Lord Mayor officially opens new Blue Cross unit in Exeter

The Lord Mayor of Exeter has officially opened a new rehoming, advice and behaviour unit from national pet charity Blue Cross in the city.

Dogs, cats and small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs will be cared for in foster homes whilst they are waiting to be matched to a new home by the team at the unit at Matford Park Road, Marsh Barton.

The team at the unit will offer rehoming, advice and behaviour services, as well as a pet food bank for owners struggling to cover the cost of feeding their pets.

Joining the Lord Mayor in cutting the ribbon to officially open the new facilities at the invitation-only event was Annaliese Langworthy, Blue Cross Devon Centre Manager; the national pet charity’s CEO Chris Burghes, Blue Cross Trustee Tim Porter and a number of Blue Cross ambassador dogs.

Lord Mayor of Exeter Kevin Mitchell, who owns a cat called Millie, said: “I know how much love and happiness a pet can bring to someone’s life. Their love is unconditional and just having my cat by my side can mean so much on a wet or cold day. Therefore, I know the work of the Blue Cross is so vital in ensuring owners and pets are given the support and love they need.”

 The new facilities, which include meet and greet rooms, yard space and dedicated small animal rooms, have been funded by donations to the national pet charity and legacies left to the unit.

Annaliese Langworthy, Rehoming Manager at Blue Cross Devon, said: “This ceremony marks an important milestone for us as we expand our reach and impact in the community.

“It’s wonderful to see the work on the new unit completed and we have to thank all our supporters who have helped to make the new facilities possible. They will help us to help so many more pets.

“With over 300 pets already helped this year, we are excited to continue making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners who need our support.”

The unit is currently looking to take on more volunteer foster carers who will help the team to look after the pets until new forever homes can be found.

For more information on the unit and opening hours; how to donate to, or get help from the pet food bank or how to apply to volunteer visit bluecross.org.uk/devon-exeter-rehoming-advice-and-behaviour-unit