Charity launches new vet clinic for Oxfordshire pets

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is launching a new veterinary service this Thursday (19 April 2007). The new clinic, based at the animal adoption centre in Lewknor, will allow the Blue Cross’s charitable services to help the pets of local residents on lower incomes who struggle to afford private vets’ fees.

The vet clinic will carry out crucial procedures such as microchipping and vaccinations plus treat minor ailments where possible. More serious or complicated cases will be referred to a local vet practice where treatment will be subsidised by The Blue Cross.

Julie Stone, Blue Cross centre manager at Lewknor said: "This new initiative will be a vital service for local pets needing treatment or vaccinations. Microchipping will also be offered which is essential for lost animals to be quickly re-united with their owners. We hope this service proves to be a lifeline for pets who might otherwise have been denied expensive vet treatment."

The veterinary sessions will be held at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre on London Road from 10.00-12.00 every Thursday. Appointments are available to all residents on a low income who live in postcode areas OX49, OX39, OX9 and OX10. To make an appointment, pet owners should contact the centre on 01844 355293.

The launch of the Lewknor clinic is part of a national scheme for The Blue Cross, aiming to help more pets nationwide to receive the treatment they need. Clinics already exist in Bromsgrove and Felixstowe, and with more planned for Tiverton and Southampton by the end of the year. The clinics join the four Blue Cross animal hospitals situated in London and Grimsby, including the charity’s flagship Victoria hospital which was the first of its kind to open in 1906.

Media contact: Louise Lee
Direct number: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781637

Notes to editors

· The Blue Cross is not government or local authority funded and relies on support through donations, legacies and other fundraising activities. Therefore it is asked that pet owners using the clinics give a contribution towards the cost of their animal’s treatment, vaccination or microchipping wherever possible.

· Lewknor animal adoption centre reopened in 2005 after moving from Chalfont St Peters and hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year. This centre has two-acres of land, together with modern kennel facilities, and big grounds for exercising animals and agility training. A cattery for 40 cats offers state of the art facilities and plenty of environmental enrichment. To contact the centre call 01844 355293. Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday: 11am-4pm. Bank Holidays: 11am-2pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

· The scheme will be run in association with Larkmead Veterinary Group.

· The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.