CVS announces StreetVet as its charity of the year

A CHARITY which provides free veterinary care to the pets of homeless people across the UK is to benefit from a fundraising drive by CVS. StreetVet has been voted the group’s Charity of the Year after a nationwide poll of CVS employees and donations will be collected over the coming year. CVS practices will have ‘digital charity boxes’ at customer payment points located within 400 of its companion animal practices and referrals hospitals across the UK. Operated by the charity Pennies, the ‘boxes’ enable customers to voluntarily add donations to their purchases, when paying by card or mobile wallet. CVS staff will also organise a series of fundraising events, which are expected to include sponsored walks, dog shows, cake bakes and donation days. Richard Fairman, chief executive of CVS Group, said: “StreetVet was the popular choice of our colleagues and that fits with our purpose in giving the best possible care to animals. “The work of the charity is so incredibly important – supporting those people who are experiencing homelessness with the care of their pet. “Over the next year, I know that our colleagues right across the country will do all they can to raise funds to support StreetVet and make a real difference on the ground.” Collette Sheaff, head of Marketing & Fundraising at StreetVet, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen by the colleagues at CVS to be their Charity of the Year partner for 2025-26.

“The donations that we will receive from CVS and via Pennies from CVS clients throughout this partnership will help StreetVet continue our vital work in providing free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness across the UK. By helping the pets, we are helping their owners too. “Unfortunately, the need for our services continues to rise significantly, especially since the cost-of-living crisis. “Funding is crucial in allowing us to meet this increase in demand, so all the funds raised will have a significant impact in helping us to continue the vital work we do at StreetVet.” StreetVet provides free, accessible veterinary care to pets of those experiencing homelessness across the UK. Founded in 2016, the charity has grown into a volunteer-delivered service which ‘takes the practice to the pavement’. With more than 300 vets and vet nurses delivering care to pets in 23 locations, the charity also champions pet-inclusive housing and support facilities for those experiencing homelessness with their pet. Through its Accredited Hostel and Day Centre Scheme, the charity strives to ensure no one has to choose between a roof over their head or their pet. Money raised will help StreetVet continue to deliver free veterinary care and expand its reach across the UK. It will help provide essential medical supplies, preventative treatments and daily pet essentials, as well as helping to support initiatives like the hostel and day centre scheme.