Community Care

As part of promoting responsible companion animal care, The Mayhew provides veterinary treatment or advice for those who may be homeless, or in an unstable financial situation.

The Animal Welfare Officers and vets from The Mayhew veterinary clinic attend various homeless shelters, including St Mungo's and Crisis at Christmas, in order to provide advice and health checks for animals. They will worm, deflea and microchip the animals, and also arrange appointments for free neutering at The Mayhew clinic.

The Mayhew also offers Pet Refuge opportunities for cat, dog, or rabbit owners, who find themselves in an emergency crisis situation and have no-one else to look after their pet. Pet refuge circumstances may be a fire at home, admission to a detox or an emergency hospital stay. Many older people will delay hospital appointments for the fear of what may happened to their beloved pet in their absence.

Mayhew staff additionally implement Pet Therapy visits with rescue animals from The Home. The beneficial health effect of animal interaction is well noted and Mayhew staff and volunteers visit care homes and children's hospital wards with some of the cats and dogs at the centre.

Mayhew cats have also been successfully rehomed at care homes for patients with dementia and alcohol rehabilitation centres.