UK’s first not-for-profit vets opens clinic in Leeds

Animal Trust, the UK’s first not-for-profit veterinary company, has opened a clinic in the Tingley area of Leeds. Offering an alternative to the increasing number of corporate clinics, Animal Trust was set up by vets with the main focus being the welfare of the animals. Unlike other practices, the company does not charge for consultations, meaning more owners have access to appointments with the experts, who can correctly advise on the best treatment. Says founder Owen Monie: “It’s quite simple - we believe that veterinary care should be about making animals better, and not about making profits.” The company was created by Monie in April 2012, when he opened his first clinic in Bolton. Further clinics have since been opened in North Manchester, Blackburn, Ellsemere Port and Shrewsbury. The Leeds clinic takes the branch total to six. Monie said: “The growth has been organic. We get approached by vets who have heard of us and want to be a part of it, and that leads to us opening more clinics.” The Tingley Animal Trust is based in The College of Animal Welfare Building in Capitol Park and its team of six will be headed up by lead vet Kirsty Warren. Warren hails from Glasgow but has been based in Morley since she qualified as a vet 16 years ago. Warren said: “My background has been working in the charity petcare sector, as ultimately, it is the care of the animals that drives me. This is why Animal Trust appealed to me. There is scope to help a wider range of animals while remaining true to my ethical approach to vetcare.” The Tingley clinic will enable owners to bring their pets to clinic for free consultations as soon as they are unwell, with general practice care including preventative health care and nutrition, through to ultrasound, X-Rays and medical investigations and blood tests with in-house labs. Warren added: “I’m delighted that Animal Trust is opening here, just down the road from where I live. My cat will of course be a patient and we are looking forward to meeting our first clients and offering top quality care to the animals of Leeds.”