What we do
Veterinary services
Treating an unwell or injured pet can be very expensive. Our veterinary services help pets whose owners can't afford private fees. Our clients are on means-tested benefit and we also help people on a low income at our discretion. We have four animal hospitals, three in London (Victoria, Merton and Hammersmith) and one in Grimsby. Our mobile and animal welfare clinics are helping us to care for more animals across the country.
Keeping best friends together
Peter and Carlos
Five-year-old great Dane, Carlos, and his owner, Peter both suffer from heart problems. However, when Carlos became seriously ill, Peter couldn't afford to pay for the life-saving treatment his beloved companion needed. Thankfully, we were able to come to Peter's aid, treating Carlos at our Merton hospital.
Animal Adoption
Our network of adoption centres and pet fosterers take in unwanted horses, cats, dogs and small pets (such as rabbits and guinea pigs). We care for the animals and rehabilitate them where needed, before finding them new, loving homes. Adopting an animal from the Blue Cross is a great way to find a companion matched to you and your lifestyle, while giving an animal another chance in life.
Lassie comes home
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Lassie
Lassie came to The Blue Cross when her owner became ill and couldn't take care of her anymore. The collie cross still had a lot of love left to give. Now Lassie has been given a second chance after finding a new family and somewhere to call home again.
Helping horses into new homes
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Smudge
Smudge came to us when her owner fell upon hard times and was unable to give her the care she needed. After careful rehabilitation, the staff at our Burford centre started riding her again. Now on loan in a new home, she takes part in dressage and cross country.
Promoting good pet care
We aim to help as many animals as we can by promoting responsible pet ownership. We've got an extensive range of free pet care advice factsheets and videos dedicated to keeping your pet happy and healthy. Our education team also visits schools and youth groups to teach them about good animal care.
Teaching the pet owners of tomorrow
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Future Owners
We talk to the pet owners of the future such as Tom, who belongs to a Cub pack in Worcestershire. They were visited by Sarah, a Blue Cross educational volunteer and her dog, Sally. Tom enjoyed learning about dogs and how to handle them in the right way.
Pet care information
Our factsheets cover everything from choosing the right pet through to more specific information about your animal's, health, behaviour and the care it requires. Here are five of our most popular pet care factsheets.
Animal behaviour
Our experienced team of behaviourists give ongoing support to anyone who adopts an animal from us and they help address behavioural issues that some of the animals arrive with. We're a leading charity in the animal behaviour field and the team regularly give training courses and lectures and work alongside other organisations to improve the welfare of animals.
Helping Penny cope
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Penny
Penny, had a troubled past and when she came to us she felt frightened and wouldn't let anyone near her. Over six months, our behavioural team and centre staff gained her trust and improved her confidence. We found her the perfect match in Nicola, who was just the person she needed.
Life skills for dogs
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Life Skills
Life Skills is a checklist of 14 basic skills which we've developed to help ensure dogs have a successful integration into their new lives. Our staff work with the dogs teaching them the tasks such as sit and leave it. We encourage their new owners to continue developing these vital skills.
Pet Bereavement Support Service
The Pet Bereavement Support Service offers support and understanding to people who have lost a pet, whether it's through death, rehoming, or maybe through enforced separation such as going into residential care, a hostel, or hospital. Call 0800 096 6606 or write to pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
Coping with pet loss
Listen to our podcast to find out more about the work of the Pet Bereavement Support Service - If you've been affected and you're feeling alone, our trained support line volunteers are here to support you through it. All our support line calls and emails are confidential.
Create an online memorial
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Memorials
Pet memorials can be a helpful and comforting way to remember and commemorate the life of a pet. A memorial to your much-loved companion will serve as a lasting testament to the unique bond that was shared between you. You can create a memorial here
