Independent vet group to fundraise for rescue dog charity
The NSARDA works to train members of the public and their dogs to become search and rescue teams.
Pennard Vets, an independent veterinary group in Kent, has set its sights on raising funds for the National Search And Rescue Dog Association (NSARDA).
The group’s veterinary team is planning fundraising events for at least the next 12 months, with the goal of raising over £2,500 for their local branch.
The NSARDA works to train members of the public and their dogs to become qualified search and rescue teams. Once trained, these teams are able to assist with searching for people who are missing, trapped, stranded and even deceased.
The charity works with search dog associations across the UK, including Kent Search and Rescue.
Kent Search and Rescue works with local emergency services to find high risk and vulnerable missing persons, where there is often a threat to life.
Pennard Vets has eight practices across Kent, including Maidstone, Langley Park and Sevenoaks. In 2021, it became the largest practice group in the world to transfer into employee ownership, within an employee ownership trust (EOT).
All 155 employees are now owners and stakeholders in the business, and voted to choose NSARDA as their charity for at least 12 months.
Imogen Birch, from Pennard Vets, said: “NSARDA do amazing work and because everyone at Pennard Vets loves anything with four legs, voting them as our chosen charity was an easy thing to do. The charity also hosted several members of our team at a recent training day, which gave us the opportunity to see first-hand how they work and the difference they make.”
“We all came away feeling reassured that we have such a dedicated team of search professionals in Kent. We’re now organising all types of events to support them, including a bake sale, a CaniCross run, which is a sponsored run with a dog, and lots of fun games and competitions.
“The way that our entire team is embracing the challenge is fantastic to see.”
Stuart Kenny, chairman of the NSARDA, said: “We’re entirely self-reliant and dependent on fundraising to train new volunteers and provide equipment to our team.
“It typically costs £2,500 to kit out a dog team with safety equipment, radios, specialist clothing and training, so we’re delighted to now have the support of Pennard Vets, which will make a big difference and help to make Kent a safer place for everyone.”
Images © NSARDA
