Blue Cross widens catchment area and offers microchipping

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Southampton's West End has widened its catchment area to cope with the demand to rehome animals. The charity is also holding microchipping days for pets.

The catchment area for new adopters will now include Lymington, Bournemouth, Wimborne  Minster as well as Southampton. The charity has seen an increase in the number of visitors, and as a result has found a way to welcome more prospective pet owners from the new catchment area while reducing stress to the animals in its care. Adopters will now have dogs brought to them having told staff about what kind of animals they would like, rather then looking around the kennels alone, which can distress dogs unnecessarily. Other Blue Cross centres already work this way with great success. On June 29 the adoption centre is holding a microchipping day and will charge the cost price of £15 to microchip an animal.

Centre manager Kellie Brooks said: We are really pleased that there is enough demand for rescue animals for us to extend our catchment area. We look forward to welcoming all the people who may never have visited us before. The microchipping day will allow pet owners to come and have their animals safely and permanently microchipped for only £15, which is cost price. The Blue Cross recommends microchipping cats and dogs so they can be easily reunited with their owners if they get lost.

Pet owners should contact the centre to book an appointment for the microchipping day to reduce waiting times. All animals leave The Blue Cross having been microchipped, vaccinated and neutered and come with six weeks free pet insurance.

Anyone who would like more information should visit The Blue Cross in Bubb Lane, West End, Southampton, Hants SO30 2HL or call 02380 692 894.

Media contact: Susan Crown
Direct line: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781 637

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Photos of all animals available on request.