Happy Endings
January 2024
We are happy to continue to treat our XL Bully patients, provided that they are compliant with the law.
All XL Bully dogs must now be:
• Registered for exemption by 31st January 2024,
• Microchipped
• Insured for public liability
• Neutered before the deadline.
We will ask you to prove these things.
Please keep your XL Bully on a short lead and muzzled at all times in our clinic waiting area.
If you and your pet would feel more comfortable waiting outside, just let us know you’re here and we’ll call you in when the vet’s ready for you
In some instances we may be able to provide limited support with neutering for XL Bullies – please ask our reception team for details if you need help.
For more information about the law and XL Bullies, scan these QR codes.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/xl-bully-ban-explained
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
October 2023
Merry Christmas and Happy 2024 to all our clients. Please note our opening hours over the festive period is as follows. You will need to ensure you have sufficient medication for your animals to cover ahead of christmas.
Wednesday 20th – Open 10am – 3:30pm
Thursday 21st – Open for Prescription collections only 10am – 1pm
Monday 25th – Wednesday 27th – CLOSED
Thursday 28th – Open 10am – 3:30pm
Monday 1st January to Wednesday 3rd – CLOSED
Thursday 4th Jan – RE-OPEN Open 10am – 3:30pm
8th January normal Monday – Thursday clinic opening hours 10am – 3:30
July 2023
We are looking to recruit a new board of trustees to return the Branch back into local control. To do this, we need to appoint the following roles. If we are unable to appoint new trustees, we may have to close the branch. Please help us to continue to provide much needed animal welfare at our Clinic in Harlow.
If you are interested, please e-mail admin@rspcastortvalley.org.uk
Chairperson
As the Chair of the Branch, you will direct the Branch Committee meetings and ensure they are properly run, in line with the governing document. You will take the lead in ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and ensuring the charity is well governed. You will have the casting vote in the event of a tied vote from the committee.
Secretary
As The Secretary of the Branch, you will take the lead on organising committee meetings, taking minutes and arranging the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Treasurer
As the Treasurer of the Branch, you will take the lead on preparing financial reports and presenting these at the Branch committee meeting. You will liaise with professional advisors and oversee the preparation of the annual accounts. You may also take the lead in preparing the annual budget.
Additional trustees are needed with expertise in one or more of the following subjects
- Animal welfare
- Income generation
- Strategy/Strategic planning
- Retail
- Governance & Compliance
If you have other skills or experience you think would benefit the branch, these will also be considered.
One of the key roles that we will be looking to recruit for is a trustee who would be able to line manage the Clinic & Shop Managers and we would welcome expressions of interest in this role.
January 2023
Our branch relies on public donations to support owners to get their animals neutered. Due to the lack of donations received at our Clinic, we have had to suspend offering neuter vouchers until further notice. The trustees will continue to monitor the situation.
November 2022
Your free guide to protecting animals with a gift in your Will
Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful way to always be there to protect animals from cruelty.
For more information please click on this link to complete online enquiry form. We will send you a simple guide in the post, which also includes a Will planner and information on Inheritance Tax.
September 2022
We are looking for a volunteer who can help us generate more income through donations from the public to meet the increase in demand from pet owners who need our support. The role is for a few hours a week. To apply please ask for an application form admin@rspcastortvalley.org.uk
Over the last 18 months, the branch has tried to absorb continued price increases from our suppliers, with a reduction in donations from the public and more people coming to us for assistance, we have no alternative than to pass on these increases to our clients.
Clients who come to our clinic will still received treatment at a subsidised prices which is less than their local vet practice for consultations and drugs. However, responsible pet owners must be registered with a local practice, as our clinic is unable to offer the full range of treatments your pet will need.
April 2022
As a responsible pet owners, all our clients must register with a primary vet practice who are able to offer the full range of services needed for their pet. For out of hours emergencies, please contact your local veterinary hospital or call Forest Vets in Epping.
You will be charged full cost at the time of treatment and payment will be required immediately.
May 2016
Qualifying benefits
Unless otherwise stated, our services are for people in receipt of means tested benefits, this includes Income Based Seekers Allowance, Income Based Employment Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit. Individuals on a low income and receiving Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support, or senior citizens in receipt of a State Pension, are also eligible to use our services.
Who we will see
We recognise that some of our neighbouring branches don’t have RSPCA clinics, so we are prepared to see clients from outside our branch area (in our neighbouring branch areas). Hopefully this will help many more animals and their owners from the surrounding areas.
We do not have operating or X-ray facilities, if these are required then a referral to a private vet will be given.
If the client is from outside our branch area and is needing financial assistance towards a procedure at a private vet, then Stort Valley will have to direct them back to their own branch administration for this.
You can check as to whether you are inside our branch area on our postcode List & maps.
Postcode List & Maps
October 2015
Phoebe is really settling in well and loves to play, eat, sleep and fuss.
