Battersea welcomed members of the England Women’s Cricket Team to its London centre this week, as players Dani Gibson, Lauren Filer, Alice Capsey and Tilly Corteen-Coleman swapped the pitch for pooches during a well-earned day off from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Ahead of England’s semi-final against South Africa on Thursday, the players took some time to unwind with a visit to the charity, where they met several of Battersea’s residents, including gentle 12-week-old Bull Mastiff cross Liora, who quickly became the centre of attention. Liora, who is currently looking for a home, charmed the players with plenty of cuddles and photo opportunities.
One such beneficiary of the Alliance is Matthew, who had been experiencing homelessness in London with his beloved dog, Roxy. Three-year-old Bulldog cross Roxy was brought to one of StreetVet’s London clinics after suffering with scabs and bald patches on her skin. The StreetVet London team treated her with steroids and antibiotics, helping to heal her skin and relieve her symptoms.
Matthew and Roxy continue to regularly attend outreach clinics for ongoing support and treatment for Roxy’s skin ailments, including access to a special food to help with her allergies.
Laura Shaw, a volunteer vet with StreetVet, has witnessed the impact of the Alliance first hand. After stepping away from clinical practice, Laura joined StreetVet’s Gloucester outreach team seven years ago to use her veterinary skills to support pet owners at risk.
At outreach clinics, the team can take blood samples, weigh dogs, carry out examinations and provide advice, but more complex clinical procedures, such as dentals, lump removals, X-rays or ultrasounds, are referred to local partner veterinary practices which StreetVet funds.
Laura said: “Having Battersea’s support means we can confidently refer cases into practice when needed, ensuring every patient has the best possible care. You initially think you’re just helping the animals, which is true of course, but it’s just as much about supporting the people. We’re helping owners to keep their pets with them and maintain that incredibly important human-animal bond.”
The StreetVet and Battersea Alliance has plans to expand further. Over the course of five years, the Alliance will open 12 new StreetVet outreach locations, directly supporting thousands of pets of those experiencing homelessness with free essential and accessible veterinary care.
Jade Statt, Co-founder and Clinical Director at StreetVet, said: “This first year of our Alliance with Battersea has enabled us to extend our reach, increasing the number of boots on the ground delivering free essential vet care to owners experiencing homelessness and their pets. Sadly, the need is great in so many UK locations but with Battersea’s support, we are getting there, one new outreach team at a time.”
Julia Camara, Grants and Programmes Manager at Battersea, said: “Dogs and cats are a vital source of companionship and emotional support, especially for those experiencing homelessness. By working with StreetVet, we can ensure more owners can access the veterinary care and support they need to keep their beloved animals healthy and happy by their side.”
For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.
Notes to Editors:
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The Alliance between StreetVet and Battersea builds on StreetVet’s existing work to further improve access to veterinary care services for people and pets experiencing homelessness together.
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The Alliance will aim to directly help over 4,000 pet dogs, cats and other companion animals with preventative, routine and emergency vet care over five years.
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StreetVet, supported by Battersea will be able to reach more at-risk individuals by delivering free accessible street-based veterinary care across the UK.
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Alliance initiatives include facilitating access to wider support services, improving awareness of pet inclusive accommodation and supporting clients and pets into independent living.
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The Alliance will also establish an advisory panel, which will unite representatives from homelessness services, housing providers, animal welfare organisations and local authorities to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness with their pets.
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The Alliance is focused on delivering care for cats and dogs, but StreetVet offers tailored support for all companion animals.
About Battersea:
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At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
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In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
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Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
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To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.
About StreetVet:
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Since 2016 StreetVet has supported the health and lives of over 3,500 pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness.
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There are now more than 500 vets, veterinary nurses and support volunteers volunteering for StreetVet throughout the UK.
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StreetVet volunteers, working alongside outreach organisations and other homelessness support services, are out in multiple communities across the UK weekly.
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StreetVet currently has more than 30 outreach locations across the UK from Scotland to Cornwall.
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The StreetVet Accredited Hostel & Day Centre Scheme has trained more than 300 staff, supported more than 470 pets and helped more than 100 pets and owners into independent living since it started in 2020.
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To find out more visit our website or follow StreetVet on Instagram @streetvetuk_, Facebook @streetvet and LinkedIn @streetvet.