Following our announcement last week about expanding our services in the community, we are teaming up with Tesco to run a series of Pet Aid roadshows, the first of their kind, across Scotland.
Taking place at eight Tesco stores throughout September and October, we will host events at stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Thurso, Ayr, Oban, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness from 12pm until 7pm.
The roadshows will provide practical advice and information on a range of animal welfare issues. People who visit will have the rare opportunity to talk directly to experts from a number of our teams, including inspectors and vets. We are particularly keen to meet people who own animals and are worried about looking after them. Purina are also supporting the roadshows by donating pet food which we will be able to hand out to people in urgent need on the day.
The roadshows are part of Pet Aid, our service to help animals and pet owners experiencing poverty or financial difficulties. Since launching in August 2022, Pet Aid has grown to work with 52 food banks and community larders in 18 local authority areas across Scotland. We aim to double the number of Pet Aid partners to over 100 by the end of 2024.
Pet Aid is also expanding to improve access to veterinary care for animals who desperately need it, in part thanks to a £240,000 grant from the Pets at Home Foundation to help fund this over the next three years.
The launch of the roadshows, and growth of Pet Aid, form a key part of our strategy to increase community outreach services across the whole of Scotland and make it easier for animals and people to get the support they need.
Scottish SPCA director of innovation and strategic relations, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, said:
“Rising costs, particularly vet bills, are one of the main reasons people are struggling to afford the appropriate care for their pet.
“People are cutting back on essential care for their pet because of financial issues, and we don’t want that to lead to serious animal welfare issues. With 88% of people reporting that the cost of caring for an animal has gone up, this is a widespread problem. That’s why our inspectors and veterinary teams will be on-hand to provide information on a wide range of subjects and keep people right on looking after their much-loved companion.”
“We’d encourage anyone to come along who owns a pet, or knows someone who owns a pet, and would benefit from a chat to the experts.”
“It is fantastic to have the support of Tesco to deliver these events, and we are grateful to Purina for their generous donation of pet food.”
Carole Inglis, Head of Product, Tesco Bank, said; “We know pets are an important member of the family and it’s vital they’re given the protection they deserve. Although we’re a nation of pet lovers, in the current economic climate, it can sometimes feel overwhelming making sure your furry friend is happy and healthy.
“By teaming up with Scottish SPCA we’re proud to help promote responsible pet ownership and to provide support with caring for pets to those who need it.”
Car retailer Arnold Clark has donated a van for the Pet Aid team to use. Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director, said: "We are delighted to support SSPCA and the work they carry out.
"At Arnold Clark, we strongly believe in thinking beyond our company and giving back to the communities we serve and support.
"We’re therefore thrilled to support the charity as they continue to help people across the country with their Pet Aid initiative."
At the event, our team will be able to offer advice to anyone who comes along but will be unable to examine any animals. The events will be drop-in, but people should leave their pets at home when they come along.
Whilst the roadshows will focus on giving advice to people about pets, our rehoming and fostering team will be at each event to offer advice on opening up a home to a rescue animal. They will be joined by the education team, who will be on-hand to tell visitors about Animal WISE, our free education programme.
More information on the Scottish SPCA roadshows can be found here: bit.ly/3sG7DCT
Anyone who is in need of advice or support can call our free animal helpline in confidence on 03000 999 999.
