Purina and RSPCA Partnership: Helping Owners in Need
More than £90,000 of veterinary treatments have already been provided to owners in need thanks to an innovative partnership between the RSPCA and petcare company Purina.
The ‘Better Together Fund’: Supporting Owners Through the Cost-of-Living Crisis
The charity’s frontline inspectorate and Purina have teamed up to help struggling owners through the cost-of-living crisis.
The ‘Better Together Fund’ – which formally launched in October last year – enables RSPCA officers to issue pet care vouchers to members of the public for specific urgent veterinary and pet care treatments, thanks to generous funding from Purina. Those in receipt of vouchers are identified by RSPCA officers as they respond to welfare concerns and complaints.
Addressing Animal Welfare Challenges
The cost of living crisis is one of the single biggest challenges for animal welfare right now – but the RSPCA believes their work with Purina is “helping to keep family pets in loving homes”.
Providing Crucial Support to Pet Owners
The vouchers funded by the Better Together Fund have been offered out by the charity’s inspectorate groups to pet owners right across England and Wales
Vouchers are provided directly to pet owners by RSPCA officers, helping them to pay for urgent vet and other treatments, which they otherwise couldn’t afford or which, in some cases, might lead to the pet eventually having to be rehomed.
Concerns Amidst Economic Uncertainty
Purina’s continued support for pet owners most in need comes as the RSPCA’s new Animal Kindness Index reveals widespread concern among pet owners amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
The Index found that 81% of pet owners say it has become more expensive to look after their pets, while almost one third (30%) of owners are worried about being able to care for their pets properly amidst a high cost of living.
Wide Reach and Impact
The vouchers funded by the Better Together Fund have been offered out by the charity’s inspectorate groups to pet owners right across England and Wales – with those in South Wales, Devon and Cornwall, and West Mercia in receipt of the most funding and support so far.
Top ten regions in receipt of most voucher funding from the scheme:
Making a Real Difference – Testimonial
Calum Macrae, Managing Director for Purina in the UK, added, “We are delighted to be able to continue our support for the RSPCA by taking the Better Together Fund into its second year.
“We know how precious the pet human bond can be and want to help keep as many pets as possible happy, healthy, and with their loving owners, even during these incredibly tough times.”
Success Stories
One success story involves a heavily matted dog with long claws seen by RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon in Hampshire. The dog’s elderly and vulnerable owners were struggling financially. They knew their pet would need to be sedated to be groomed, but couldn’t afford it.
Fortunately, with the help of the Purina-funded vouchers, the dog received proper care and was returned to its owners.
Continued Support and Impact
Support from Purina is set to continue – with the pet food company committing almost £150,000 to the scheme in total so far, meaning hundreds more pets are set to benefit.
Funding provided by Purina has already helped 1085 pets – including 705 dogs and 380 cats.
Purina’s Perspective
Calum Macrae, Managing Director for Purina in the UK, added, “We are delighted to be able to continue our support for the RSPCA by taking the Better Together Fund into its second year.
“We know how precious the pet human bond can be and want to help keep as many pets as possible happy, healthy, and with their loving owners, even during these incredibly tough times.”
Multiple Initiatives to Support Pet Owners
The partnership with the RSPCA is one of a number of measures Purina has in place to help owners who might be struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.
In addition to the Better Together Fund, this support includes regular monthly donations of at least two pallets of pet food to food banks and community support hubs through Fareshare.
Pet owners can also visit a dedicated Owners Support Hub on our website for expert advice on many topics from behavior and nutrition to minimizing unexpected vet bills, as well as everyday hints and tips to keep pets as healthy and happy as possible.
Struggling owners are also urged to visit the RSPCA’s dedicated cost of living web pages to find out what help and support is available in their area.
Conclusion
The partnership between Purina and the RSPCA is making a significant impact by providing crucial support to pet owners in need. The Better Together Fund has already helped thousands of pets receive the necessary veterinary treatments, ensuring they can remain in loving homes. With continued funding and support, this partnership aims to alleviate the challenges faced by pet owners during the cost-of-living crisis.
Note: This is a guest post by Purina.