Too many pets are brought into the rescue centre at crisis point for the families and the animals. Thousands of animals are being routinely, and avoidably, euthanised across the UK at rescue centres and vets.
Rescue centres are only able to meet around 40% of demand for rescue spaces, with pet population predicted to expand further.
Owners cannot afford unexpected vet fees, or get on a vet’s books due to overdemand.
Owners don’t understand the vital importance of socialisation and training.
The Petmobile will support local pet owners to overcome the issues that risk a loved pet having to be brought into a rescue centre or put to sleep unnecessarily.
Our fully-adapted mobile unit will tour some of the most disadvantaged communities across Merseyside.
We will reach out to pet owners to offer support to tackle their problems before things reach a crisis point.
The Petmobile Van will have two Pet Welfare Advisers on board; a Registered Vet Nurse and qualified Behavioural Trainer. They will carry out asessments and produce achievable action plans and follow-up support.
We will deliver:
1. 1 to 1 consultations, education, sound advice, practical support
2. A non-judgemental approach to helping owners with their personal difficulties
3. Neutering vouchers, free microchipping, health/diet plan, flea and worm treatments, creative solutions such as short term dog-walking or foster
4. ‘Common sense’ behavioural training programmes and problem-solving techniques for use in the home
The overall scheme will cost £80,000 per year. We have a funding gap of £10,000 for the ERF.
With the fund we can:
Offer £350 towards one-off or unexpected vet fees to ensure the pet can stay at home
Offer up to £350 for 3 sessions with a qualified behaviourist to overcome overcome unwanted behaviours, at a reduced rate than could otherwise be available.
Recruit and support fosterers for emergency stays of up to 3 months at £200 each.
The fund will help responsible owners like Doris (not her real name), who was heartbroken last year when she had to give up her beloved dog when she went into hospital for an operation. With this Emergency Retention Fund, we can plan for such an event, with foster carers or temporary accommodation, so that owners like Doris can be reunited with their pet, thanks to the Fund.
We can help people facing personal crisis such as domestic abuse/relationship split, who need a short term solution to avoid a long-term separation from their pet.
1800 hard to reach pet owners in the community will be directly engaged and educated.
• Owners more easily reunited with a lost cat or dog due to free microchipping
• Reduction of stress and increased well-being for both animals and people
80 pet owners a year will keep their animal as a result of issues solved by financial assistance provided by the Emergency Retention Fund
Owners have a better experience of pet ownership, are motivated to keep their pets and understand and meet their needs
