Veterinary Support Scheme (V.S.S)

Dogs and cats with known medical conditions face an uphill struggle when it comes to adoption. Sadly, these animals are often the ones most in need. Potential new owners can be put off by the worry and expense of managing an ongoing medical condition. 

Leicester Animal Aid's Veterinary Support Scheme pays the veterinary costs for dogs and cats that leave the Centre with a known medical condition and provides ongoing support and advice. Finding a home of their own is good for any animal’s well-being and we often see an improvement in the physical condition of these animals when the right home is found. 

How does the Scheme work?

The Scheme currently helps around 25 dogs and cats. Foster carers provide permanent homes for the animals, while LAA continues to pay for ongoing veterinary treatment for their particular condition. Dogs or cats who are registered onto the Veterinary Support Scheme receive their veterinary treatment via our Tuesday morning Vet Consult, which takes place here at LAA.

All animals are different but there are some common conditions that are shared by V.S.S. animals. With cats, urinary issues like cystitis are common, as is hyperthyroidism. For cats with renal issues, a special diet is needed and bladder scans are often required. With dogs, joint pain and joint repairs, and skin irritations are common conditions. Issues with eyes and ears are prevalent in both cats and dogs and, in addition to treatments and medications, animals often require blood tests and regular checkups to stay well.  

Bertie, a miniature poodle, came into the Centre as both of his owners passed away and he had no one to care for him. Bertie had a number of health issues, the most serious being a grade 5 heart murmur. However, he quickly found a new forever family and you can see his journey, and how the Scheme supported him, in the lovely clip below.

Funding the Veterinary Support Scheme

It costs thousands of pounds every year to look after the dogs and cats on the Veterinary Support Scheme. The money is largely spent on managing ongoing conditions, but, from time to time, the Scheme also funds operations like mass removals, eye surgery and knee repairs. We rely on the generosity of our local community to help support these animals. 

• £50 (cat) or £55 (dog) could pay for a check-up and essential vaccinations
• £60 could buy hypoallergenic dog food to last a sensitive dog up to 3 months
• £80 could pay for steroids and other treatments for a dog with a skin allergy for 2-3 months
• £150 could pay for treatment for a dog with epilepsy for 2-3 months
• £150 could also pay for medication for a dog with joint pain for 2-3 months
• £200 could pay for ear flushing for a dog in discomfort
• £300-£400 could pay for essential dental treatment for an animal 

You can make a donation directly to the Veterinary Support Scheme online via our Just Giving Campaign page