Mobile vet scheme offers lifeline to homeless and their pets

Street Paws offers monthly help for people living on the street's pets Credit: MEN Syndication

A mobile vet clinic has launched in Manchester city centre to help homeless people treat their dogs.

Volunteers at the Street Paws charity know that for people living on the streets a dog can be a lifeline, with many rather sleeping rough than being parted from their pets.Once a month a team of vets and vet nurses offer free checks, food and treats to any animals sleeping rough.

It also allows their owners to discuss any other concerns they might have about their pets.

Michelle Southern, founder of Street Paws, said much of their work is built on trust between owners and volunteers.

At first many homeless people are wary for fear their dog is taken away from them.

Street Paws have now teamed up with the PDSA to provide a monthly mobile vet clinic in Manchester city centre.

It means the Street Paws volunteers are able to carry out veterinary care in the PDSA’s treatment bus.

General health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming treatments can all be provided in the mini-mobile vet clinic.

Many homeless people opt to sleep rough to keep their pets Credit: MEN Syndication

Food, treats and even little coats to keep dogs warm are also on offer for those in need.

The first owner and dog the team come across in Piccadilly Gardens is a 20-week old Staffie cross called Delilah. The dog and her owner, who asked not to be named, are well known faces to the Street Paws team.

It turns out Delilah had been missing for two weeks and had turned up at Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home. The team are pleased to hear she’s been reunited with her owner.

The 32-year-old woman waits while Delilah has her second round of vaccinations as well as a general check with the vet.

Street Paws has launched in Manchester City centre Credit: MEN Syndication

The vet says Delilah is in good health and gives her a little coat and a new lead.

Katja Londa, a practising vet in Saddleworth, has volunteered with the PDSA for many years.

“They are definitely well looked after these dogs,” says Katja.

Katja and the team check the dogs' eyes, ears, teeth and chests.Particular attention goes on their paws because they spend so much time walking.

Another dog-owner on Oxford Road says his Staffie Pepper gives him a reason to get up in the morning.

The man, who had been homeless for four years, said:

The man is given some packets of food for Pepper after having a chat with Katja about his condition.

The Street Paws don’t find many dog-owners on their round of the city centre tonight.

One of the biggest challenges is reaching dogs and their owners,” says Katja.

Not all dog owners want help. One man with another Staffie on Market Street doesn’t want to speak to the team.

But then another man who has recently come off the streets and secured a home stops to speak to the team about getting support for his cat.

They exchange details and advise the man brings his cat along to their clinic at the Booth Centre on the first Friday of every month.

  • The Street Paws and PDSA mobile clinic opens at 5pm on the first Tuesday of every month, starting in Piccadilly Gardens. The Street Paws team also go to the Booth Centre, Pimblett Street on the first Friday morning of every month.

  • To find out more visit www.streetpaws.co.uk or e-mail streetpaws.northeast@yahoo.com