Only one pet per household qualifies for free help, although additional pets will qualify for the charity’s low-cost service. This offers cheap treatments and medicines, and is also available to pet owners who live near a hospital and receive benefits such as working tax credits, pension credit and the disability living allowance. Retired state pensioners who live in properties in council tax bands A to D may also qualify for help. The charity says its low-cost prices are typically 20% to 30% cheaper than private vet practices.
On a hot summer day, fill up an inflatable pool with water and ice.
Blue Cross offers free treatments – although it asks for a voluntary donation – to pet owners who live with the catchment area of its hospitals and pet care clinics. To qualify they must receive either universal credit (where there has not been a reduction in payment because of work or other income such as savings), income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, the income-related employment and support allowance or pension credit. Pet owners in receipt of other benefits may be eligible for reduced-price vet care.
The primary focus of the RSPCA is to rescue and rehabilitate animals who have been cruelly treated. RSPCA branches may, however, in rare circumstances, provide welfare assistance to pet owners who can provide evidence of financial hardship who receive at least one state benefit. However, payment will only be offered when the procedure will result in a definite improvement in the pet’s welfare and he or she will have a good chance to recover and “live a long life”. In very limited circumstances, the charity may also assist pet owners with a contribution if their pet requires emergency treatment and they have exhausted all other avenues.Train your pet to understand obedience. Dogs should at least understand basic direction like “sit” and “stay.” In an emergency situation these cues could save your pet’s life.
To donate to PDSA, visit pdsa.org.uk/donate. To donate to Blue Cross, visit bluecross.org.uk/support-us. To donate to the RSPCA, visit rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate/online