post

CKH joins StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme
CKH joins StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme

Short stay accommodation provided by Cross Keys Homes (CKH) has been recognised as ‘pet-friendly’ by national charity, StreetVet. The StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme supports accommodation providers to accept pets to ensure animal owners can access good quality accommodation when they need it most.

CKH provides over 150 short stay accommodation units in Peterborough to support people who have become homeless. As well as offering a safe place to stay, residents are supported by the team at CKH to access a wide range of services and take the steps they need to find a permanent home. As new partners of the StreetVet scheme, CKH will benefit from additional employee training and a range of pet services that will be available to residents at no charge.

Director of Operations at CKH, Mary Bryce, said: “We know how important pets are and we have welcomed dogs into our short stay accommodation for several years now. However, it can be heart breaking to be unable to care for an animal when they are sick simply because of cost. As well as recognising our pet friendly approach, StreetVet will provide free access to veterinary care and essential items which is a service we are really pleased to be able to offer to those living in our short stay homes.”

Only 10% of UK hostels currently accept pets, yet fewer than 7% of pet owners experiencing homelessness are willing to give up their dog to secure accommodation. StreetVet is working to equip hostels to welcome pet owners so that everyone can access accommodation without having to part with their four-legged companions.

Jade Statt, vet and co-founder of StreetVet, said: “We’re so pleased to be welcoming CKH to the growing list of StreetVet accredited hostels. Choosing between keeping a beloved pet and securing housing is a decision nobody should have to face, and we hope that with more short stay accommodation, adopting pet-friendly policies, fewer will have to.”