PDSA receives royal seal of approval
The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has been presented with the Queen’s Jubilee Volunteering Award, recognising the commitment to its volunteers and the vital contribution they make.
The PDSA is among 60 organisations to receive the honour, which was commissioned to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The winners of this prestigious award were announced in December 2012 by Buckingham Palace and the Cabinet Office.
Over 5,200 volunteers support the PDSA network, helping out at retail stores across the UK, assisting at the charity’s 50 PetAid hospitals and supporting community events to help raise PDSA’s profile, as well as generating vital funds.
The charity became the first to gain an Investing in Volunteers Award in 2007 and, in 2010, became a Duke of Edinburgh Award Approved Activity Provider.
Head of Volunteering at PDSA, Janet Compton, said the charity was “delighted” to receive the unique award.
She commented: “We feel honoured and privileged to have been chosen to receive this award by the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee year. It is testament to the hard work and achievements of our dedicated volunteers, without whom we simply could not help the hundreds of thousands of sick and injured pets we treat each year.
“This award also recognises how we manage our volunteers and the processes we have in place to support and encourage them. PDSA regards volunteering as a real partnership – in return for their time and enthusiasm, we ensure volunteers have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
