PDSA at a Glance
Please find detailed below our full notes for use by editors and journalists
About PDSA
Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Operating through a UK-wide network of 51 PetAid hospitals and nearly 380 PetAid practices (contracted private practices), PDSA provides free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership.
In 2011 the landmark PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report was launched, which revealed that the health and welfare needs of ten million pets in the UK are not being properly met.
Our veterinary service in numbers
51 PetAid hospitals and branches located in major towns and cities throughout the UK.
380 PetAid practices (contracted private practices) located in smaller towns.
320 veterinary surgeons and 600 nursing team employed.
2.3 million PDSA funded veterinary treatments.
420,000 subsidised preventive treatments such as neutering, vaccinations and microchipping.
£59 million was the cost of providing this service in 2012.
PDSA services are available to pet owners who receive means tested help with their rent or Council Tax liability (Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support/Reduction).
For more information on PDSA PetAid services phone 0800 731 2502 or visit the Vet Care section.
Raising vital funds
In 2012, delivery of PDSA PetAid services cost over £59 million. The charity’s veterinary work is funded entirely by public support; mainly through gifts in wills, donations and trading.
PDSA operates around 180 shops UK-wide, selling donated and new items.
Our volunteers
Over 5,200 volunteers donate their valuable time, skills and experience to helping PDSA, and the organisation holds the ’Investing in Volunteers’ quality standard.
Further information
The charity prefers to be known by its initials, PDSA (not the PDSA), in all editorial material, rather than by its full name The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.
PDSA and PetAid are registered trademarks of PDSA.
For further information, interviews or images please contact the PDSA Press Office by telephone 01952 204 792 or email pr@pdsa.org.uk.
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