The Community Pet Support Scheme is an extension of LAA’s ethos of providing an offer of help, compassion, and kindness to those in need.
Our clients' pets are their friends, a source of support, a confidante, a conversation starter, and for many, a link to the outside world. They provide purpose, joy, and non-judgemental friendship.
The Scheme benefits both pets and their owners. It prevents well-loved animals from entering rescue unnecessarily, helps to prevent loneliness through regular visits from the Scheme's Animal Care Assistants and social events, and helps provide access wider support services. The CPSS has an award-winning team after being crowned Team of the Year at the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Charity Awards in 2024.
The short film below explores the difference that the Scheme makes to our clients' lives.
FAQs about the Community Pet Support Scheme
The Scheme currently operates in three districts of Leicestershire; Blaby, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston.
The Scheme provides free practical pet care at home for those with long term physical and/or mental health conditions who are finding some aspects of pet care difficult to manage.
Our aim is to help owners to care for their animal companions within their own home, to keep best friends together and to prevent animals with loving homes arriving in rehoming centres.
Please speak to our friendly and non-judgmental team by emailing cpss@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk or by calling 01455 888257 to find out more. All clients have individual care plans based on the needs of pet and owner.
Please note that the Scheme provides care for existing pets, it does not provide support with getting new pets.
Practical pet care is provided in the form of dog walking, grooming, support and transport for vet visits, helping with feeding and pet medication and temporary boarding when required, e.g. for a hospital visit.
Pet care is provided by our professional CPSS staff team who are part of the wider Leicester Animal Aid staff team. Clare is the Scheme's coordinator and a team of Animal Care Assistants (ACAs) provide practical pet care. This is mostly in the form of dog walking.
In 2024 the CPSS staff team was crowned Team of the Year at the annual Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Charity Awards. A truly prestigious accolade.
One or two ACAs are assigned to each client so that clients can build a trusting relationship with the person that is looking after their beloved pet.
All ACAs are fully background checked, trained and experienced in working with both animals and vulnerable people.
Clients can self-refer by calling the Centre and talking us through their situation and the help they need. Sometimes, clients are referred by a professional like a social worker or housing officer. You can find out more, and make a referral for someone (or yourself) from the above geographical area by calling the Centre on 01455 888257 or emailing cpss@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
