StreetVet

Our mission is simple, to protect the human-animal bond, keeping pets and their owners together wherever possible.

StreetVet started as two vets and a backpack of medical supplies on the streets of London in 2016. We now have 24 outreach locations across the UK supported by over 400 vet/vet nurse volunteers who provide StreetVet services in those areas.  At each of our 17 locations, we outreach regularly, at a fixed time and place, normally in conjunction with a social care provider such as food provision by a third-party partner, soup kitchen, day centre or hostel.

During these outreaches we deliver free preventative and reactive veterinary care, procedures such as simple diagnostic tests, flea and worming treatment, education and daily essentials such as food, treats and other pet equipment to the pets of those experiencing homelessness. Anything that can be done in a veterinary consulting room StreetVet can do on the streets, this includes blood testing, sampling lumps, dispensing medication and microchipping.

If an animal needed to be referred to veterinary practice for surgery, x-rays, blood tests or further investigative procedures we cover the cost of this treatment, ongoing medication and often transportation costs to and from the vet appointment. We also support pets referred to us outside the 17 locations.

Since inception, StreetVet has treated over 2800 pets and completed 10,000 consults.

With the cost-of-living crisis and homelessness on the increase, demand for our service has increased over 300% in the last year, with new pet/client registrations rising by 66%. There’s also been a 275% increase in the number of pets kennelled and the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme membership has increased by 850% year on year.

The upward trend in demand for StreetVet services shows no sign of abating. As a charity we rely entirely on public donations, industry support and some grant funding to help fund our veterinary costs.