By Conor Feehan

Copyright independent

Fundraising manager Paul Halpin said the charity is seeing huge demand to cover families’ basic vet bills.

“Eighty years on, our mission remains as urgent as ever and we’re seeing huge demand. Without additional support, we simply cannot be there for every pet that needs us,” Mr Halpin said.

“Today, amid the cost-of-living crisis, our clinics and mobile units are overwhelmed, with over 1,400 pets currently on the waiting list for veterinary treatment. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big difference.”

In an awareness campaign to raise vital funds so that more pets can be treated, the Irish Blue Cross has said that its funds save people as well as their pets.

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – October 6th

Dublin artist and writer Mim Greene is a client of the Irish Blue Cross.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and was in self-isolation for three years.

“Without my cat Kismet, I would not be here. He’s my -family,” she said. “He’s 15 years old and I only adopted him a short while before Covid, and it’s like he was meant to be here with me, that’s why he’s called Kismet [meaning fate].

“He was fundamental in my mental health during Covid. He is the most adoring and affectionate cat I’ve ever had, but he has kidney disease and a heart murmur and as I can’t work due to my MS, I’m only on disability allowance, and I couldn’t afford to get the care that he needs without the Irish Blue Cross.

“A lot of people in my position would have had to give their pet up or have them put down, so I’m grateful to the Irish Blue Cross, they have been a lifeline for so many.”

The charity sees approximately 16,000 sick and injured pets every year and operates a mobile veterinary clinic service which serves communities across Dublin each weeknight.