Homeless Hostel Opens Pet Clinic
Homeless hostel offers free veterinary services for residents with pets. A homeless hostel has become the first in Edinburgh to offer veterinary services free of charge for their residents with pets.
The Dunedin Harbour Hostel in Leith, Edinburgh, is opening a clinic at least once a month for two hours at a time. A vet from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies will offer advice and administer necessary treatment, supported by veterinary students.
The clinic is funded by a £5000 bequest from the late Vida Howie, a local resident who wanted the money to be used for the treatment of animals belonging to homeless people in Edinburgh, as well as a £3500 donation from the Pet Plan Charitables Trust.
The funding will last for eighteen months, after which it is hoped further funding will be secured to continue the clinic.
Unlike most hostels in Edinburgh, Dunedin Harbour Hostel does not require residents to give up their animals on admission. The only other to allow pets is the Castlecliff Hostel, and the clinic will be extended there next month.
James Brown, a resident of Dunedin Harbour Hostel, said: “it's great having the vet here because you can see him right away rather than taking a 45 minute bus journey to the nearest vets.”
Dr Andrew Gardiner, who runs the clinic, added: “Most of the animals are healthy, happy and well cared-for, so the emphasis is on preventative medicine, basic care and – especially – behavioural advice.”