A VETERINARY team which helps look after the dogs belonging to homeless people is looking for help.

StreetVet Brighton, which has been running since 2017, needs kennels, dog walkers, animal physiotherapists, groomers and donations.

The service provides free vet care and essentials such as food, coats and toys to the dogs of Brighton’s homeless community.

Roz Wright, from Streetvet Brighton, said: “We are currently restructuring and whilst we are working within the guidelines of the Royal Veterinary College during the Covid-19 outbreak, we look forward to getting back up and running at full capacity as soon as possible.

"We have a fantastic team of vets and nurses but we are looking for support from other animal professionals – kennels, dog walkers, animal physiotherapists, groomers etc. We also are very grateful for donations of in-date good quality dog and cat food and treats.”

Many of the dogs belonged to their owners before they became homeless. They provide companionship, emotional support, focus and routine for them.

The service said that on the whole the dogs are well cared for, socialised and exercised as they are with their owners all the time.

Some are medical assistance dogs for owners with PTSD, anxiety and epilepsy.

All the StreetVet volunteers are registered veterinary professionals who give their time to help at outreach sessions where there are on-street veterinary clinics.

They work closely with Jim Deans and his team at Sussex Homeless Support through his Sunday Street kitchen and food deliveries.

Roz said: “Brighton is a wonderfully community-spirited city and the generosity of the general public always amazes me.”

Covid19 has affected availability of the regular support services. While most of the city’s homeless population has been temporarily housed, the vets’ aim is to identify where the dogs are and to offer a telephone service and remote veterinary help.

Should a patient need to be seen urgently there are provisions in place with the support of local veterinary practices.

Visit www.streetvet.co.uk or email streetvet.brighton@gmail.com for more detail.