Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on May 09, 2007, 11:27:42 AM

Title: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on May 09, 2007, 11:27:42 AM
I was at the pdsa first thing this morning with my best friend and her dog ,she wanted me to go with her to look after her little girl while she sorted bruno out and that ,anyway i see now theyve sealed up the donation boxes with thick red tape and theres a sign saying u now have to pay ur donation to the receptionist who will give u a reciept
i think its a good idea for those who just put 50 pence in the envelope
but i also think it may stop some people from taking there pet to the vet asap whenever a medical problem arises for fear they will be embarrased if they can only give a pound or two for the donation
what do u think ??
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: hannah (weeny) on May 09, 2007, 11:29:13 AM
maybe theyve had people putting non money things in and got fed up with it?  dunno other than that! :shy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on May 09, 2007, 11:29:31 AM
It doesn't sound like a "donation" if you have to give it to the receptionist and get a reciept!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on May 09, 2007, 11:32:54 AM
maybe they r recording on the computer how much and how often people give them a donation when treating there pet
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: hannah (weeny) on May 09, 2007, 11:40:00 AM
i dont really know the rules and how it all works to be honest, but i guess from them, it must be really hard if they get entire days or longer with no donations.  maybe most people do donate, like i said i dont know.  it must be hard to give the service for nothing though.... :shy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on May 09, 2007, 11:53:00 AM
I don't know how the clinics work, but the PetAid cover is supposed to work on the theory that you pay a set amount and that covers you for the year unless you can give a donation. (Which I try to, as a rule.)

However, recently when I've been in I've been "chased up" for a donation, which makes me more reluctant to give money. Reason being, these practices are supposed to understand that people that go for help to the PDSA aren't always going to be in the position financially to give anything. 

I agree though, Lisa. Some people will be embarrassed they only have a couple of pounds to give - which is a shame. It's kind of undoing some of the good work that's been done.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on May 09, 2007, 11:59:14 AM
although from what i understand someone is quite within there rights to go there and say "look i havent got any money at all to make a donation today but i will give more next time "
and obviously they will still see the pet and treat the pet
but the next time u went theyd expect a donation .
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 09, 2007, 11:59:36 AM
Quote
sign saying u now have to pay ur donation to the receptionist who will give u a reciept
i think its a good idea for those who just put 50 pence in the envelope. but i also think it may stop some people from taking there pet to the vet asap whenever a medical problem arises for fear they will be embarrased if they can only give a pound or two for the donation
what do u think ??


In places where there is no PDSA clinic and people have to use a private vet that does PDSA work it has always been like that. Also perhaps it is a way to claim Gift Aid on the donations.

Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on May 09, 2007, 15:44:46 PM
I really would'nt like to think they have changed because of low donations etc.....Its prob for statistics, knowing how much exactly comes from where.....i still think "big up to them" ;)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Angiew on May 09, 2007, 15:51:27 PM
It could also be to stop someone running in and pulling the box off the wall - or someone thinking it might be worth their while breaking in in case there was any money about.

when you go tin rattling for donations you are supposed to have 2 people opening the tins - perhaps this is to comply with something like that, though its more likely to be to try and prevent one of tthe staff or volunteers from helping themselves.

our treasurer insists that everyone who donates gets a receipt (doesn't always work lol) as it follows charity commission guidelines.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 09, 2007, 18:50:59 PM
maybe they r recording on the computer how much and how often people give them a donation when treating there pet

Yes this is the case Lisa, they are also doing it where I go. I think this is a good idea some people may never give a contribution and I don't see why other people should pay for the likes of peeps that do this.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on May 09, 2007, 18:54:33 PM
I think ideally they should set up a minimum donation ie £5 and at least that way, they are covering some of the cost of treatment.  I'm not saying peeps with no money shouldn't have pets, but I do think they should at least have enough to cover basic treatments........this is called "responsible" ownership.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 09, 2007, 18:58:09 PM
Yeah its not fair when some people are obviously paying nothing and others always do, I make sure that I will have money for the appointment and my contrabution covers the cost of Ollies meds.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on May 09, 2007, 20:33:54 PM
I think Ela is probably correct about the gift aid thing ... if they can get a name and address they can get money back from the tax man!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Rhona on May 09, 2007, 22:35:55 PM
Not really sure of the reason why they would do this.  My daughter is a member of the PDSA Pet Protectors Club & a couple of years ago we visited one of their premises.  It was fascinating getting shown around the building & really interesting understanding how they work.  They did mention that they often end up carrying out major surgery costing £50+ pounds & don't always get anything toward it from the owner.  You would think that most pet owners would be able & willing to donate at least a £1.00 towards their pet's treatment and this new way of handling may help promote the giving of a donation.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on May 09, 2007, 23:12:39 PM
Rhona, it's not that some owners won't donate a £1, it's that they feel embarassed because they can't donate more. And some vets aren't averse to emphasising that they're making a loss and making you feel guilty for the help you've been offered!

