Community Advice Hubs were launched by the Scottish SPCA as a way of offering support for people and their pets.
An STV film crew attended the Scottish SPCA Community Advice Hub at the Phoenix Centre in Dumbarton on Friday October 31 in order to highlight the vital support that is available to struggling pet owners during the cost-of-living crisis.
On hand to offer advice at the Dumbarton Hub was Scottish SPCA Animal Behaviourist Joanne Vasey, Community Engagement Manager Jade Ramsay-Kerr Community Vet Team Anna Gray and David Smith.
Helping owners and their furry companions stay healthy, safe and together
The Community Advice Hubs are held monthly across the country and are part of the Scottish SPCA’s ‘Community First’ prevention approach, which is helping owners and their furry companions stay healthy, safe and together. The Hubs offer a lifeline and accessible support to people where it’s needed – right in the heart of their community.
Pet owners, who are struggling financially, are able to pick up free pet food through the Scottish SPCA’s Pet Aid initiative, receive a basic health check for their animal from the Pet Aid Community Veterinary Clinic and get behaviour advice from an expert.
The Scottish SPCA also partners with organisations like Citizens Advice Scotland, SAMH and Simon Community Scotland who are able to offer related advice and support.
The story of Star
As well as speaking to those at the Hub, the STV clip will also feature the story of Star – a young pooch who attended a Community Advice Hub for a simple nail trim. The team spotted a worrying limp and discovered it was from a pre-existing break. An X-ray revealed that the old leg break required amputation – with owner Anne-Marie agreeing it was the right thing to do as Star had been tired and unable to play since the injury.
As a result of Pet Aid support, Star has now recovered, adapted to having three legs, and is now pain-free, playful and a happy pup again.
Jennie Macdonald, Head of Adoption, Fostering and Community Engagement, said: “Our goal at the Scottish SPCA is to keep pets and their owners together when it’s right to do so. Earlier this year, we launched our Community Advice Hubs to provide wraparound support for Scotland’s communities, offering services such as health checks, behaviour advice, and pet food assistance.
No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and their pet
“The cost-of-living crisis has put many families under pressure, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and their pet. We’ve seen a significant rise in calls to relinquish pets due to financial hardship, and behind every struggling animal is often a struggling person. That’s why we work with partners like SAMH and Citizens Advice Scotland to ensure support is available in as many ways as possible.”
The piece will air on Thursday December 11 at 8.30am on STV.
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