Struggling pet owners offered free support and advice at RSPCA event

The RSCPA held a community event in Burnley to offer free support and vital advice to pet owners affected by the cost of living crisis.

Almost 80 pet owners attended the event hosted by the RSPCA Pet Food Bank Partnership (North) at Valley Street Community Centre, in Valley Street, who work as a charity partner with Burnley Football In the Community Partnership.

Pet owners who use local food banks were invited along and provided with free flea and worm treatment for their animals, and given welfare guidance and vouchers to help with further vet care or neutering.

Community Paws Pet Food Bank event in Burnley (Image: RSPCA)

Of the 77 pets seen at the event:

• 73 pets were supplied with pet food

• 74 pets were given essential provisions including leads, coats, collars, grooming equipment, litter and trays and toys

• 71 owners were give general advice regarding pet care,

• 37 pets health checked

• 30 pets provided with flea and worm treatment,

• 27 pet owners were provided with financial support for further veterinary care

A mobile vet clinic manned by vets from the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital attended the event to give immediate veterinary care and advice.

Free ‘Paws Packs’ were also distributed in person which contained a variety of vital pet provisions including food, leads, collars, toys and grooming kits.

RSPCA national Pet Food Bank lead, Alison Fletcher said: “The cost of living crisis poses a greater threat than ever before to owners and their pets.

“Our Pet Food Bank Partnership provides food, veterinary support and runs community events like this one in Burnley to support loving pet owners to retain ownership of their pets during times of financial hardship.

“The RSPCA wants to do everything it can to help keep people and their pets together and if some people need assistance we are keen to do what we can to help.

“We will be running a number of these events up and down the country. This event was really well supported and we helped provide support and assistance for 77 pet owners who have been struggling due to the economic climate.”

The RSPCA event was organised after a recent survey (Kindness Index) carried out by the RSPCA indicated 70 per cent of pet owners are worried about the cost of caring for their pets.

The scheme, which is also running in Wales, is due to be rolled out across the country to develop the framework of support nationally over the coming months.

Emmy Dickinson, one of the community coordinators of the event said: “It was a fantastic event with lots of people and pets attending and we got some great feedback from those who were invited.

“We know too well there are a lot of people struggling at the moment and through our community grocery food bank work we often get asked for help with caring for their pets so this was perfect.”