Scotland is facing crisis levels of ‘pet poverty’, according to figures released today by PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need.
The charity – which provides free and low cost vet care for those who struggle to pay treatment costs for their sick and injured pets – said the financial impact of Covid-19 has led to an overwhelming number of enquiries from pet owners who have hit hard times since the start of lockdown.
More than 66,000 pets in Scotland have benefited from PDSA’s free and low-cost vet care since the initial Covid-19 lockdown began.
Susie Hermit, Senior Vet at the PDSA Pet Hospital on Shamrock Street in Glasgow, said: “From March to September this year, PDSA hospitals and clinics in Scotland carried out 62,873 remote consultations, 1,078 essential and emergency operations and 2,519 x-rays for pets whose owners can no longer afford vet’s fees. It’s clear we’re experiencing the start of a pet welfare crisis, as a result of Covid-19.
“For many sick and injured pets, whose owners are struggling financially, the PDSA Pet Hospitals in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are their only emergency service.”
Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, added: “This Winter, we’re facing the biggest challenge in our history. We’re experiencing unprecedented demand for our services.
“During this time, pets have become more important than ever for so many people – providing companionship and comfort and alleviating isolation. But the financial impact of the pandemic is starting to bite. No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. And no pet should suffer because of poverty.
“I’ve not known a pet care crisis like it in the 19 years I’ve been at PDSA. Without charitable support from the public, our PDSA Pet Hospitals in Scotland may not be able to meet this additional demand for our services.”
PDSA is launching a Pet Care Crisis Emergency Appeal to raise vital funds so it can continue to care for pets whose owners now find themselves unable to pay for vet treatment.
Susie stressed: “We never want to be in a position where we can’t be there for pets that need us; whether that’s today, tomorrow or in the future. Sadly, pets will continue to fall ill or get injured throughout this Coronavirus crisis and many owners will be in desperate need of our help due to changes in their financial circumstances.
“2020 has been a hard year for everyone and the pandemic has impacted on all our lives, but innocent pets shouldn’t suffer as a result of their owner’s hardship. I know that Scotland is a country of pet lovers and I hope people will support PDSA’s Emergency Appeal so that together we can reduce the impact of pet poverty caused by the pandemic.”
For more information on PDSA and the pet care crisis, please visit:
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