVet founder Jade Statt says that a growing awareness of its services has led to an increase in demand where there is not yet an active StreetVet team. As such, the charity is hoping to create a directory of supporting practices that it can refer to across the UK.
Established by veterinary surgeons Jade Statt and Sam Joseph, StreetVet provides free and accessible animal care, essential items and reassurance to homeless pet owners. The charity is currently active in 13 locations and plans to have teams performing weekly outreaches in 20 areas by the end of 2019.
Jade Statt explains: “In locations where we have a regular outreach, we try to do as much as much as possible with our backpacks but sometimes a StreetVet-funded referral for hospitalisation or procedures into a local practice is required.
“Due to increased awareness of our services, StreetVet is now receiving notifications from the public through our social media and website about homeless owners in need of our help in locations where we do not yet have an active StreetVet team. We are therefore looking to build a network of StreetVet Supporting Practices all over the U.K.”
Veterinary practices work with StreetVet in various ways. Some offer a charity discount while others offer a number of pro bono cases a month. There are also practices that offer to carry out StreetVet work at cost price or do more specialist work, such as orthopaedics, at a reduced rate.
“StreetVet could not have grown and reached so many homeless owners and their pets without the support of the profession,” said Jade.
If you are interested in learning more about being part of the StreetVet Directory of Supporting Practices email StreetVet.practices@gmail.com. A StreetVet fundraising kit can also be sent out to your practice on request.
Image (C) StreetVet.
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