Free health checks for pets owned by homeless

An animal charity that offers free health checks for pets owned by homeless and vulnerable people has launched an appeal for funds.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home (BCDH) runs the pet care and advice clinics twice a month through its Together Project.

The clinics offer people the chance to have their companions seen by a qualified vet or veterinary nurse free of charge.

"With the rising costs of vet bills there is a small population of people who can't access the much needed services and obviously the animals are still unwell and need preventative care," said veterinary nurse Nicola Chouler.

"What we are doing here is making sure the animals are as well as possible and providing their owners with the peace of mind that their pets are happy and safe."

The price of a visit to the vet has risen over recent years, with the average trip now costing about £400.

BCDH's main role is to rehome cats and dogs, but the Together Project aims to keep pets with their owners even if they become homeless.

"These animals are so well cared for and they're with their owners constantly and are arguably better cared for than some housed animals," said Ms Chouler.

Ms Chouler said the majority of cases they treat are basic infections but the team had recently seen an increase in the amount of cats and dogs coming in with complex medical problems.

BCDH has now launched an appeal to raise money that will allow it to deal with harder to treat conditions and rehabilitate animals so they can be safely rehomed.

"The best bit is seeing an animal that has really touched my heart as we've got them better going home with their new families," said veterinary nurse Michaela Taylor.

"It's the best feeling and is why I do what I do."

BCDH said it has no set target for the appeal and any contribution is appreciated, with all funds raised going towards the free clinics.