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As a result of the recession, we’ve seen a marked increase in horses, cats, dogs and small animals being made homeless due to financial reasons. If you can give one of these animals a home, take a look at our animals for adoption pages.
Many of us are feeling the impact of the recession, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. The Blue Cross has a number of ways to help you and your pets through these difficult financial times. Read how we can help you with our vet clinics, veterinary care fund and animal adoption centres. We've also got a range of tips for coping with costs of pets, and a reminder on how you too can help pets in need. The Blue Cross can help you and your pets An important issue here is that when a pet is abandoned and we don't know anything about their background they end up staying with us far longer because they need extra assessments, obviously a huge demand on our already stretched resources. We therefore ask pet owners who might be struggling financially to talk to us before doing anything, there may even be ways we can help them keep their pet. You can also use the drop box at the top of this page to find your nearest Blue Cross vet. Animal charities across the country are feeling the effects of the recession and The Blue Cross is no exception, but we are focusing on the positives and how we can help. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, or simply wonder how to cut costs when it comes to your pets, then read on. Veterinary assistance
Sometimes those vet fees can add up too quickly. We recommend that you insure your pet against illness or injury, as a small cost now could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds in the future to cover life-saving treatment for your pet (but do read the small print, as there will be an excess to pay). If you do get caught out without insurance, you may be eligible for help from The Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund. This fund is available to people who would not otherwise be able to afford vet care because they are on means tested benefits or the state retirement pension with no other source of income. Or your pet may be eligible for treatment at one of our hospitals or clinics if you live locally. or get in touch with our hospitals or clinics to see if you’re eligible. Our London hospitals also run mobile vet clinics, ambulance services and community vet nurses for those who are unable to reach the hospitals. Find our more at mobile vet clinics, ambulance services and community nurses.
Animal adoption centres
Giving up a beloved pet is a last resort, but if you can no longer afford to look after your pet, it is a wise one. If you can't find a friend or family member who could take on your pet, contact one of our adoption centres to see if they can help find them a secure future. We can take in your pets and ensure they have the best treatment with us while we search for a loving new home. If you feel that you may have to give up your pet, please contact your nearest Blue Cross adoption centre.
Top tips on coping with the recession for pet owners Be preventative, not reactive: - Be realistic - if you can't afford to give your pet everything he needs, seek help before he starts to suffer
- do neuter your pets – if your pet has a litter of six puppies, that’s six extra mouths to feed. Also, there is not the demand for pets now that there was a year ago, so you may have trouble finding homes for the offspring. Find out if you’re eligible to get your pet neutered at a Blue Cross hospital or clinic. Neutering your pet also helps to prevent health problems in later years.
- vaccinate your pets. It is best to do this at a young age to prevent life-threatening and expensive-to-treat illnesses such as parvovirus.
- before getting a new pet, do a budget. Can you really afford it? Remember that small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs are often cheaper to look after than dogs, cats or horses.
- make sure you have pet insurance – if your pet gets ill or hurt, this will save you a lot of money in the long run and could make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Remember to read the small print as you there will be the cost of excess involved.
Cost savers: - it's true that dried food is often cheaper than wet food, but it's important for you to know that a sudden change in your pets diet can be highly dangerous to your pets health. If you are thinking of changing your pet's diet to a cheaper one, please talk to your vet first to get advice.
- buying in bulk could work out cheaper
- join online discussions and forums – our website, allaboutpets.org.uk has a forum on how to fight the credit crunch
- don’t buy new toys – make them. We have ideas on www.allaboutpets.org.uk.
- someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure. For example, don’t throw out that old cardboard box – make it into a bed or play space for your cat
- horse owner? We have a range of credit crunch winter tips for horse owners.
You can help too... Remember that it’s not only us that can help – so can you: - simply follow our tips above to ensure your pet doesn’t feel the crunch
- if you’re looking to get a new pet (and you’re sure you can afford one), then look no further than our adoption centres. We have horses, dogs, cats and small animals like rabbits and hamsters, all who need and deserve a second chance of a loving home. View our animals for adoption.
- if you have any change to spare, then we’d love your donation. No matter how small, your donation will help us prevent pets feeling the crunch. To make a donation, visit our Donate page.
- if you have spare time, take part in a fundraising event or volunteer at The Blue Cross. A helping hand is always appreciated!
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