Blue Cross is a national pet charity dedicated to helping sick, injured and homeless pets and we have been since 1897.

Blue Cross cares for more than 40,000 pets every year across 14 rehoming centres and rehoming and advice units and four animal hospitals – London Victoria, London Hammersmith, London Merton and Grimsby – but we know it’s not enough; there are many, many more out there who still desperately need us and we must be there for them.

The coronavirus has continued to severely challenge us, as it has with everyone, but we’ve also been able to see some really positive results through all the struggles, and we hope to continue to help as many pets as we can during these exceptionally difficult times.

The charity embodies five main areas; Rehoming, Veterinary, Education, Pet Bereavement and Behaviour Services.

Through our Rehoming services, we find new homes for abandoned or unwanted pets, like Tiggar. Tiggar is an abandoned cat who suffered terrible injuries after a car accident. He’s been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation through our Victoria Animal Hospital and after more than 250 days in foster care is finally ready to find a new home.

We believe pets change lives, so we do all we can to help change theirs.

At our animal hospitals, we care for poorly pets when their owners can’t afford private treatment and carry out routine veterinary checks as well as performing life-saving surgeries.

Covid-19 and lockdown meant that, like other veterinary practices, our hospitals began to operate on a strict emergency-only basis, providing lots of virtual consultations to concerned pet owners. During lockdown alone, our clinical teams carried out more than 8,392 remote consultations, of which 207 were by video call, which have been a lifeline to many clients and their pets

In addition to the charity’s rehoming and veterinary services, we have a team of expert animal behaviourists on hand across rehoming centres to work with the animals looking for new homes, making sure they are in the best state to join a new family. Blue Cross behaviourists offer free advice for pet owners who’ve rehomed an animal from one of our rehoming centres, throughout the pets’ life as well as helping pets with behavioural issues to have happy, healthy futures. During the coronavirus crisis, the behaviour team set up a behaviour phone line to allow for advice and tips for struggling pet owners.

Our vision is that every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home and we won’t rest until we achieve it.

Like many charities who depend on fundraising and shop income to fund much of its work we’re experiencing a significant decrease in income due to the coronavirus. Whilst operational cost savings and government support through retail and furloughing grants have made up much of this shortfall, we still anticipate ending 2020 with a shortfall of several million pounds. In response, we launched an Emergency Appeal and have been overwhelmed by the generosity of animal lovers.

The Emergency Appeal can be found here: www.bluecross.org.uk/coronavirus-press-appeal

• Blue Cross is a registered charity and relies on the support of animal lovers to continue its vital work. To find out more, make a donation or see pets in need of a loving home visit www.bluecross.org.uk.
• Abandoned or unwanted, ill or injured, pets turn to us for help every year. Our doors are always open to them, and with your support, they always will be.
• Each year, thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses turn to our animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and to find them the happy homes they deserve. Pets Change Lives. We Change Theirs.
• For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk