PDSA celebrates 30 caring years of animal magic
A much-loved vets in Wolverhampton is celebrating 30 years of providing care and comfort for hundreds of thousands of local family pets.
The PDSA Pet Hospital in Tuxford Close off Hilton Street, Heath Town, first opened its doors to pet patients in August 1993, replacing the old Broad Street site where the charity spent almost 25 years.
One of 48 PDSA pet hospitals in the UK, the talented team in Wolverhampton is a lifeline for local owners who are struggling to afford vet care.
Vet Laura Hodgkiss, who works at the service, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our hospital’s birthday. Working at the PDSA is always interesting and rewarding – and it’s safe to say no two days are the same. We’ve had everything from dogs eating tennis balls to cats hurt in road traffic accidents and more.
“Our incredible team, who work day in day out to take care of pet patients and their owners, are always here no matter what comes through the door. So here’s to the next 30 years.”
The PDSA has had a presence in Wolverhampton since 1928 – more than 95 years of helping local people and their pets. The dedicated team in Tuxford Close saw 7,757 pets in 2022, with appointments ranging from major life-saving surgery and x-rays to the treatment of long-term illnesses.
Councillor Craig Collingswood (Lab. Park ward), cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “On behalf of the city council, I’d like to thank everyone at the PDSA for all of the brilliant, compassionate and caring work they have been doing in the city for three decades.
“As an animal lover, I applaud any organisation or individual that helps sick and injured pets and also celebrates the important contributions they play in our lives. The PDSA is a fantastic example of this and we look forward to many more years of the organisation in Wolverhampton.”
The idea of a veterinary service for the pets of those most in need first came to PDSA founder Maria Dickin when she visited some of London’s poorest communities over 100 years ago. She was shocked by the dire human poverty, but it was the sight of animals suffering in silence that she found unbearable.
The plight of these animals struck Maria again when her own beloved dog became seriously ill. She was lucky enough to be able to afford vet fees, but wondered about those who couldn’t. After a long struggle for funding, Maria Dickin finally opened the doors to the first People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals in 1917.
