In addition to the help offered , the admin team at Head Office actively reaches out when specific items are needed . Companies donate products , time and food , which can make a big difference to the lives of the pets . An example was the lifetime ' s worth of medication provided by a drug company for a beautiful Mastiff with a long-term heart condition .
StreetVet is currently facing a shortage of volunteers in the face of high demand , so I ’ d appeal to other veterinary professionals to spare a few hours here and there to support the charity , if they can . Aside from the sense of reward that comes from helping others , you ’ ll make new friends and enrich your skills , which will also benefit your career and practice .
I ’ ve learnt so much by spending time with StreetVet ’ s clients and caring for their pets . I ’ ve probably gained as much from the experience as I ’ ve contributed , and highly recommend it to other vet nurses .
StreetVet also has an Amazon list , which is a popular and easy way for the public to contribute items like bedding , toys , water bowls and reflective jackets . Specific items are also donated , such as the replacement harness provided for a dog called Bullseye in Cambridge .
Volunteering with StreetVet is hugely rewarding but it does come with challenges . It can be upsetting to hear how people came to their way of life , often not by choice but through unfortunate circumstances . You can ’ t help but feel frustrated at the lack of support for young people who live on the streets , or for homeless war veterans who , having served our country , now only have the companionship of a dog .
Spending time with homeless clients is an emotional experience : it ’ s humbling and puts your own life into perspective . They genuinely value the time you spend with them as , sadly , they ’ re used to people just walking past and ignoring them . They don ’ t expect you to provide care in the way that clients in practice would . Their appreciation and the positive effect your time and skills can have on their life , and that of their pet , is hugely rewarding .
Even though you ’ re aware of the need to maintain a professional distance , it ’ s hard not to care deeply about the welfare of the clients and their animals . You get to know them all and , if you hear they ’ re ill and in hospital or they ’ re not in their usual place for whatever reason , you worry and find yourself on the lookout for them .
Get involved
Visit
www . streetvet . co . uk or scan the QR code to register your interest , or visit the social media pages of your local team for more information .
6 Veterinary Nursing Journal