"By collaborating and combining services we can reach many more people in crisis." - Chris Burghes, Blue Cross.

Charities to collaborate in expanding services across UK.

The Blue Cross and the Scottish SPCA have announced plans to work in partnership moving forward in order to provide better support for people and pets in need.

The two charities have launched a joint research study with the University of Edinburgh to identify new methods of reaching pet owners in remote, minority or vulnerable communities.

This research will then inform new strategies that utilise both organisations' unique services and specialist knowledge to help pet owners that are struggling financially or have difficulty accessing animal welfare services such as veterinary care.

Blue Cross CEO, Chris Burghes, said: “By collaborating and combining services we can reach many more people in crisis who, through no fault of their own, need support in ensuring their companions are healthy and happy.

“One long term goal at Blue Cross is to ensure we can help those most in need and as we plan to expand our services across the UK, we very much look forward to working with the Scottish SPCA to help more people in Scotland and their pets.”

One key area where the charities will collaborating is in connecting their fostering networks to enable more pets across borders to benefit from both the organisations’ resources and welfare expertise.

They will also be looking to expand the Blue Cross' behavioural advice service and improve on-site accommodation at the Scottish SPCA for puppies rescued from the illegal puppy trade.

Scottish SPCA chief executive, Kirsteen Campbell said: “There’s so much shared DNA between Blue Cross and the Scottish SPCA and we have a fantastic opportunity here to make best use of our collective expertise, be ambitious and make a difference to the lives of people and their pets across Scotland.”