Pets 'so important' for homeless

A charity that helps homeless people care for their pets says the animals often provide the "only thing in their life that gives them any stability".

Free veterinary treatment is provided to people struggling to access care for their animals by StreetVet volunteers.

One pet owner, at an outreach centre in Penzance, Cornwall, said he did not know what he would have done without the charity. StreetVet Cornwall also has outreach clinics in Truro, Falmouth, Redruth, St Austell and Newquay.

Charity chief executive Zoe Abbott said pets were often "security" and "friends" for people experiencing homelessness.

"For our clients, their pets are so important," said Abbott.

She said the charity was often challenged over whether homeless people should own pets, but many animals had entered homelessness alongside their owners.

She said: "Why should they give that up when everything else has fallen apart?

"It's the only thing in their life that gives them any stability," she added.

The charity relies on volunteer vets and nurses to deliver care through the clinics.

Among those recently receiving help in Penzance was Paul, who attended the clinic with his dog Fury.

He said StreetVet's support had been invaluable after he spent almost a month sleeping in a car with two dogs.

"I couldn't afford to buy any more of my spaniel's heart medication," he said.

"Once the help kicked in, there's just nothing they won't do for you."

He said the charity had provided food, parasite treatments and veterinary care.

"I don't know what I would have done without their help."

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