Blue Cross volunteer vet hits the streets to help pets of London’s homeless

Street vet top image

Pets belonging to London's homeless community are getting a health boost thanks to a volunteer Blue Cross vet. 

 

Jade Statt wanted to help the pets on London’s streets and Blue Cross provides her with pain relief medication, antibiotics and preventative treatment - including flea and worm protection. Pets she treats are registered as Blue Cross patients and referred to our Victoria animal hospital if any further vet care is needed.

street vet checks Lola's tummy
Lola relaxes while Jade gives her a health check

Gary Spall and his dog Lola sell the Big Issue on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Neal Street in Covent Garden. Jade checks on Lola as part of her regular rounds and offers pain relief to help her arthritis.

Gary is devoted to Lola and said: “I don't know what I'd do without her. It'd break me if I ever lost her”. 

Jade also microchips pets to improve the chances of them being reunited with their owners if they become lost. Microchipping dogs is now compulsory by law and owners can risky a heavy fine if their pet is not microchipped. 

Mark Bossley, Chief Vet at Blue Cross Victoria in central London, said: “We are delighted to support Jade in helping the pets of homeless people in London.

Princessa and her owner

"Many of these owners would struggle to otherwise get their pet treated and when Jade approached us we were more than happy to help. This new scheme adds to our existing outreach services in the capital which includes mobile clinics and animal ambulances.”

Jade Statt was inspired by hairdresser Josh Coombes who began the #dosomethingfornothing campaign 18 months ago by giving homeless people a make-over for free. Jade accompanies Josh around London’s streets and while the homeless person gets a trim she checks over their pet.

At Blue Cross animal hospitals and pet care clinics, we offer free veterinary treatment for pets whose owners are on means-tested benefits or are homeless and would not otherwise be able to get their pet treated.

— Page last updated 21/12/2021