RSPCA celebrates bumper donation

The bumper donation was raised across the last 12 months by the retailer’s VIP (Very Important Pets) club members.

Every time a VIP club member swipes their card when making a purchase in-store, at the vets or Groom Room salon, they collect points, which can be converted into VIP Lifelines for a pet charity of their choice.

Lifelines can then be used to help with vital expenses such as food, shelter and veterinary costs.

Gavin Hawthorn, head of the VIP club at Pets at Home, said: “The amount of Lifelines we’ve been able to donate to charities such as the RSPCA is simply incredible. By giving customers the opportunity to support a national or local charity and directly help vulnerable animals in Sussex and further afield we’ve seen an overwhelming response, so thank you to our VIP club members.”

Dave Payne, store manager at Pets at Home Horsham, said: “Just last year our customers have raised nearly £34,000 worth of Lifelines for the RSPCA, whose headquarters are based locally, meaning we can help them with crucial food and vet costs in the future.

“We’re looking forward to donating even more Lifelines in 2014 and helping secure the future of more pets in rescue and rehoming centres in Sussex and across the UK.”

More than £696,000 has been donated in total across the UK, to more than 533 national and local independent animal charities.

Other charities to benefit include the SSPCA, Cats Protection, Blue Cross and the Retired Greyhound Trust, as well as many smaller localised rescue homes and charities.

Pets at Home’s VIP club gives customers a wide range of benefits, both for themselves and their pet, as well as helping their chosen charity. Perks include personalised offers, welcome discounts, exclusive birthday treats and free copies of My VIP magazine.

Report contributed by Havas PR.