Coronavirus Statement

20 March 2020

The welfare of our pet patients, clients, volunteers and staff remains our main priority and focus and we are following government guidelines closely. Despite our best efforts to keep our 48 Pet Hospitals running as normal, the pandemic is directly affecting our ability to provide our full range of services. Our hospitals are in the main having to restrict treatment to emergencies only and we have had no choice but to pause all non-essential services.

What we are experiencing is completely unprecedented and although we have robust plans in place, this ever evolving crisis around us will have a very significant and long lasting effect on our income, running into many millions of pounds.

In times of financial hardship and uncertainty, demand for our services increases; pets will still fall ill or be injured and need emergency, life-saving care.  More people than ever will now be plunged into financial difficulty as a result of this crisis and we want to be able to continue to do our utmost to be there to prevent pet suffering as a result of economic hardship – we are needed now more than ever.

We rely on the kindness of hundreds of thousands of people who support us every year - we receive no government funding and are supported by the generosity of the pet-loving public who donate to our cause but who now, will likely find themselves facing financial uncertainty. This means that the level of our ongoing services could be at risk.

We know that for many people, a pet may be their only companion in their life; their reason for getting up in a morning - a vital lifeline both physically and emotionally. Pets protect mental wellbeing and provide essential companionship for so many. As the UK is plunged into further isolation measures, the companionship of pets will be more important than ever.

We are exceptionally proud of how our teams are pulling together to ensure we can continue to save pets’ lives and be there for the people and pets who need us the most. These are undoubtedly very challenging times and we are incredibly grateful for any and all support that the pet loving public can give us. You can make a donation here.

Our service updates are all available on our website as well as advice and guidance to support pet owners during this crisis: www.pdsa.org.uk/coronavirus.