I agree, though. A £1 is at least something. :)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on May 09, 2007, 23:16:26 PM
Rhona, it's not that some owners won't donate a £1, it's that they feel embarassed because they can't donate more. And some vets aren't averse to emphasising that they're making a loss and making you feel guilty for the help you've been offered!


If they can't afford a £1 towards a pets treatment, I'm not being funny but they shouldn't really have a pet then because it's obvious by that, that they can't afford to keep it.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 08:18:28 AM
Quote
If they can't afford a £1 towards a pets treatment, I'm not being funny but they shouldn't really have a pet then because it's obvious by that, that they can't afford to keep it.

Although I appreciate peoples circumstances can change, I have to agree. We could all have loads of pets if we didn't have to pay for vet treatment, as that is usually the biggest cost involved in pet ownership.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 09:00:03 AM
I agree too. People cant just use this charity as a free for all because somewhere along the line someone is paying for it. Im only talking about the peeps that constantly dont make a donation, why should others pay!?
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 09:14:56 AM
Quote
People cant just use this charity as a free for all because somewhere along the line someone is paying for it.


I know I along with I expect other posters regularly get begging letters from the PDSA.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Rhona on May 10, 2007, 09:18:00 AM
Yes, I agree, but unfortunately there are many people out there who will take something for nothing without batting an eyelid, while many of us who are animal lovers regularly provide funding to the PDSA to subsidise these individuals  :Crazy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 09:21:36 AM
What the PDSA are asking your CP branch to donate to them?? I was talking about the other peeps that use the PDSA, why should owners that are stuck themselves pay for others pets?


In my PDSA hospital it said the cost of last months treatment was near £70k and there had only been nearly £10k in donations.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 10:25:26 AM
Quote
What the PDSA are asking your CP branch to donate to them?? I was talking about the other peeps that use the PDSA, why should owners that are stuck themselves pay for others pets?

No, not our CP branch, me as an individual.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: fluffycloud123 on May 10, 2007, 10:38:28 AM
my friends cat recently sprained its shoulder falling off a fence, she rang her usual vet and they quoted £200  :Crazy: so she went to a pdsa and gave them £50 which i think is fair enough.

but people who give little or no donation bugs me. because in the long run it means they wont be able to treat others (even mine maybe)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 11:55:14 AM
Ela do they know you work for CP? Why are they asking you for donations on a personal level?
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on May 10, 2007, 12:32:26 PM
my friends cat recently sprained its shoulder falling off a fence, she rang her usual vet and they quoted £200  :Crazy: so she went to a pdsa and gave them £50 which i think is fair enough.

yea i agree 50 is a fair donation

about 3 years ago my mums dog had to stay in the pdsa for 5 days where he was so ill and they gave her a invoice of how much it cost them to treat the dog all that time and it was over 700 quid ! we all clubbed together and mangaged to give them a donation of 300
which i thought was a fair donation
considering a friend of a friend whos dog was in the pdsa for 3 days
only gave a pound donation  :Crazy: :Crazy: :Crazy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 12:38:41 PM
Quote
Ela do they know you work for CP

I wouldn't have thought so.

Quote
Why are they asking you for donations on a personal level?

I have no idea I must be on a mailing list that has been passed round, I am sure other posters get begging letters, I also have them from the RSPCA.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 12:43:35 PM
Begging letters? Or fundrasing letters? Are the letters personally handwritten to you? Not getting what you mean.  :shy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 12:50:38 PM
Quote
Begging letters? Or fundrasing letters? Are the letters personally handwritten to you? Not getting what you mean.

If you cannot understand what I mean I will pass on this.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 12:53:33 PM
Yes I do understand but why would they be handwriting letters and sending them to your personal address??? Thats what I dont get!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: CurlyCatz on May 10, 2007, 12:54:36 PM
CC do you not get "computer generated letter" from charities asking for money..i havent had from pdsa but do get from lots of other animal and human charities.

Re the donation thing, i have just read through all the threads and strongly agree with dawn on this one.  I also think that recording the donations is a better way of making sure noone has their "hands in the till" so to speak and also as ela says for many who pay tax and attend the pdsa they will get the gift aid.

