New charity veterinary clinic to open in Pollards Hill

The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, is to open a new veterinary clinic in Pollards Hill in the borough of Merton to help the pets of people who cannot afford private veterinary fees.

The clinic will be a sister operation to The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton. It will open on 9 May 2006, at Pollards Hill Community Centre, on South Lodge Avenue CR4 1LW. People can contact the clinic through the Merton hospital, but the clinic will run on a first come, first served basis with no appointments necessary. It will open between 2.30 and 4pm on Tuesdays only, and will initially only be for eligible pet owners living within the Pollards Hill ward.

Chief veterinary surgeon at the Merton hospital, Caroline Reay, said: The Blue Cross will be opening this clinic to pet owners in south London who cannot afford private veterinary fees. It will be a valuable community resource, and we look forward to meeting lots of pets and their owners.

Pet owners will have to provide proof of their eligibility for the service, such as receipt of a means tested state benefit, a state pension with no other income, or a provable low income. Pets will receive basic veterinary care at the clinic, but more complicated procedures or tests will be referred to the Merton or Victoria hospitals where pets will also be eligible for treatment. Pet owners will be asked to make a donation of whatever they can afford towards the cost of the treatment.

Anyone who requires more information can contact the Merton Blue Cross hospital on 020 8254 1400, or visit 88-92 Merton High Street, London, SW19 1BD.

Media contact: Su Crown
Direct line: 02079324066
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.