All4Paws will offer basic treatment and behaviour advice
Veterinary students have launched a free treatment and advice service for pets belonging to homeless people in Edinburgh.
Run by students at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the All4Paws clinic will offer basic treatments to people living in the city without a permanent home.
They will also be offered advice to help them better manage their pet’s behaviour.
Biana Tamini, a fourth year student at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “We hope to provide those who have very few options for their pets with the best care possible.
“At the moment there are hardly any services in Edinburgh that support the pets of those that are homeless, but they deserve the same veterinary care and attention as any others.”
Under the guidance of qualified vets, the students will offer vaccines, flea, tick and worm medications free of charge.
Owners will also be encouraged to sign up for the Dogs Trust Hope Scheme, which provides microchips and free spaying and neutering.
Furthermore, All4Paws will also provide animals’ basic supplies such as winter coats, collars, leashes, toys, bed and food.
Dr Andrew Gardiner, senior clinical lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: “We’ve offered a limited veterinary service for companion animals within several Edinburgh hostels since 2008, but the students’ initiative is more ambitious and allows the opportunity to give more in depth care and advice when it is needed.”
Image (C) University of Edinburgh
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
