A STUDENT-LED veterinary clinic is helping to keep homeless pets healthy.
The University of Nottingham has established the practice at the Big Issue office in Carlton Road. It is open on the last Wednesday of every month.
As well as benefiting pet owners who cannot afford high fees, the initiative aims to provide veterinary students with practical experience.
Under the supervision of qualified staff, students carry out health checks and treatment and are responsible for the day-to-day management of the clinic.
Fourth-year veterinary student Rebecca Fallman is among those volunteering her time at the vet sessions, which were successfully piloted in November.
"People have already brought their animals back for follow-up injections, which shows that they have found us to be approachable while understanding the importance of health provisions," she said.
"The clinic has also given us the chance to improve our communication skills and appreciate the different bond that people have with their animals.
"This work is very rewarding. By providing simple advice and treatment, we have seen a visible difference in a short space of time."
The procedures students carry out at the clinic include treatment for simple conditions such as eye and ear infections.
Animals brought to the clinic will also receive preventive care, such as vaccinations and flea and worm treatment.
The project has received a £10,000 grant from the University of Nottingham's Cascade Fund, while the Dogs Trust has provided both logistical support and donations.
The Big Issue has provided a venue – a key factor in the project's success.
Holly O'Connor, East Midlands regional manager at the magazine, said the clinic has helped overcome barriers, including expense and paperwork, which have been known to put homeless people off accessing veterinary treatment in the past.
"For people who are rough-sleeping, the sense of protection and companionship they get from their animals is irreplaceable," she said.
"But Big Issue vendors often worry that they will be judged if their animal has something wrong with it or hasn't been treated properly for fleas or worms.
"When people come down to the clinic, they will see friendly faces and know that they will not be judged, which is why I think in recent months we have seen a big take-up at the clinic."
Since the pilot in November, seven vet clinic sessions have taken place at Big Issue offices.
More sessions will run on a regular basis in the future.
Jenny Stavisky, a research fellow in the University's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, is delighted the project has proved successful in developing organisational and communication skills.
She said: "The experience will also challenge students' preconceptions of what pet ownership is about and give them a different perspective on the human-animal bond."
