Ever wanted to know more about the work of StreetVet? Purina recently announced a programme of support for this great charity, including therapeutic and maintenance petfood for pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness.
You can listen to a podcast discussion with Jade Statt, StreetVet Co-founder and Libby Sheridan Veterinary Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina Petcare and find out how, together, the vet and pet care professions are making a difference:
Listen here:
Watch here:
Key messages on the podcast
| 2.22 Jade talks about the impact of pet ownership on those experiencing homelessness. 7.53 A discussion of the challenges of feeding and nutrition for the pets supported by StreetVet. 13.09 How pets can be helped and details of two cases that are being managed by StreetVet, including a diabetic dog. 17.01 How Purina and StreetVet are working together. 22.07 Benefits to veterinary professionals who volunteer with StreetVet. |
Homelessness increasing
Homelessness in the UK rose by 14% in 20231 and StreetVet estimates that demand for its services has increased by over 300% which the charity attributes to challenges around cost of living and other economic factors.
Jade admitted that the charity is now helping people who never imagined they would have become homeless, “What many people forget is that those experiencing homelessness have often owned the pet prior to becoming homeless and the pet is a link to a happier time in their lives. By keeping their pet, they often cannot get access to hostel accommodation, as less than 10%2 accept pets and rejecting a hostel place on this basis often means they are considered to be ‘voluntarily or intentionally homeless’. In turn that means they often can’t access healthcare, benefits, or other programmes available in the hostel environment.”
Supporting StreetVet’s work
StreetVet has won Purina’s Better with Pets prize twice, receiving over £70,000 of funding. The prize was established in 2018 and aims to fund organisations that create positive change through the power of the pet-human bond. They first won the award in 2021 to help establish the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme, enabling more hostels to become pet-friendly. The 2023 prize was awarded to support the charity’s veterinary services in the face of demand.
Jade has also been highlighting that the Better with Pets prize provides a structured mentoring and networking programme which helps founders to grow and develop their charity, “As part of the programme you get a mentor and take part in group sessions, which helps you to take a different perspective and think strategically about the decisions you want to make moving forwards.”
As well as still talking to her programme mentor, Jade was able to connect with charity founders around the world and, as a result, StreetVet is now being approached by many of them to discuss whether a similar scheme could work in their countries, with the potential to bring about positive change internationally.
Harriet Morley, Purina’s Specialist Channel Director for the Northern Region, explains that this is a key part of the Better with Pets programme, which is really valued by start up and growing charities and reflects Purina’s commitment, not just to supporting short term needs, but also bringing about lasting change for the benefit of all.
Interested in doing your bit?
“Volunteering and giving back is incredibly gratifying but it’s more than that…you’re able to just be a vet or a nurse helping a pet and their human. People tell us it helps them remember why they wanted to do the job in the first place.” Jade Statt, StreetVet Co-founder
With Purina’s support, StreetVet hopes to open two more outreach locations in 2024 and your help for just a few hours every month, will make all the difference:
Find out more here: https://www.streetvet.co.uk/volunteer/
Interested in learning more about nutrition while also supporting StreetVet? Sign up for a Purina Roadshow at one of six UK venues for 6.5 hours of practical CPD focusing on nutrition and a free lunch – your registration and attendance earns £10 for StreetVet!
References
- Shelter, 2023. https://england.shelter.org.uk/media/press_release/at_least_309000_people_homeless_in_england_today.
- Dog’s Trust Hope Project and Homeless Link Statistic.