Merton animal hospital celebrates a decade helping animals in need

 The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton, South London, will celebrate ten years of offering charitable veterinary care to sick and injured pets on Wednesday 24 June. The charity’s fourth animal hospital was opened by the Queen Mother in 1999 and has become a lifeline to thousands of animals n London whose owners cannot afford private veterinary treatment.

Caroline Reay has been chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton since the opening. She said: ”We are delighted to be celebrating this significant milestone. Over the last ten years we’ve treated more than 100,000 animals who would be suffering without our help. Many of our clients are elderly people whose pet is their only companion, or hard-up families who are devoted to their pets; without The Blue Cross they may not be able to stay together. We are so grateful for the continued financial support we receive from the public, which is even more important during the recession when we are needed more than ever before.”

The Blue Cross receives no government funding and relies on public support. To be eligible for the charity’s services owners must be on a means tested benefit or state pension with no other income. Clients are asked to pay whatever they can afford towards their pet’s treatment, but sadly can often only afford a fraction of the real cost.

Jackie Bishop’s dog ‘Patches’ needs regular treatment at the animal hospital after he developed diabetes. Jackie, from Morden, relies on benefits because she looks after her disabled son and cannot work. Both Jackie and her son adore Patches and could not bear to be parted from him. Jackie said: “The Merton animal hospital is brilliant and vets there have saved Patches life more than once. I couldn't afford to keep Patches without The Blue Cross."

The Blue Cross has provided veterinary treatment in London for over 100 years from its flagship hospital in Victoria. Without its four animal hospitals and the services they provide, many people would be miss out on the benefits that pet ownership can bring. The Merton hospital opened in 1999 after a fundraising appeal generated thousands of donations to raise the £1.3million needed to create a purpose-built new hospital. 

The animal hospital includes four consulting rooms, operating theatre, minor surgery area, x-ray room, laboratory, kennels for animal to convalesce and accommodation for staff to provide 24 hours care. Five vets and fifteen vet nurses treat an average of 500 animals every week. In 2003 a community vet nurse service was introduced to treat animals in their own homes if their elderly or disabled owners are unable to bring their pets to the hospital themselves.

Staff at the hospital will celebrate the anniversary with birthday cake to share with clients, and pet treats for the animals. Blue Cross vets and nurses will thank local supporters with special ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours.