ON behalf of leading vet charity, PDSA, which has a pet hospital in Bournemouth I would like to say a huge thank you to people in this area who are players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Support from players over the past year has enabled us to make huge strides in improving pet welfare across the country.

We have received over £600,000 which is helping deliver vital treatment and education programmes in our pet hospitals as well as out in local communities and schools. This is equipping the next generation of pet owners with the skills and knowledge they need, and will make a huge difference to many animals’ lives.

PDSA research has revealed that millions of pets are suffering in silence, not through lack of love, but because many owners don’t fully understand what their animals need to be healthy and happy. We are working hard to change this, and thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we have already achieved a great deal, including:

  • Educating a record 60,000 school children in 12 months with interactive pet wellbeing workshops.
  • Providing 6,000 free pet health checks both through our Pet Check tours and special programmes at a number of our Pet Hospitals.
  • Reaching 140,000 pet owners through regular live Facebook Q&A and advice sessions with a PDSA vet.

Our work is making a huge difference but there is still so much to do. Prevention really is better than cure and at PDSA that philosophy is brought to life every day.

Thousands of the cases we see at our pet hospitals could be easily prevented by vaccinations, neutering or flea and worming treatments. We need more people to realise the dangers of putting their pets at risk and help ensure their animals are up-to-date with all their vaccinations and other preventive treatments.

Over £66 million has been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery for good causes since launching in 2008 – an incredible achievement. On behalf of us here at PDSA and all the pets we treat, well done and thank you.

Vicki Larkham

PDSA Veterinary Campaigns Manager