YMCA Cheltenham has recently been awarded pet-friendly accreditation by National charity StreetVet as a part of the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme. With only 10% of UK hostel projects currently accepting pets, and fewer than 7% of pet owners experiencing homelessness willing to give up their dog in exchange for accommodation, the scheme aims to eliminate this stark disadvantage. Through the training and support provided by the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme, hostels can now become well-equipped to welcome pet-owning residents, with the hope that eventually anyone can find accommodation without having to part with their four-legged companions. As a new partner of the scheme, YMCA Cheltenham benefits from StreetVet’s wraparound support which includes hostel staff training, provision of pet essentials, telemedicine triage service, pet boarding, veterinary diagnostics and surgery and pet transport plus much more.
Dave Kinghorn Head of Operations says,
“YMCA see the potential value in being able to home someone with their pet and are pleased to be able to work with StreetVet to make this happen as well as Gloucester City Council. Our first resident with a dog who have been together for circa 15 years have such a strong bond and it is great to see them being kept together through this difficult time.”
StreetVet Hostel Manager Laura Sayer says,
“We’re so pleased to be welcoming YMCA Cheltenham to the growing list of StreetVet accredited hostels. Choosing between keeping a beloved pet, and securing housing, is a decision nobody should have to face, and we hope that with more hostels following YMCA Cheltenham’s lead, adopting pet-friendly policies, fewer will have to.”
To find out more about StreetVet and their crucial work in communities click here https://www.streetvet.co.uk/
