StreetVet UK

Fast Facts for Volunteers

StreetVet UK

Location: Outreaches operate in 16 UK locations, from Brighton to Glasgow Languages Spoken: English Species Treated: 85% dogs, some cats and other pets Type of Organisation: Registered Charity Aims of Organisation: StreetVet provides veterinary assistance to homeless pet owners in many cities around the UK. Their weekly outreach clinics sees Vets and Vet Nurses hitting the pavement to offer free check-ups, veterinary advice and pet supplies to owners who would otherwise not have access to veterinary care. Types of Volunteers Accepted: –Veterinary Professionals: Vets and nurses are the backbone of the organisation, and are needed to participate in outreach clinics. You must be fully qualified and registered in the UK to take part. – Students and Non-vets: Non-clinical roles are available for volunteers at some Streetvet branches or remotely. Find out more details below. Research Links: None currently Funding: The charity is self-funded through donations and fund-raising activities. There are no fees for volunteers.

Introduction

In 2019, there were over 4000 people sleeping rough in the streets of the UK every night. And while charities exist to help homeless individuals who are in need of food or medical attention, there is only one that is there for the care of the four-legged companions that are by their sides at the toughest of times.

It was with some apprehension that I approached the Glasgow StreetVet team on a summer’s evening in 2019. I had walked the streets of Glasgow many times, with friends, going shopping or out to dinner- but in the past, I’d walked straight past the rough sleepers that I saw. I’m ashamed to say I was afraid to engage with them or even acknowledge their presence, with or without pets. But with StreetVet leading the way, that was what I was there to do.

I met the friendly Glasgow team at a soup kitchen, where they introduced me to the group, and got to work outlining the plan of action for the evening. I’d be accompanying a small team of vets and soup-kitchen volunteers on foot, taking meals to some regular attendees, and checking over any pets that needed it at the same time. Soon, with our backpacks on and our wheelie trolley of hot meals trundling behind, we were off along the cobble-stone streets towards the city centre.

My experience with StreetVet was nothing less than incredible.

Accompanied by my jovial and experienced companions, we engaged with over a dozen rough sleepers in the centre of Glasgow. While the soup kitchen volunteers offered free meals, my StreetVet compatriots offered conversation- chatting about dogs, and the weather, and everything in between. Some people seemed to really enjoy the companionship, and some just wanted a hot meal- and that was ok. Some people had pets, who ran to greet the StreetVets with tails wagging. One man had a puppy, which he proudly showed off, grinning ear to ear as we explained the pup had a healthy heartbeat, and handed out some toys and puppy wormer. We met one person who was unwell and told us she needed help- and our soup-kitchen companion sat patiently and listened while she shared her story, and they discussed how best to assist her in her situation.

For me, I experienced the streets of Glasgow in a whole new, and unforgettable light. We were there for the pets, but more than that, we were there for the people. Getting a glimpse into the lives of the rough sleepers of Glasgow means that, for me, I’ll never again turn my head away from homelessness. And as a human, as well as a vet, I think that absolutely vital.

Background of StreetVet

StreetVet was founded by Veterinarians Jade Statt and Sam Joseph in 2017. Both Jade and Sam had been struck by the plight of the homeless people that they’d met, and particularly those who were sleeping rough with their pets.

They found that the charities that already existed to assist low income earners with veterinary care, were often not accessible to everyone who needed help. Homeless individuals were often prevented from attending these charity clinics due to lack of transport, social anxiety, fear of judgement or concerns of being asked for money that they did not have. And with a pet in tow, it can be much harder for rough sleepers to find suitable accommodation and employment to get back on their feet- leaving homeless pet owners at a particular disadvantage.

So Jade and Sam found a way to take the veterinary care directly to those who needed it. What began as a few individuals carrying a stethoscope and backpack of worming tablets around London, has now grown to a UK-wide network of veterinary professionals, who are responsible for the veterinary care of over 1000 animals. StreetVet also works in partnership with a number of other organisations, including homeless shelters, soup kitchens, static veterinary clinics and emergency veterinary centres, to ensure that veterinary services can be as accessible as possible, even for emergency treatments and surgical conditions.

Facilities

As it says in the name, StreetVet outreaches take place in the streets. Veterinary teams walk pre-planned routes through the city, or set up at a regular outdoor location. The charity does however work closely with local veterinary hospitals and emergency centres. They ensure that their patients have access to medical and surgical interventions when required, as well as boarding kennels if necessary.

Volunteer Roles

Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses

Qualified veterinary professionals are vital to the success of the charity, and participate directly in outreaches. Vet and nurse volunteers are expected to attend at least one outreach per month, where they will join a team walking a pre-arranged route around the city, speaking with homeless individuals that are known to the charity, examining animals and arranging veterinary treatment where necessary. Some outreaches take place in a static location, where homeless people are invited to engage with volunteers and speak about animal health.

Read my interview with Juliet, a volunteer with StreetVet Bristol, to hear more about what its really like to experience an outreach. (coming soon)

Students and Non-Veterinary Professionals

While non-veterinary professionals cannot participate directly in outreach programs, you can still make a difference for the people they support. StreetVet is often looking for volunteers willing to take on administrative, event organisation and fundraising roles. Contact StreetVet via email to find out how your skills could be applied to help them.

Practical Information

Accommodation

StreetVet does not have its own facilities. Volunteers will need to have their own accommodation and transport to reach the outreach meeting points.

Working Hours

Working hours vary between teams. Generally, StreetVet runs their community outreach programs on a weekly basis, either on a weekend morning or in an evening after 5pm.

Outreaches may last around two to three hours. Volunteers are asked to attend at least one outreach per month as a minimum commitment, and more often if possible. Some hours can count as CPD with RCVS.

Equipment

Generally, volunteers do not need to bring their own veterinary examination equipment. However carrying a pen, paper and stethoscope may be handy. Do ensure that you dress for the weather conditions, and you wear shoes appropriate for walking.

Safety

Volunteering on the street can be unpredictable. However StreetVet does all they can to keep volunteers feeling safe and comfortable during outreaches. Volunteers always work in teams with experienced team leaders, and walk pre-planned, regular routes. The majority of the homeless people that they engage with are already known to the charity, and the StreetVets are treated with respect amongst homeless communities. Volunteers would never be asked to step into an unsafe situation, and any aggressive or threatening behaviour is not tolerated.

Location

Each StreetVet team operates from a different location. Its best to get in touch with your closest branch to find out how to get involved.

Currently, outreaches run in 16 locations around the UK: London, Bournemouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Cornwall, Glasgow, Gloucester, Lincoln, Norwich, Peterborough, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Swansea

Further Information

Want to know what its really like to hit the streets with StreetVet? Read the interview with Juliet, an experienced vet who is a team leader with StreetVet Bristol.

Do you think you’d like to become a volunteer, or want more information on how to get involved? Reach out to StreetVet via their website or facebook page.

If you’d like to read about other charities that are looking for volunteers, head on back to the Volunteer Page.