Also i do know a large genre of clientel who attend pdsa's and i would imagine the donations boxes would have been removed to prevent theft and staff safety.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 13:03:36 PM
Quote
Yes I do understand but why would they be handwriting letters

Sorry but I cannot see where I wrote I had handwritten letters, Perhaps you will tell me where I put that.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 13:08:47 PM
Yes I do but don't see them as begging letters, just charities needing help.

Lynn if you know peeps that use the PDSA you would know they are slots in the wall that money gets posted into, its not a free standing box.

Ela I just wanted to know how they were personal to you. You didn't say they were handwritten, it was just the way you made it out.  :)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: CurlyCatz on May 10, 2007, 13:13:54 PM
Yes CC i know exactly where and how the donation boxes are but in this day and age "certain" people who may or may not be high on something or other will use very drastic measures to get into anything they may think has money in it hence my reference to staff safety.  I have only worked in the pdsa in edinburgh many years ago (infact ive not been in their newer premises) and also i have been in to the aberdeen one a few times as i had friends who worked there.

If you have a knife or needle stuck in your face i reckon you'd quite happily open it for them.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on May 10, 2007, 13:17:14 PM
Quote
Ela I just wanted to know how they were personal to you.

Because they start with Dear Mrs Keen and I am Mrs Keen, so I think they are meaning me to read the letter.  ;D Although I expect if I sent them a cheque from Fred Nerks they would be happy to accept that too.

Quote
You didn't say they were handwritten, it was just the way you made it out.

I don't know how you worked that one out but hay ho who cares.  ;D
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 13:36:08 PM
Maybe the staff were stealing? Who's to know, the donations wernt monitored. I think its a good thing their doing, I know some peeps cant afford a lot this is why they are using the PDSA but there are others who just think its free.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: CurlyCatz on May 10, 2007, 13:43:26 PM
probably more than half of clients who attend think that cc..this is what really annoys me when people take on animals with the intention the pdsa will be their "vet of choice" It is there as a charity to help supposedly temporarily until peeps get back on their feet with jobs again but as you said there are some who dont understand the simplicity of it.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on May 10, 2007, 13:51:39 PM
Yes I know and thats totally not fair on others, I only found out about the PDSA through my own vet telling me I might be able to get their help.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on June 01, 2007, 04:12:06 AM
Well sorry to bring this up again folks but i was at the PDSA yesterday and me having a very inquisitive nature did ask the receptionist why they have changed the way donations are made........main reason for this was because the donation packets were costing so much to be made & as not everyone ( >:() made donations and simply ripped the packets up it was thought better to scrap it!!!

So yet again not only have these naughty ppl got free treatment they have also cost extra by throwing away the PDSA's money!

Shame on ppl who do this  >:( yes they may be genuinely skint at the time but surely they could pop in at a later date and pay!

I was also quite annoyed to see on the board that (this is only 1 branch) 273 appointments were not attended last month.....sorry for the rant but i think its disgraceful!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on June 01, 2007, 09:42:25 AM
What donation packets? I have no idea what they are!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 09:48:53 AM
Quote
What donation packets? I have no idea what they are!

Having never been to a PDSA clinic I don't know for sure, but I would imagine that they are envelope like where you could have put in a donation and placed in some sort of receptacle. Then again my imagination could be way off the mark. ;D

When I have been at the vets (when they used to do PDSA work)  I have seen people just hand over a donation and sign a form like a sponsor form and every so often the vet would forward to PDSA. (I understand that the vets did not get much donation wise).
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: ccmacey on June 01, 2007, 10:02:41 AM
An envolope to put your donation in.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on June 01, 2007, 10:58:55 AM
Ahh, though it might be but didn't want to assume!

That's extremely thoughtless of people. They must realise that the envelopes cost money to manufacture - although maybe they don't care.

I have to admit, I'm guilty of not always having any money to hand over (I'm on the Petaid scheme with one of my cats)but when I can, I do.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 11:05:37 AM
whats the pet aid scheme jack ????????
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 11:33:42 AM
I know but seeing as my name isn't Jack I have better not answer. ;D
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 11:37:48 AM
I know but seeing as my name isn't Jack I have better not answer. ;D


Tell me plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ela  ;D
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 11:40:21 AM
Quote
Tell me plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ela

I will leave it for Jack but rest assured you will be gob smacked and amazed when you find out ;D. Then again perhaps not.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 11:45:01 AM
Quote
Tell me plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ela

I will leave it for Jack but rest assured you will be gob smacked and amazed when you find out ;D. Then again perhaps not.


