Residents at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home at Seafield Road East will have even greater access to exceptional veterinary care. From November 2019 they will be partnering with Abercorn and Braid vets to provide medical treatment for the hundreds of stray and unwanted pets in the Home’s care.

The new partnership will support the Home’s ongoing work with abandoned animals, who often reach their doors with a variety of medical conditions. Illnesses and injuries that Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home treat can range from signs of neglect, such as skin, ear and dental problems, to those leading to more complex surgical procedures. All these procedures are funded by the generous support of the public.

Abercorn and Braid vets are both much respected practices within the Edinburgh community. Abercorn was established over 50 years ago with its main branch in Portobello (with further surgeries located in Raeburn Place, Stockbridge and Gilmerton) meaning the animals at the Home will have quick and easy access to exceptional medical care.

Braid Veterinary Hospital was the first veterinary hospital to be registered in Scotland by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has particular interests in the fields of veterinary surgery, dentistry, internal medicine and behavioural problems. Braid also offers 24-hour emergency care 365 days of the year.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has also announced the appointment of Dr Bridget O’Farrell as their first resident vet. It will be the first time in its 136 year history that the Home will have a vet on site. This exciting new development means the dogs and cats at the Home will have faster, more consistent and more convenient access to primary medical care.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, Deputy to the CEO and Director of Operations, at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said:

“As part of our work looking after such a large number of animals we have to send a number of our residents to the vets every week. This new partnership represents the community values that Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home works towards, putting the passion for quality care of dogs, cats and their owners at the forefront of what we do with quicker access to two of Edinburgh’s most respected veterinary practices.

“We’re very proud to be building this new relationship with Braids and Abercorn which offers an exciting next step in the work of the Home and allows for us to bring our own shelter veterinary partner onto the team. We’re thrilled to have Dr Bridget O’Farrell join our experienced and passionate team of animal experts.”

Victor Bates, Clinical Director at Abercorn Veterinary Clinics, said:

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with a much-loved Edinburgh institution that deals in the frontline care of dogs and cats. So many

of our patients over the years found a new start at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Ask any vet and being a part of an animal’s recovery is what makes us happy. We are looking forward to being connected to these stories, playing our part in helping animals start a new life and being involved in lots of individual journeys that illustrate hope.

“On a more personal level three of my dogs were born at the Home, and I’ve used the boarding facilities for over 25 years.”

Mark Holmes, Clinical Director at Braid Vets, said:

“The result of a successful relationship between two organisations can be greater than the sum of the parts. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been a well-known and successful charity in Edinburgh for almost 140 years, Braid Vets have been a part of Edinburgh for 50 years. I felt that the opportunity for both organisations to work together to improve both the health and welfare of Edinburgh’s less fortunate pets was too good to miss. For our part it’s hugely rewarding for our vets and nurses to work with, and help, some of the less fortunate patients and provides us with a caseload which is different and challenging.

“I’ve also just agreed to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats next year to raise funds for the Home – so that is personally exciting. More broadly we are looking forward to helping Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home continue its valuable work.”

Dr Bridget O’Farrell, Shelter Veterinary Partner at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said:

“I’m very excited to be working with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home as their first in-house vet. Providing primary care at the Home, alongside working in partnership with Abercorn and Braid, we deliver complete medical cover for the animals that find their way here.

“The Home’s dogs and cats are only put up for rehoming once they have been vet checked and have been vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. And I look forward to being an important step in their journey to finding a new forever home.”