StreetVet-Battersea alliance to provide free vet care for homeless pets
The initiative will provide care to individuals sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, or in insecure housing
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StreetVet has formed a five-year alliance with animal welfare charity Battersea to expand free veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness across the UK.
The partnership, funded by a grant from Battersea, aims to reach thousands of animals with routine and emergency treatment, including dogs, cats and other companion pets. Services will cover locations nationwide, from Scotland to Cornwall.
According to the two charities, an estimated 300,000 people in the UK are experiencing homelessness, with up to 25% owning pets.
The initiative will provide care to individuals sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, or in insecure housing.
StreetVet and Battersea have previously collaborated on the Accredited Hostel Scheme, which supports accommodation providers to become pet inclusive.
The charities also commissioned Homeless Link in 2024 to investigate the role of pet ownership in homelessness.
The report found that just 21% of 960 homelessness services listed in the Homeless England database accept dogs, with little information available for other pets. Estimates suggest between 10% and 25% of people using homelessness services have pets.
StreetVet currently operates in 23 locations with more than 300 volunteer vets and nurses, offering free food, essentials, veterinary check-ups and preventative care. The partnership is expected to nearly double its outreach footprint.
Zoe Abbotts, chief executive at StreetVet, said: “This alliance opens up exciting opportunities for us to work together in supporting more pets and their owners experiencing homelessness across the UK.”
Peter Laurie, chief executive at Battersea, added: “By working together many more pets and people experiencing homelessness will be able to access essential veterinary care and life-changing support.”
Jade Statt, co-founder and clinical director at StreetVet, concluded: “This alliance will level up the special relationship between StreetVet and Battersea and provide important new opportunities for us to reach more pets and their owners.”