 :wow:

ok ill wait for jack then  ;)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 11:49:04 AM
Quote
ok ill wait for jack then

When you find out it will be so worth the wait. ;D
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 11:51:05 AM
Quote
ok ill wait for jack then

When you find out it will be so worth the wait. ;D


it cant be that good ela  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

can it ? :Crazy:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on June 01, 2007, 12:13:59 PM
The reason i went to PDSA is cos ive just took on an approx 8 yr old cat "Mitzi" with long term necessary meds......cant afford that....but can give her the care ;)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 12:29:33 PM
The reason i went to PDSA is cos ive just took on an approx 8 yr old cat "Mitzi" with long term necessary meds......cant afford that....but can give her the care ;)


awwwwwwww was she a stray ruth or a rescue cat ?
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on June 01, 2007, 12:36:59 PM
Right here goes the story......my sisters boss found her in his garage bout 2 months ago......done the advertising thing (found cat etc) no replies, then was told by someone she was a neighbours cat...only to find out they didnt want her grrr!

poor thing has arthritus and they are not sure if she maybe has pneumonia/chest inf.....gave her some anti's and another thing to take any fluid off her chest......she's booked in for an xray next Thurs.....
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 13:01:48 PM
awwww bless her
she landed on her paws eventurlly and found someone who does want her  :Luv:

is she in one of those pics on ur avatar?
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on June 01, 2007, 13:15:46 PM
no not yet.....will have to put some on of her! Considering her ailments she's a real sweetie  :Luv:
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on June 01, 2007, 14:10:33 PM
Oops, sorry. Petaid is run in certain postcodes around the UK. You are only allowed one pet on the scheme and you pay £3.00 a year for that animal to be covered. (It has to be a companion animal.) And the cover doesn't cover any previous problems - ie: if your cat has had dental treatment the scheme won't cover that with your certificate.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 14:16:35 PM
Quote
£3.00 a year for that animal to be covered.

It used to be every 6 months and so many people used to forget as there were no reminders.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 14:19:49 PM
Quote
Petaid 


I think the PDSA Hospitals and Clinics also use the name PetAod as well
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: forever_missing_my_boys(Lisa) on June 01, 2007, 14:19:59 PM
how do u know what area they cover

do u use the pdsa for it or a private vet ?
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Bazsmum on June 01, 2007, 14:35:10 PM
If you live within the area of a PDSA pet aid hospital you can register up to 3 pets.....if you are not in one then you can register 1 pet at a priv clinic (not sure if only certain vets do this or not?)

You could prob find out by phoning them what catchment you fall into ;)
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 15:09:06 PM
Quote
[not sure if only certain vets do this or not?)

Yes it is only certain vets and certain post codes too. In our area 3 vets used to do PDSA work but now only one does it.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: MBll on June 01, 2007, 16:39:37 PM
http://www.pdsa.org.uk/index.html
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on June 01, 2007, 18:28:50 PM
Yup, sorry you're right Ela. When I first started using it it was a year, now it's six months. (Ta for reminding me. :))

And yes, it's specific vets in the area that have agreed to do work with PDSA pets.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 20:07:39 PM
Quote
Yup, sorry you're right Ela. When I first started using it it was a year, now it's six months.

And there is me thinking you are very young.  ;D The only reason I know is that someone near hear asked me to take her forms to the vets after she forgot and it must have been at least 5 or 6 years ago. Although 6 months later they did send her a reminder. Also a few years ago on an AOL forum someone would not have it about the PDSA and their way of working, so I contacted them and they sent me a letter confirming what I thought, Funnily enough a couple of weeks ago I found it somewhere. I think it is now back in that safe place.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 01, 2007, 20:11:26 PM
Quote
And yes, it's specific vets in the area that have agreed to do work with PDSA pets.

Sadly a few vets have now pulled out from doing the work due to them finding problems with getting paid.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: JackSpratt on June 01, 2007, 23:30:28 PM
I'm 31, is that very young?  ;) ;D

I think it was up until a few years ago that it was yearly cover. I've kept all my expired paperwork (as you do!) so I could probably put the exact year - but that's just scarily obsessive!
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 02, 2007, 07:48:37 AM
Quote
I think it was up until a few years ago that it was yearly cover. I've kept all my expired paperwork (as you do!) so I could probably put the exact year - but that's just scarily obsessive!

Do you want to borrow my shredder ;D.  I think possibly it changed from 1 yr to 6 months when they put it up from £2.50 (I think) to £3.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 03, 2007, 12:21:07 PM
My vets wont allow PDSA clients due to not getting paid - and we are just out of the catchment area for the nearest hospital. Shame really, as it is the animals that suffer for it.
Title: Re: PDSA
Post by: Ela on June 03, 2007, 12:43:54 PM
Quote
My vets wont allow PDSA clients due to not getting paid - and we are just out of the catchment area for the nearest hospital.
Quote

Ditto