FAQs
Who is eligible to use the service?
Pet owners are eligible to use the service if they are homeless or vulnerably housed. A referral is needed from one of our partner services, who will confirm that you are eligible to use the service. This must be renewed every six months. Our partner services include:
- The Big Issue
- Framework Housing Association (including London Road and New Albion hostels)
- Emmanuel House
- The Friary
- Nottingham Recovery Network
- St Ann’s Advice Centre
- Women’s Aid Integrated Services
How can I donate?
Vets in the Community is run by volunteers and we depend on donations to keep our service up and running. The easiest way to do this is via our JustGiving page (click here). Alternatively, if you see us at an event we will happily accept cash donations, or cheques made payable to “Nottingham Students Union (Vets in the Community)”. Thank you, we really appreciate any support you can give!
We also accept donations of items such as collars, harnesses, blankets and unopened food. We can collect these locally or arrange a courier - if you have anything that you would like to donate, please get in touch via [email protected] - thank you!
We cannot accept medication, even if unopened.
What do we do?
We provide free veterinary preventive care to homeless and vulnerably housed people in the Nottingham area. Clinics are co-ordinated and staffed by vet students, supervised by fully qualified vets and veterinary nurses, who all have the relevant professional indemnity insurance. We offer health checks, flea and worm treatment, vaccines, microchips and treatment for minor ailments. We are also often able to distribute donated pet food, treats, blankets and accessories such as collars, leads and coats, depending on availability.
What don’t we do?
We cannot normally provide treatment for serious or long term conditions. We also do not provide care for the general public, unless they fall within our eligibility criteria.
Due the above, and because our clinics are only held once a week, we recommend our clients are registered with another first opinion practice. We will ask you about this when you come so that we can (with your permission) make sure we share your pet’s medical notes with other vets as needed, to ensure your pet gets the right treatment.
Many of our clients are eligible to use the PDSA (i.e. qualify for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Universal Credit) in which case we strongly recommend you register with them.
The PDSA eligibility criteria which can be found at
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/eligibility. If you are eligible for free treatment, you will be invited to give a donation to contribute to the cost of treating your pet. If you are eligible but not currently registered, you should take proof of eligibility with you.
What should I do with my pet in case of an emergency?
In an emergency, please contact:
Nottingham PDSA: 581 Radford Road, Nottingham, NG7 7EB
Tel: 0115 978 5787
What other options do I have for veterinary care?
In addition to the PDSA and ViC clinics, if you are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, you can choose to access the Dogs Trust Together Through Homelessness Scheme. This will fund veterinary care for your dog (dogs only!).
You can choose to register with the Hope Scheme and still use the ViC service. As above, if you use more than one service, it is important to make sure each vet you see knows, so that your pet can be given the right treatment. You can contact Dogs Trust directly below on 020 7833 7611 or [email protected]
I have more questions about the Vets in the Community service
If you have other questions, please do come in and see us. Our clinics are held each Wednesdays, from 1:30-4pm at Forest Rec and 1:30-3:45 at King Edwards Park, check out our clinic dates here. Alternatively, you can email us on: [email protected]
