A couple on benefits who have been using a mobile veterinary clinic for eight years say it is a “Godsend” and want to encouorage others struggling to pay for their pets’ healthcare to avail of the service.

Peter and Linda Stanton of Luton Road, Walthamstow say if it was not for the Blue Cross Animal Hospital’s van rolling into Walthamstow Town Square every Friday their dog would have to go without treatment.

Mrs Stanton was made redundant from BHS at The Mall, Walthamstow when it went bust last year and the couple rely on housing benefits.

The mother-of-two said due to the complex needs of Coco, their 10-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the cost of treatment at a vet’s clinic would be hundreds of pounds.

She said: “She has a skin condition, arthritis, ulcers in her eye and has had torn ligaments in her legs. She needs to be on steroids.

“When we go to the clinic we pay something towards the cost of treatment, usually around £20.

“They tell you how much it costs and then you give what you can by donation.

“If I was to bring her to a vet it would cost over £20 just to get seen for a check-up.

“It’s a fantastic service and Coco loves going. The vets know her and have all her records on file and she gets a little treat every time she visits.”

The mobile clinic which is run by the Victoria-based charity Blue Cross and relies solely on donations.

Trained vets and volunteers provide routine check-ups, spaying, worm and flea treatments for pet owners on benefits.

Mr Stanton said: “There’s no way that we can afford to pay vet bills so this service has been a Godsend for us.

“They rely on donations and if there are people out there who are on benefits and can’t afford to take their pets to the vet they should go along as well.”

The mobile clinic is parked in Walthamstow Town Square from 9.30am to 3pm on Fridays.

Steven Broomfield, Blue Cross hospital manager, said: “From time to time we cannot run the service for various reasons, such as staff sickness or if the van needs to go to the garage.

“When this happens we try our best to give owners as much notice as we can via our website and Victoria Hospital Facebook page.

“Please check these channels or call the hospital on 0300 777 1890 before coming along just in case we cannot be there that day.

“We urge owners not to wait if they think their pet is unwell and while we appreciate the weather isn't always ideal it is important to seek vet advice if there are any concerns about a pet's health or their behaviour.”