Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Local Pets

in Bradford

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Bradford’s PDSA Pet Hospital has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating two decades of providing essential veterinary care to the city’s pets in need. Since its opening in 2004, the Jeanne Marchig Centre, located on Lorne Street, has delivered more than 870,000 treatments, offering a lifeline to pet owners who struggle with the cost of care.

As the facility marks its 20th anniversary, the local community joins in celebrating its immense contribution to animal welfare.

A vital service for local pet owners

The PDSA Pet Hospital in Bradford is one of 49 such facilities across the UK, with the mission to treat sick and injured pets for owners who might otherwise be unable to afford care. Over the past 20 years, the dedicated team at the Jeanne Marchig Centre has become a crucial resource for many, treating an average of 125 pets each day.

In 2023 alone, the team provided veterinary care to over 10,000 animals, a reflection of the high demand for their services. The hospital’s operation costs exceed £1.6 million annually, with the charity relying on public donations to continue its work.

This reliance on donations has been a key feature of the PDSA’s model since its inception, and the organisation remains committed to supporting pet owners, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Celebrating with a fundraising challenge

To commemorate 20 years of service, a group of staff members undertook a special fundraising challenge. Led by Veterinary Nurse Team Leader Abby Stanley-Jones, the group embarked on an 11-mile walk from the PDSA Pet Clinic in Huddersfield back to the Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital. Abby explained the motivation behind the challenge, saying,

“We’re so proud to be celebrating 20 years of keeping people and pets together in Bradford. When it came to celebrating our big birthday, we wanted to do something different and give back to the charity at the same time, so a group of us decided to take on a challenge.”

The team’s efforts raised £277, a small but significant contribution to the charity’s ongoing mission. Abby also highlighted how rewarding the day had been for the team, adding, “It was lovely to be out of the usual clinical environment to bond with the team. A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored us.”

A century of PDSA service in Bradford

The PDSA has a long history of providing care for pets in Bradford. The charity’s presence in the city dates back to 1931, when a dispensary on Leeds Road began offering treatments to local animals. The dispensary moved several times over the years, with a notable relocation to Great Horton Street in 1937. After outgrowing this facility, the charity moved to a larger site on Healey Lane in Batley during the 1950s, where it remained until the mid-1990s.

By the early 2000s, the need for a more modern facility became clear, and in May 2004, the Jeanne Marchig Centre opened in Bradford. The state-of-the-art hospital included six consulting rooms, two operating theatres, and separate recovery areas for dogs and cats. The facility was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, and it continues to honour the memory of the trust’s founder, Madame Jeanne Marchig.

Since its opening, the Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital has undergone various upgrades, including a major renovation in 2009 to optimise the working space. Today, the hospital remains a hub of activity, with thousands of pets treated each year by a team of dedicated veterinary professionals.

The ongoing mission of the PDSA

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) was founded by Maria Dickin in 1917 with a vision of providing free veterinary care to pets in need. Over the past century, the charity has expanded significantly, and today it operates 49 Pet Hospitals across the UK. In 2023, the PDSA provided 2.2 million treatments to over 430,000 pets, helping to prevent suffering and keep families together with their beloved animals.

The charity’s work is entirely funded by public donations, with no support from the government. This community-driven model allows the PDSA to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of pet owners across the country. For many, the charity’s services are a lifeline, offering free or low-cost treatment that would otherwise be out of reach.

What’s next

As the Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary, the future looks bright for both the hospital and the wider charity. With a continued commitment to providing high-quality care to the city’s pets, the team at the Jeanne Marchig Centre is set to carry on its vital work for years to come.

By combining professional expertise with a deep compassion for animals, the PDSA ensures that pets in Bradford and beyond receive the care they need, regardless of their owners’ financial circumstances. As Abby Stanley-Jones and her team demonstrated through their recent fundraising challenge, the spirit of giving and community support remains as strong as ever, securing a healthy future for the city’s pets.

The PDSA’s ability to adapt, grow, and serve local communities for over a century is a testament to the dedication of its staff and supporters. As the charity embarks on its next 100 years, it remains a beacon of hope for pet owners across the UK.

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