December 21, 2018, by Liz Cass

Christmas jumpers for needy pets

A University of Nottingham project to provide free veterinary care to pets belonging to homeless and vulnerable people has held its annual Christmas party.

There were Christmas jumpers, goodie bags, and wagging tails galore as Vets in the Community gave veterinary treatment and gifts to local pets.

The project provides free health checks, vaccinations, micro-chipping and treatment for fleas, worms and minor ailments. They can also provide advice on pet health care, for example nutrition and neutering. The clinic is led by students at the Vet School, under supervision from experienced, qualified members of staff.

Thanks to a knitting group from Wellow, Nottinghamshire, a few dogs were given woolly coats to wear while other pets were treated for minor ailments.

The party also celebrated Rushcliffe Veterinary Centre donating its 300th vaccine. The practice, in West Bridgford, has sponsored vaccines for Vets in the Community with a pay-it-forward scheme. They have added £1 to the cost of their vaccines which goes towards the project, with the practice also matching this money. Together this has funded all vaccines for the scheme.

The project is currently working from Nottingham Writers’ Studio, after moving from the Big Issue offices.

Jenny Stavinsky, Clinical Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, who runs Vet in the Community said: “We hope to have a mobile unit in operation by Spring 2019, which will enable us to treat pets right in the heart of the city centre, as well as expanding our operations to other areas where we are needed.”

For more information about Vets in the Community activities follow their website or social media channels (@vetsincommunity).

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