Gloucester StreetVet

We launched StreetVet in Gloucester in March 2019. The team is made up of over 20 vet and vet nurse volunteers, working in close partnership with Gloucester City Mission (who do loads to help people in the homeless community here). As well as the 24/7 provision that we always offer for emergencies (many thanks to Wood Vet group and SPA Vets, who support us in that and with procedures that can’t be done on the streets, like neutering and lump removals), we also have a weekly drop-in clinic and do regular outreaches on the streets of Gloucester. In that way, we maximise the chances that our clients know where to find us when they need help, as well as us finding newly homeless pet owners on the streets.

We’ve been able to provide many of our patients with essential food, collars, leads, coats, flea/worm prevention, vaccinations, poo bags and portable bowls, etc… Also, we’ve treated all sorts of veterinary problems from skin disease to lameness, lump removals to gastrointestinal disease, and conjunctivitis to anal gland abscesses!

We are lucky to have the support of Wood Veterinary Centre, SPA Vets, CAS Vets, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Teckels Animal Sanctuaries and Noah’s Ark Pet Care. This support has been crucial in helping animals get the care they need, when they need it, as well as getting pets somewhere safe to stay when clients need hospital admissions.

We are constantly learning about the many needs within the homeless community here, and the team are committed to helping in any way we can for both owners and their pets. We are delighted to have been able to help several of our clients to access local hostels and other temporary accommodations WITH their pets, rather than continuing to sleep rough. We network with local homeless charities and agencies, with whom we advocate for our humans. It is our dream that one day no one should have to choose between giving up their pet to take up a place in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough to remain with their pet.

If you would like to help support StreetVet Gloucester and our patients’ needs, we would be very grateful. You can get to our Amazon wishlist here, where you will find what we need locally right now.

Thank you for all your support so far.

The Team

Tim
Tim

Hi I’m Tim. I qualified as a vet from Bristol Vet School in 2001. I’ve always had a heart for the homeless, but didn’t really know how I could be of much help to them. I heard about StreetVet in 2018, loved the idea and really wanted to get involved. Within weeks I found myself tasked with setting up StreetVet Gloucester and becoming the Team Lead! With only Jordan and I to begin with, it was great to see how many other vets and nurses were quick to volunteer their time too. Big thanks to Jade for all her support from the beginning.

I’ve loved getting to know the people and animals of the homeless community in Gloucester, and I’m honoured to be able to help them in a really practical and ongoing way.

In my free time (most of which is taken up shepherding my 2 kids!) I love films, live music, cooking and camping.
Susan
Susan

Having qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1994, I have spent over 20 years working in small animal practice and animal shelters. I now use my experience in a teaching role, training the next generation of VN's. When we moved to Gloucester in 2017, once we were settled, I was keen to look for local volunteering opportunities. Once I heard about StreetVet, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to use my skills and help out. We hadn't lived in a City before and I had noticed many homeless people around the town centre. To support these vulnerable individuals keep and look after their pets with the rest of the StreetVet team is very rewarding. The human-animal bond is a powerful one and these people clearly benefit from the love of their pets.
Julia
Julia

Hello, I qualified as a vet nurse in 2005 with Bristol University following years as a ‘Saturday girl’ at my local mixed practice vets. After spending most of my career in emergency veterinary medicine, I retrained as a paramedic with my local ambulance service. I now spend my time looking after my family, and working part time within both roles.
In recent years I have been looking for a way to give back to my community, and hearing about StreetVet felt like a perfect way to help both animals and people in need. Regularly at work I see how the power of love from an animal can heal, and how a pet will love unconditionally given the chance. I feel this beautiful relationship deserves support.
Laura
Laura

I graduated from Bristol in 2000 and spent my time mainly in small animal practices in the UK and a stint as a locum in New Zealand.

I have taken a break from clinical work while the kids are young and work part-time in industry. In January I met Jade at a conference. (Streetvet had a stand opposite ours). I had been watching the work of Streetvet in the veterinary papers with interest. When I made enquiries I was delighted to learn that Tim was in the process of setting up a new Streetvet in Gloucester - serendipity. I really enjoy using my skills to give back to the community whilst exercising my clinical skills. Thanks Streetvet!

I have a gorgeous elderly scruffy terrier and a wicked black and white cat.
Ann
Ann

I am a vet working in a mixed practice in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire. I qualified from Liverpool University in 1990 and have worked in mixed practice since then. I obtained my IVAS certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture in 1998. I love my job, working with people and animals and never knowing what each day will bring.

Owning a pet has been shown to be of great benefit to the emotional and mental wellbeing of all of us. So when people become homeless, being able to keep their pet, and keeping that pet happy and healthy is hugely important to them and StreetVet can help them do this. As soon as I heard about StreetVet, I knew it was something I would like to be involved with, and having joined the team, I am encouraged by how much our care and service has helped and supported both the animals and their owners in so many ways.
Mae
Mae

I am a vet who works in small animal practice. I have spent a huge portion of my life volunteering helping both animals and humans. I was a part of an animal rescue organisation that helped rescue animals after natural disasters such as hurricanes. Growing up, I volunteered heavily at my local animal shelter, helping stray and abandoned dogs find their loving homes.

I remain very passionate about the human-animal bond and know how an animal helps heal the soul and keeps your world together. When the opportunity arose to join StreetVet Gloucester and help some of the most vulnerable people and their lovely animals, there was no hesitation.

I am privileged to be able to help.

In my spare time I normally am out hiking and camping with my dog or I'm training in the gym.
Cliff
Cliff

I qualified as a vet in 1983 and have spent my entire career in either mixed or small animal practice. I have been a practice owner since 1995 and have a particular interest in dermatology, taking a postgraduate qualification in the same year.

I have found helping at the clinic or on the streets a humbling experience. The clincher for me was hearing that if I could use my skills to keep a homeless person's pet healthy, then they would likely stay off the drugs, the drink or whatever and feel able to move to a better place. It has also taught me to be less judgemental and more open-minded to the plight of the disadvantaged. I'm on a journey too!