Welfare clinics.
Our welfare clinics offer owners on low-income access to reduced-cost veterinary care for their pets. Eligible owners must have an income below £15,000 per year or receive benefits, they also need to live in the branch area.
All our subsided veterinary services are funded thanks to donations, fundraising and sales from our charity shops, and with the support of our partner vets.
Our branch area
Please note
If you are breeding for monetary gain or any of your animals have repeated litters, we reserve our right not to see any of your animals and recommend you should attend a private vet. Whilst we are here to ensure animals get the best care possible, we are a charity and valuable funds could be used to help other animals not associated with financial gain. For full details, please read our Anti-Breeding Policy.
Our clinics
Ipswich
Our flagship, Branch-run welfare assistance clinic is located in the heart of Ipswich.
Please note that we see people in the order they arrive.
Address
35a St. Georges Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NF
Phone
01473 231972 (only answered during clinic opening hours)
Opening Times
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Closed
11.30am - 1pm
Closed
Closed
11.30am - 1pm
Closed
Closed
Stowmarket
Velma the mobile vet clinic operated by Bury St Edmunds Veterinary Centre is based at Stowmarket Football Club Carpark, Stowmarket, IP14 1JQ, every other Wednesday offering RSPCA clients walk-up appointments for £15 between 1pm and 3pm (please take proof of benefits with you).
To check the location of Velma the mobile veterinary van run by Bury Veterinary Centre please call on the number below.
Address
Stowmarket Football Club Carpark, Stowmarket, IP14 1JQ,
Phone
01284 630650
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds Veterinary Centre takes their mobile vet van to Barton Road Retail Park, Barton Road, Bury St. Edmunds, IP32 7BE every other Wednesday offering RSPCA clients walk-up appointments for £15 between 1pm and 3pm (please take proof of benefits with you).
To check the location of Velma the mobile veterinary van run by Bury Veterinary Centre please call on the number below.
Address
Barton Road Retail Park, Barton Road, Bury St. Edmunds, IP32 7BE
Phone
01284 630650
About our Ipswich clinic
Our Ipswich clinic offers consultations for £15 per animal and can help with health checks, flea and worm treatment, and minor ailments.
OPENING TIMES
The clinic is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11.30am – 1pm for walk-in appointments.
FACILITIES
There are no surgical facilities or a laboratory on site, so for operations, blood tests or X-rays you will need to visit a private veterinary practice.
PAYMENTS
Consult fees and any medication costs must be paid by cash or card at the end of your appointment.
BENEFITS
Please bring proof that you are in receipt of benefits when you visit the clinic.
We check benefit entitlement every 6 months, so you may be asked to show this information at a subsequent appointment.
MEDICATIONS
To order repeat prescriptions, including for flea and worm treatment, pets must have seen the vet in the last 6 months.
Any medication needs to be ordered 1 week in advance.
ATTENDANCE NUMBERS
Our waiting area is small so please try to limit attendance to one person per pet.
Reception opens from 11.30am, with vet appointments between 12-1pm on first come, first served basis. Please note that the last appointment to be booked-in is at 12.50pm.
Out of hours veterinary treatment
If you need urgent veterinary assistance outside of our opening hours, please contact a local veterinary practice. If you are not registered with a veterinary practice, you may wish to contact one of the following practices to see if they can assist:
- The Barn Vets in Ipswich – 01473 730213
- Cedarwood Veterinary Practice in Stowmarket – 01449 676966
- Bury St Edmunds Veterinary Centre – 01284 630650
Questions about our clinics
For any questions about any of our welfare clinics please follow the link below.
August 2024 at a glance
It's been another busy month, but here's what our Ipswich Welfare Clinic team were up to...
151
animals seen (up 15% on July)
£
3,325
worth of welfare vouchers care provided
59
neutering vouchers issued & redeemed
HELP & ADVICE
Further information
Branch area
Owners must live within the area of the branch’s geographical boundaries. If you are not sure whether you live in our branch area, check our map, or get in touch.
View our branch mapEligible benefits
Assistance is available to individuals who are not in receipt of the qualifying benefits, You will need to provide recent proof that you are in receipt of any of the below benefits:
- Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Pension Credits.
Neutering vouchers
Clinic clients are eligible to receive a neutering voucher for their pet, covering up to 50% of the cost of a standard neuter procedure for dogs and small animals, and enabling owners to pay just £15 for a standard cat neuter. Wherever possible vouchers are issued via email.
Vouchers can be requested at our welfare clinic or by emailing neutering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk
