Animals in need across Derbyshire set to benefit from £700,000

The donation will come from Pets at Home and its charity Support Adoption For Pets and will be split between rescue centres and animal charities falling into financial hardship and struggling to cope as a result of covid-19.

The emergency funds are part of the ‘VIP Lifelines’ scheme.

Each charity within the scheme will receive an additional £400 on top of what their supporting VIP members have already raised for them to be spent in-store on essential food products to help feed the animals in their care during this extremely difficult time.

Support Adoption For Pets charity manager, Amy Angus, said: “We know how much animals in Derbyshire are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and we want to provide every bit of support we can.

“Rescues and charities in Derbyshire are falling under hard times and now more than ever need our help. In the past few days alone we’ve been inundated with reports of rescues closing, stopping re-homing and taking pets in, volunteers self-isolating and struggling to fundraise at this critical time, and it’s vital we offer support now more than ever.

“Our charity team is working hard contacting rescues in the region which are eligible for a grant, and the VIP Lifelines vouchers donated to charities in the area will go some way to helping provide essential food for animals.”

Many rescue centres have fallen into financial distress due to the cancellation of fundraising events, the closure of public and retail spaces, the impact of reduced footfall and staffing and reduced donations from the wider public, as supporters are forced to review their own finances.

Pets at Home CEO Peter Pritchard said: “Times are extremely difficult and it is our duty and social responsibility to help where we can. We are trying to navigate these uncertain and changing times, and our priority continues to be the wellbeing of our colleagues, customers and of course, our pets.”

To donate online to help more pets in need during this difficult time, visit www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk/support-us/donate.