Animal charity still active as hunt for home goes on
Argyll Animal Aid (AAA) is offering assistance to the most vulnerable pet owners within the community as well as others in need of help at this difficult time.
Having vacated its former base at Barcaldine in January, the charity is currently seeking a new permanent home and has been working hard in the meantime to ensure pets and their owners in Oban and the surrounding area are still receiving help should they need it.
‘The COVID-19 virus is impacting on us all and we have decided that in order to protect others and to remain safe ourselves, we cannot do home visits and the checks required for rehoming and fostering,’ explained AAA chairperson Nikki MacGillivray.
‘This means that we are sadly not able to help with the rehoming or fostering of animals at the current time.
‘However, we are in a position to help with neutering costs, vet bills and costs related to feral cats, but this will follow a strict application procedure and each case will be assessed individually.’
The charity also has a stock of dog and cat food that they would like to offer to the most vulnerable in the community and those in need. Arrangements can be made to drop this off by contacting the charity through its Facebook page and website argyllanimal aid.org.uk/
‘Our advice to the general public regarding your pets is if you are worried about them, then contact your local vet for advice,’ added Nikki.
‘We also advise you not to panic and part with pets during this time. They are part of our families and will be feeling your anxiety.
‘They are fantastic company, especially when we are spending so much time in our homes right now.’
As part of the restructure, the group has recruited its first member of staff, Ali Heaton, who will act as project manager and point of contact.
Ali told The Oban Times:
‘I am delighted to be joining
Argyll Animal Aid at this exciting turning point in their 19-year history.
‘Once we are in our new premises, there will be a recruitment campaign for people to look after our animals, volunteers, dog walkers – a whole host of back-up.’
Keep an eye on the Argyll Animal Aid Facebook page and website at www.argyllanimalaid.org.uk for further information and postings.
‘We wish to thank everyone for their loyal and continuing support and urge them to join us in this new, exciting chapter of Argyll Animal Aid,’ added Nikki.
One of the main priorities of the group is to find a permanent home. Anyone who knows of a plot of land, or premises close to Oban which they think might be suitable should contact Ali at info@ argyllanimalaid.org.uk or call 07519 716823.