Blue Cross Pets

Pets in need are priority during the pandemic

Blue Cross Bromsgrove has continued to help sick, abandoned and homeless pets throughout the pandemic.

The team at the centre in Catshill helped 420 cats, dogs and small animals in 2020 and so far in 2021 have helped more than 20 pets to find new homes.

The pandemic has meant changes to the way the team operates with checks, appointments and meets with potential owners and pets carried out virtually using video calls.

Many more pets have been taken into the care of the charity’s volunteer foster carers as social distancing has meant smaller teams being able to be on site at the centre on Wildmoor Lane.

The charity is aware that many people are looking to take on a new pet this year and urges them to consider rehoming from a rescue charity like Blue Cross, which rehomes cats, dogs and small animals including rabbits and guinea pigs. Demand for pets remains strong and it advises people to continue to look on the website for all the pets who are looking for new homes:

www.bluecross.org.uk

Blue Cross would always advise people who are looking to take on a pet to do their research and make sure they can provide the care needed for the lifetime of that pet. There is lots of advice on the website on different breeds and species and their needs.

The charity can also help people who may be struggling with a pet and need advice and support and can refer you to an animal behaviourist.

If you’re unable to continue to care for your pet, they will do all they can to provide help and support for you and find a new home for them.

Blue Cross offers a pet bereavement support service for those who are going through the loss of a pet. This can also help people who are struggling with being parted from a pet, perhaps they have had to rehome a pet and found this particularly difficult, or their pet is missing. The charity offers confidential support through its helpline 0800 096 6606 or via email at pbssmail@ bluecross.org.uk

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities with Blue Cross then contact the centre as it is often looking to take on new foster carers for pets. You can also help pets by making a donation or buying an item from the Amazon wish list. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/ bromsgrove for more information.