Pets at University of Bristol receive free vaccinations
As part of this event, pet owners have pre-booked appointments with the outreach clinic to bring their cat or dog along to receive a free vaccination today. The vaccines will be administered by Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, assisted by Bristol Paws Project, a society of veterinary students from the University of Bristol, who fundraised to pay for the vaccines.
COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on people’s lives, with many having lost their jobs. This year the cost of living crisis has added to the difficulties for many. The number of people receiving help from Bristol Animal Rescue Centre’s Outreach vets and nurses – up 54% since last year* – and the team is forecasting an even bigger leap over the winter months as the knock-on effects of the energy crisis begin to bite for local pet owners.
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre runs weekly Outreach Clinics in Knowle West and Lawrence Weston. These vital services offer free or reduced-cost access to pet owners on lower incomes, or who may have difficulty accessing veterinary care. They provide free health and welfare checks, non-urgent consultations with one of the veterinary team, in addition to access to free treatments (like flea treatment and worming medication), and super low-cost neutering.
“With families struggling to put food on the table for themselves – let alone look after their pets – our outreach services have been more in demand than ever before,” explained Victoria Oates RVN, Outreach Nurse at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, who leads this service.
“With this vaccination event, we’re hoping not only to protect pets in Bristol, but also to raise awareness of the vital work that we do here, looking after animals and keeping families together,” she said.
Dr Damian Pacini, Principal Veterinary Surgeon at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, added: “Every year Bristol Animal Rescue Centre cares for thousands of animals. As well as taking in vulnerable animals, our outreach work in the community is a preventative measure that helps to ensure pet owners who want to care for their animals but are facing financial hardship can continue to do so at home.”
Charlie Underwood, President of the Bristol Paws Project and Bristol Vet School student, said: “We are delighted to be volunteering at the vaccine drive again to ensure that pets receive their vital vaccinations. Pet ownership has numerous mental health and wellbeing benefits, so we aim to reduce financial barriers – especially with the current cost of living crisis. We would like to thank people for their contributions and supporting such a worthwhile cause.”