The Duchess of Cornwall opens the new Veterinary Hospital and Centre of Excellence at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Published
The Duchess of Cornwall visited Battersea Dogs & Cats Home today and officially opened the new Veterinary Hospital and Centre of Excellence.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed by a Dog Guard of Honour before being joined by Battersea Ambassador, Paul O'Grady, and Battersea Chief Executive, Claire Horton, for a tour of the new facilities. The new hospital will accommodate the growing veterinary needs of the home, which cares for almost 5,000 dogs and over 3,000 cats across its three centres in South West London, Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch.
During the visit, The Duchess chatted with staff, volunteers and supporters, and met some of the dogs and cats being helped by the charity. Battersea reunites lost dogs and cats with their owners or cares for them until new homes can be found, providing shelter and the highest standards of kennelling and veterinary care. The centre also has outreach programmes, and today The Duchess heard about the programmes currently running with Chelsea Pensioners, who receive regular visits from the home's dogs.
Her Royal Highness previously visited Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2010 and 2012, and has adopted two Jack Russell Terriers from the charity; Beth and Bluebell
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