The Blue Cross has taken a lead in animal care for over a hundred years. Today, we provide direct support to needy animals and their owners in many ways:

• Animal adoption is a great way to find an animal companion. We have animal adoption centres across the UK, and lots of different animals looking for new homes. The staff in our 11 adoption centres are experts in animal rehoming, and work hard to find new owners who are a perfect match for the animals in their care.
• The Blue Cross has four animal hospitals that provide veterinary care for pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. Caring for people is often as much a part of our job as looking after the animals.
• The Blue Cross has three dedicated equine welfare centres at Burford in Oxfordshire, Northiam in East Sussex and Rolleston-on-Dove in Staffordshire. Our team of specially trained staff care for up to 85 horses and ponies at any one time, and monitor 350 more that have been loaned to homes across the country.
• Our Pet Bereavement Support Service offers help to people mourning the loss of a pet.
• All About Pets is a free, comprehensive range of pet care advice leaflets provided by The Blue Cross to help owners care for their pets.
• A major part of our work is to ensure the welfare of Britain?s pets by promoting responsible animal care. We have developed a range of services devoted to providing top advice and tips to keep your pet healthy and happy. Our nationwide network of volunteer speakers visit schools and youth groups giving talks and providing resources.
• The Blue Cross is a registered charity and receives no government funding. We rely on the generosity of animal lovers everywhere to help support our vital services.

There are many ways you can get involved with The Blue Cross. To find out more, visit  The Blue Cross website.

The Blue Cross helps pets like...

Bruce

Bruce was brought to The Blue Cross as a stray. Edward and Anita took to Bruce straight away. Bruce responded to them in a friendly way when they called his name. He was house trained and never cried or barked, even on the first night in a new home.

Anita says: "The Blue Cross was very supportive. They made sure we got to know Bruce, gave us practical tips and answered all our questions, no matter how trivial.

"Bruce is fun, loyal and enjoying a new life in our home. According to the postman, he is the nicest dog in the village and he should know!"