ON behalf of leading vet charity, PDSA, which has a pet hospital in Brighton, I thank people who play People’s Postcode Lottery.

Support over the past year has enabled us to make huge strides in improving pet welfare.

We have received over £600,000 which is helping deliver treatment and education programmes in our pet hospitals and schools.

This is equipping the next generation of pet owners with skills to make a difference to animals’ lives.

PDSA research has revealed that millions of pets suffer in silence, not through lack of love, but because many owners don’t understand what their animals need to be healthy and happy.

We are working hard to change this, and thanks to support from People’s Postcode Lottery we have achieved a great deal, including: l Educating a record 60,000 school children in a year with pet wellbeing workshops.

l Providing 6,000 free pet health checks through our Pet Check tours and programmes at pet hospitals.

l Reaching 140,000 pet owners through Facebook Q&A and advice sessions with a PDSA vet.

Thousands of cases at pet hospitals could be easily prevented by vaccinations, neutering or flea and worming treatments.

We need people to realise the dangers of putting pets at risk and ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations and preventive treatments.

Over £66 million has been raised by People’s Postcode Lottery for good causes since launching in 2008 – an incredible achievement. On behalf of PDSA, thank you.

Vicki Larkham,
PDSA Veterinary Campaigns Manager