THE HOMELESS people of Oxford are being offered the chance of help from the NCDL as they bring their Hope Project to the city.

The scheme has been running on a temporary basis in Oxford for sometime and the positive feedback has encouraged the NCDL to launch the scheme permanently.

Oxford is the fourteenth city to receive the voucher scheme which offers dog owners who are homeless or in housing crisis the chance of free preventative healthcare for their dog such as neutering, vaccinations, worming and flea treatment.

Clare Kivlehan, Campaign Manager (HOPE) says, “Though the NCDL does not encourage homeless people to get dogs, the charity understands that a dog really can be man’s best friend and we will do everything in our power to give that dog the best chance possible.

“Though owners can provide love and care they, through no fault of their own, can’t always afford the basic veterinary care that the dog needs. This scheme makes sure the dogs are healthy and the owner will continue to have his companion by his side”.

The vouchers for the scheme are available through various agencies in Oxford which help the homeless including the Salvation Army Outreach Team, Elmore Community Support Team, The Gap and English Churches Housing Group and are redeemable at nominated veterinary surgeries.