Broadcaster and writer Clare Balding is joining forces once again with national charity StreetVet to celebrate the first National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day (Sunday 23rd July), founded by StreetVet volunteer Tammie O’Leary and Jade Statt.
National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day is a not-for-profit day run in collaboration with StreetVet to raise awareness of the many ways in which animals benefit humans, whether through work, companionship or therapy. To mark the occasion, National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day will be hosting its first – virtual – event, which will include interactive competitions and online events with animal health experts and animal-loving celebrities. Together with StreetVet, there are 29 charities involved in the day, including Riding for the Disabled, The Donkey Sanctuary, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Pets as Therapy, and many more.
Clare Balding, StreetVet Ambassador, said: “I’m delighted to support StreetVet in its daily mission – its clients and their dogs really demonstrate the strength and importance of the human-animal bond. Animals have always been hugely important to me and growing up I was surrounded by horses and dogs, so I can’t wait to celebrate this special relationship.”
A proud Ambassador for StreetVet since August 2020, Clare has frequently supported the charity’s mission to provide free essential veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness, from taking part in the Virtual Big Dog Walk, to donating her winnings from the TV game show ‘Tipping Point’ to accompanying the team on a London outreach.
Jade Statt, Clinical Director & Brand Ambassador/Co-Founder, says: “There are so many charities and organisations which work tirelessly to highlight the importance of the Human-Animal Bond and we want to share them, together with the amazing experiences of our clients. Recognition of the importance of the human-animal bond is the foundation upon which StreetVet was created. As a storyteller, an animal-lover, and StreetVet Ambassador, Clare can give a voice to all of these amazing, inspiring, and heart-warming lives”.
Since inception, StreetVet has always worked to ensure that wherever possible those who were experiencing homelessness could keep their pets with them and by the side. That’s why, in 2020, the charity launched its Accredited Hostel Scheme to ensure that hostels are well-equipped to proactively accept and support residents with pets. With only 10% of all UK hostel projects currently accepting pets*, StreetVet works to ensure that those in need should not be forced to face being separated from their beloved companion in order to access a bed.
