A CENTURY OF HELPING PETS!

This year marks the one-hundred-year centenary of PDSA!

For those who aren’t familiar, Peoples Dispensary for Sick animals is an organisation aimed to give support and help to sick animals. The charity was founded in 1917 in East London by Maria Elisabeth Dickin who strived to improve the care and status of animals in society.

Maria Elisabeth Dickens efforts and legacy is one of bravery, courage, and determination. She wanted to open branches not only in London where she was, but everywhere possible. A quote from Dickin herself from the organisation leaflet:

‘I must have dispensaries throughout the whole of the east of London … no, throughout the whole of London. Then I became very bold- why not throughout England – then the British Isles – the British Empire?’

Her aspirations were large, and it is fair to say she achieved plenty! She opened PDSA branches not only in England, but continents away in Egypt and South Africa as well as Palestine!

In an interview with a volunteer in one of the branches, they mentioned that one of the main reasons they offered to volunteer was because their own pet was unwell, and they were not able to afford health care for it. This is one of the many cases where PDSA has been beneficial and showed its importance in everyday lives. ‘I enjoy working here’ they continued, ‘and ‘it really does give back to the community’.

The local community in these areas help and support by donating items to be purchased, the money goes towards aid for sick pets. Also, donations of money are another way of showing support but also simply spending time to volunteer is a way some others like to contribute to the effort.

Other services the organisation provides are,

• 48 Pet hospitals, with 320 veterinary surgeons and a 680-member nursing team

• Veterinary treatment - at least 2.7 million veterinary treatments given in PDSA hospitals!

• Overall pet treatment – an amazing 430 000 pets are helped each year!

The organisation for a hundred years has achieved plenty and it shows. They claim to have helped one hundred million free treatments to 20 million pets. Isn’t that an achievement!

If you know some-one having a hard time taking care of their pet or a pet in need, now you know where to go.

Carlotta Johnson, City and Islington College