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:
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 only accept medication from licensed practices, even if unopened. 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!
What do we do?
We provide free veterinary preventive care to homeless and vulnerably housed people in the Nottingham area. The service is staffed by veterinary students from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, supervised by qualified and experienced vets. 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 do not provide veterinary care for serious or long term health conditions – we simply do not have the facilities to do this. We also do not provide care for the general public, unless they fall within our eligibility criteria.
What should I do with my pet in case of an emergency?
We cannot deal with emergencies as our clinics are only held once a week, and we are not equipped to treat life threatening problems. We recommend all our clients are registered with a veterinary practice in case of emergency. 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.
Nottingham PDSA: Dunkirk Road, Dunkirk, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2PH. Tel: 0115 978 5787
What if my pet has an emergency related to treatment it has had at the Vets in the Community (ViC) Clinic?
Any treatment, including flea and worm treatment and vaccination, can have side effects. Whilst serious side effects are extremely rare, it is our responsibility to ensure you have access to veterinary care should this happen. As we are unable to provide a 24-hour service, emergency cover relating to side effects of treatment at the Vets in the Community clinic is available at the Nottingham PDSA in Dunkirk.
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 Hope Scheme. This will fund veterinary care for your dog (dogs only!). The local partner for the Hope Scheme is the PDSA. 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. If you need help registering with the Hope Project we will provide advice, or you can contact Dogs Trust directly below:
The Hope Project: [email protected], Tel: 020 7837 0006
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]
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 only accept medication from licensed practices, even if unopened. 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!
What do we do?
We provide free veterinary preventive care to homeless and vulnerably housed people in the Nottingham area. The service is staffed by veterinary students from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, supervised by qualified and experienced vets. 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 do not provide veterinary care for serious or long term health conditions – we simply do not have the facilities to do this. We also do not provide care for the general public, unless they fall within our eligibility criteria.
What should I do with my pet in case of an emergency?
We cannot deal with emergencies as our clinics are only held once a week, and we are not equipped to treat life threatening problems. We recommend all our clients are registered with a veterinary practice in case of emergency. 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.
Nottingham PDSA: Dunkirk Road, Dunkirk, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2PH. Tel: 0115 978 5787
What if my pet has an emergency related to treatment it has had at the Vets in the Community (ViC) Clinic?
Any treatment, including flea and worm treatment and vaccination, can have side effects. Whilst serious side effects are extremely rare, it is our responsibility to ensure you have access to veterinary care should this happen. As we are unable to provide a 24-hour service, emergency cover relating to side effects of treatment at the Vets in the Community clinic is available at the Nottingham PDSA in Dunkirk.
- If you are already eligible for PDSA services and registered, there is no cost to you, although 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.
- If you are not PDSA eligible, you can still be seen at the Nottingham PDSA for treatment of side effects relating to medications from the ViC clinic only. You will be charged at the concessionary rate for this treatment. For any other, unrelated emergencies, you will need to see a private vet.
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 Hope Scheme. This will fund veterinary care for your dog (dogs only!). The local partner for the Hope Scheme is the PDSA. 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. If you need help registering with the Hope Project we will provide advice, or you can contact Dogs Trust directly below:
The Hope Project: [email protected], Tel: 020 7837 0006
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]