Ark Vets, an FIVP member, has become one of the first UK practices to donate equipment to support veterinary colleagues in Ukraine.
The independent practice responded to an appeal from the ProSalus Foundation, which aims to resupply veterinary practices in the war-torn country.
Sinead Armstrong, vet and founder of Ark Vets, organised for a substantial donation of veterinary equipment to be sent to the country. This included a wide range of clinical, surgical, anaesthetic and diagnostic equipment, together with consumables and comforts for patients.
Dr Armstrong said: “When we heard about the ProSalus Foundation appeal and the situation facing veterinary colleagues in Ukraine, it was an easy decision.
“Like many practices, we had upgraded various pieces of equipment over the years and had items in good working order that were simply sitting unused. It felt completely wrong to keep them on a shelf when colleagues in Ukraine are trying to look after patients with so little.”
The donations were sent to Burtons Group in Maidstone, which has agreed to collect donations and organise shipment to Ukraine. The ProSalus Foundation is then working with the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association (USAVA) to match donations to the needs of veterinary practices in the country.
Dr Mark Johnston, Vice-President of the ProSalus Foundation, said: “This is exactly the kind of response we were hoping for when we launched the appeal with Burtons.
“Sinead and the team at Ark Vets have shown both significant generosity and practical thinking — the breadth of items they have offered, from a digital x-ray processor through to anaesthetic equipment, surgical instruments and even comforts like dog coats and toys, will make a real difference to Ukrainian practices that have lost so much.”
In January, Stowe Veterinary Group (FIVP’s founding practice) also answered an appeal from the ProSalus Foundation. Its donations were delivered to the Four Paws Clinic in Irpin, which is near Kyiv.
For more information about the ProSalus Foundation, visit its website: https://prosalusfoundation.org/
