Charity unveils £1.5million vet clinic and kennels for homeless pets

4 September 2009

When: 12.30pm Thursday 17 September 2009

Where: The Blue Cross animal adoption centre, Bubb Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 2HL

What: The official opening ceremony and opportunity for behind-the-scenes tours of the new vet clinic, dog kennels and puppy/kitten block following major rebuild.

The Blue Cross, one of the UK’s leading animal charities, will celebrate the official opening of its new veterinary clinic and state-of-the-art kennels on Thursday 17 September 2009. The animal adoption centre in West End, Southampton already takes in hundreds of homeless and unwanted pets form the area every year and finds them new homes. The new vet clinic will provide charitable treatment for the pets of local residents on low incomes who cannot afford private vets’ fees.

Blue Cross staff will be joined by vets, clinic clients, their pets and special guests for a behind-the-scenes tour of the improved £1.5 million facilities, including:

New veterinary clinic for local pet owners on low incomes

Isolation unit for animals with contagious diseases

Admission block for new arrivals to settle in

Puppy and kitten unit for youngsters and expectant mums

Refurbished dog kennels to provide a calmer environment for happier dogs

Kellie Brooks, Blue Cross centre manager at Southampton said: “The new facilities are a real boost to needy pets and local pet owners who struggle to afford private vet fees. We have already seen a number of pets coming into the vet clinic who may not have received treatment otherwise. And the new dog kennels are a hit with our canine residents – they’re now much more relaxed when we introduce them to potential owners. This means they have a more enjoyable stay with us and are more likely to be offered a loving new home.“

‘Mrs Smith’, a local client of the new Blue Cross veterinary welfare clinic service said: ”I needed to take my dog Ash to the vet because she was suffering from an ear infection. Being out of work I was worried about the cost but then I found out about the new Blue Cross charity service. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. There is a lot of compassion for the pets and empathy with their owners which was so comforting, I’m really impressed!”

Veterinary treatment is paid for by The Blue Cross and carried out by a vet and nurse from a local private practice who carry out basic procedures such as microchipping and vaccinations plus treat minor ailments. More serious or complicated cases are referred to the local veterinary practice where treatment will be subsidised by The Blue Cross. Clients will be asked to pay a fee towards their animal’s treatment.

To receive Blue Cross veterinary services pet owners must be in receipt of a means tested benefit or the State Retirement Pension with no other sources of income. Proof of benefits is required, along with photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) or a utility bill (gas, electricity or water) clearly stating name and address. People on low wages may also qualify for treatment. Proof of income in the form of a wage slip or bank statement is required.

Pre-booked appointments for the veterinary clinic are every Tuesday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre, Bubb Lane, West End, Southampton. The service is available to all eligible residents who live in postcode areas SO18, SO19 or SO30. To make an appointment, pet owners should contact the centre on 023 8069 2894.

The Blue Cross receives no government funding, so the rebuild project has been achieved with thanks to generous support from local residents, grants and corporate donations. Anyone who would like to make a donation to The Blue Cross should contact the centre on 023 8069 2894.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Media are invited to attend, please contact the press office for details on 020 7932 4060.

Images of the official opening and new facilities will be available after the event. Please contact the press office.

‘Mrs Smith’ is a pseudonym for Blue Cross welfare vet clinic client who did not wish to be identified.

Southampton animal adoption centre is based on a boarding kennel site formerly known as Goose Green, and has been there since 1991. Catteries were built thereafter, and the centre now serves communities across Hampshire, rehoming dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. In total, the centre has space for 40 dogs and 60 cats. Please note that volunteers have to be over 16 years of age to work at the centre. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 023 8069 2894. Opening hours from Monday to Wednesday and Fridays and Saturdays between 11.00am to 4.00pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays between 11.00am until 2.00pm. Closed on Thursdays.

The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine 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.

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4060 or email press@bluecross.org.uk.