Frequently asked veterinary questions

What veterinary services does The Blue Cross provide? We run four animal hospitals that provide veterinary treatment for dogs, cats and other pets.

Can I get help from The Blue Cross? Only animals owned by those on means-tested benefits or low incomes are eligible for treatment. To find out if you qualify for Blue Cross veterinary care, read our London hospitals leaflet (these qualification criteria apply to our outreach clinics, and the Blue Cross mobile veterinary clinic).

Is the service free? Treatment is provided free-of-charge, although a donation to help with costs is encouraged.

Do I need to book an appointment? All consultations are by appointment, except in an emergency. Please telephone first, but note that, although we are always there to help, calls may take some time to be answered.

What if I am housebound? The Blue Cross has an ambulance service to transport animals owned by housebound people to and from the London hospitals.

What if my animal needs emergency treatment outside working hours? An out-of-hours emergency service for eligible pet owners is provided at the Victoria and Grimsby animal hospitals.

Where is my nearest hospital? For contact details of our animal hospitals, please use the drop-down menu at the top of the site. If you do not qualify for treatment or are not living near one of our hospitals, visit our veterinary links for details of other animal welfare organisations such as the PDSA.

I'm not eligible, but can't I just pay for a consultation? There are restrictions on charities, so we cannot see private clients.