StreetVet and Battersea alliance delivers care to hundreds of pets

Veterinary charity StreetVet and animal welfare organisation Battersea has delivered free treatment to hundreds of pets during its first year.

Funded by Battersea, the partnership provides preventative, routine and emergency veterinary care across eight of StreetVet’s 30 outreach clinics in the UK.

The initiative has expanded services into Torquay and Hastings this year, with a further outreach clinic scheduled to open in north-west England.

The charity recently treated a three-year-old bulldog cross suffering from skin allergies in London, providing ongoing medication and specialist food.

While outreach teams perform basic examinations and blood tests at the clinics, complex surgical procedures are referred to local partner veterinary practices.

The alliance plans to establish 12 new outreach locations over five years to support thousands of additional pets.

Laura Shaw, StreetVet volunteer vet, said: “Having Battersea’s support means we can confidently refer cases into practice when needed, ensuring every patient has the best possible care. 

“You initially think you’re just helping the animals, which is true of course, but it’s just as much about supporting the people. We’re helping owners to keep their pets with them and maintain that incredibly important human-animal bond.”

Jade Statt, StreetVet co-founder and clinical director, added: “This first year of our Alliance with Battersea has enabled us to extend our reach, increasing the number of boots on the ground delivering free essential vet care to owners experiencing homelessness and their pets. Sadly the need is great in so many UK locations but with Battersea’s support, we are getting there, one new outreach team at a time.”