Veterinary group VetPartners has chosen StreetVet as its charity of the year.
As well as raising funds, VetPartners vets and veterinary nurses will be given the opportunity to volunteer for the charity at one of the 23 outreach locations StreetVet operates around the UK.
Founded in 2016 by vets Jade Statt and Sam Joseph, StreetVet is a registered practice with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and has a dedicated team of more than 500 volunteer vets and veterinary nurses providing free veterinary care and services to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. The charity’s Accredited Hostel Scheme champions keeping owners and their pets together, offering free veterinary care to registered pets in hostels and support for hostel managers and staff to implement positive pet policies.
StreetVet was chosen as the 2024 charity of the year by a poll of VetPartners employees, succeeding the 2023 charity Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust.
Jade Statt, co-founder and clinical director at StreetVet, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen by the employees of VetPartners to be their charity of the year partner for 2024. The donations that we will receive from VetPartners throughout this partnership will help StreetVet continue our vital work in providing free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness across the UK. By helping the pets, we are helping their owners too.
“Unfortunately, the need for our services continues to rise significantly, especially since the cost of living crisis. Funding is crucial in allowing us to meet this increase in demand, so all the funds raised will have a significant impact in helping us to continue the work we do.”
VetPartners ceo Jo Malone added: “Homelessness is a growing problem across the UK, and many people experiencing homelessness own a pet that may have been part of their life before they lost the roof over their head.
“As vets we know the bond between people and their pets is profound and for people experiencing homelessness, their companions can be their lifeline so their health and wellbeing is a major priority for their owners.”
She added: “Our colleagues are incredibly caring and committed to giving back to worthy causes. I think this is going to be a well-supported charity, and I can’t wait to see what kind of fundraising activities they organise.”
