Member Article

Webbox proudly supports the launch of first ever pet-friendly hostel accreditation scheme

Leading pet food brand Webbox has committed further support for animal welfare charity StreetVet, following the launch of its first ever pet-friendly hostel for the homeless in Hemel Hempstead on 30 November 2020.

The new accreditation scheme is the first of its kind and has been created by StreetVet. It helps people who are experiencing homelessness to be housed with their pets. StreetVet was first established in 2016 and provides support for homeless pet owners who cannot afford private veterinary treatment, offering the peace of mind they need in case of a veterinary emergency. They also offer routine healthcare through their outreach programmes.

Webbox has supported StreetVet with regular pet food donations for the charity’s nationwide outreach programme since November 2017. The pet food brand has also pledged to continue their support by providing ‘Forever Home Packages’ for those individuals who manage to secure a hostel place with their pet or a permanent home.

This breakthrough scheme will ensure that one in ten experiencing homelessness who are pet owners, can be housed with their pets. The scheme will roll out nationwide and enables the accredited hostels to accept multiple residents with their pets by offering free, accessible veterinary care, as well as support for hostel managers and staff to adopt and implement positive pet policies.

StreetVet co-founder and vet Jade Statt says: “Under current regulations, if people turn down housing due to “no pets” clauses, they are told they are making themselves “intentionally homeless” and are refused further housing assistance. Any pet lover will understand that choosing between a roof over your head and the company of your beloved pet is no choice at all. Currently, one of the many complex reasons that people remain homeless is because there are not enough hostels that can safely accommodate them and their pet. Our hope is that in setting up the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme, fewer people will have to make this impossible choice. Access to pet-friendly hostels is their first step towards independent housing. With homelessness on the rise due to the economic impact of COVID-19, it was important to us to launch this scheme before Christmas, as winter sets in.”

Jade continues “Webbox has supported our work for over 3 years now and we are incredibly grateful for their help as we launch our hostel accreditation scheme. Similar to ourselves, Webbox prioritises animal welfare and we are thankful to have them as one of our fantastic charity partners” Julie Butcher, Head of Marketing at Webbox, added: “We are so excited to see the launch of the first StreetVet Hostel and are so proud of the hard work from the StreetVet team, who continue to provide invaluable support to homeless people and their dogs.”

Julie continues: “We hope that our donations of pet food can continue to offer support to the owners within the hostel, who may worry about not being able to feed their pets as well as themselves.”

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Annabel Wood .