As a practice we understand that it can be difficult for pet owners to be able to afford their pet’s veterinary treatment, which is why we are able to offer several services to help with those costs.
We work closely with several different charities whos aim is to help those in need and we can offer schemes to help those on low income or means tested benefits.
The Schemes we offer are:
- Blue Cross Scheme
- Dogs Trust Hope Project
- Cats Protection Neutering Vouchers
- Precious Paws Neutering Vouchers
- PDSA
Further information about these schemes can be found below.
Blue Cross Scheme
We are part of the Blue Cross Scheme as a Pet Care Clinic and provide veterinary treatment for sick and injured pets, when their owners are unable to afford private veterinary fees.
The scheme is available for those who receive certain means-tested benefits and live within the York catchment area. If you are, please phone the surgery on 01904 782033 or visit the Blue Cross website at https://www.bluecross.org.uk/register-at-our-pet-care-clinics
You can also phone Blue Cross on 0300 777 1998
Blue Cross are a charitable scheme who are dependant on donations only. Although you will have to pay a registration fee of £55.00 (January 2024), which will cover you for 12 months worth of veterinary treatment, you will be asked to contribute a donation towards the treatment at every visit.
You are allowed up to 2 pets per household, but will have to pay two separate registration fees. As the scheme will only cover you up to 12 months worth of veterinary treatment, you will need to renew this every year. Please note, Blue cross will not send out reminders.
If you are eligible for the scheme and your pet needs treatment you will need to register with Blue Cross and receive a confirmation email before you bring your pet to the surgery for treatment. If you have not registered beforehand you will have to pay full cost.
If you are unable to register online, you can phone the surgery on 01904 782033 and arrange an appointment to register within the practice, please note, you will need to bring proof of your benefits and pay the registration fee.
If your pet is in need of urgent treatment and requires an emergency appointment, please phone the surgery and we can arrange an emergency registration.
Dogs Trust Hope Project
We are partnered with Dogs Trust to help support dog owners who are experiencing homelessness with free veterinary care.
If you are experincing homelessness and you live in the UK, Dogs trust hope project will cover 100% of the cost of all veterinary treatment. This includes all preventative treatment, as well as most essential and emergency treatment your dog may need.
If you are already getting support through a participating homelessness service, they are able to apply for you.
If not, you can contact Dogs Trust directly on 020 7833 7611, email them on hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk or visit their website to register at
https://www.dogstrusthopeproject.org.uk/help-with-vet-care/how-to-access-help-with-vet-care
The scheme is limited to two pets per owner and you will also need to get confirmation of your housing situation from someone who is supporting you, this may be an email from your support worker or a copy of a letter from your housing officer.
Cats Protection Neutering Vouchers
We have worked closely with Cats Protection York Branch for a number of years and they are able to offer help towards neutering your cats.
The neutering scheme is availble for those who are in receipt of tax credits or benefits, you may also qualify if you are a full time student or retirement and are receiving pension.
Cats protection will be able to supply you with a voucher to cover a percentage of the neutering costs and there is no limit to the number of cats per household.
For more information, please phone our reception on 01904 782033 or call Cats Protection on 01904 760356.
Alternatively, you can visit the Cats Protection website for further information at https://www.cats.org.uk/york
Precious Paws Cat Rescue York
Founded in May 2021, they are a relatively new charity, created by several volunteers with years worth of experience, offering fostering and help towards neutering of domestic and stray cats in the North Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
PDSA
We are partnered with PDSA through their Pet Care Scheme, who offer finacial help towards those who are receiving benefits.
It is a monthly payment scheme to help pay towards veterinary treatment for cats and dogs. PDSA will pay 20% of your veterinary costs.
To qualify for the scheme you must live within the York catchment area and be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Means-tested support with Council tax
- Universal Credit
Once you have joined on to the Pet Care Scheme, you will receive:
- One veterinary consultation
- One vaccination or booster every year, including a health check
- 20% discount off veterinary treatment
- Access to PDSA helpline – 24/7 pet care advice
- 15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance
- A quarterly newsletter packed with useful pet health advice
To apply on to the scheme, please visit the eligibilty checker on the PDSA website https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/our-services/pdsa-petcare or phone PDSA on 0800 917 2509.
Alternatively, you can speak to one of our receptionists on 01904 782033 for help or advice.