Bournemouth PDSA announces closure after two years in town

PDSA, which is situated along Commercial Road in the town, will officially cease trading on Thursday, June 25.

Images obtained by the Echo reveal that the store, which opened its doors in the area back in 2024, is starting to unwind operations with some items being reduced to as low as 10p.

It is hoped that all donations will be sold before they permanently close later this month.

Any unsold items will be transferred to a sister branch in Plympton, over in neighbouring Devon.

Despite the closure of the Commercial Road branch, its other outlet in the Westbourne area of the town will remain open as normal.

While the reason for the closure has not been officially confirmed, it is understood that the shop’s lease may have played a significant role in the decision.

On Google, the charity shop has an average score of 3.8/5 from reviews, some of which are positive.

One reads: A warm welcome awaits at this lovely charity shop.

“Bright, friendly and generous staff working happily for a good cause with a wide range of attractive, well-priced pre-loved wares.

“Helping sick animals and the people who love them.”

The charity shop was founded in 1917 by Maria Dickin, who opened her first clinic in a cellar in Whitechapel, east London, offering free treatment to animals whose owners could not afford veterinary care.

Today, the PDSA is regarded as the UK’s leading veterinary charity, providing free and low-cost treatment for sick and injured pets belonging to people on low incomes.

Through a network of pet hospitals and community services, its teams treat thousands of animals each day, while also offering preventative care, advice and education on pet health and welfare.  

The charity’s mission remains rooted in its founding aim: ensuring no pet suffers simply because its owner cannot afford treatment.

At the time of writing, there are around 100 shops across the country, with some being based in Poole, Christchurch, Boscombe.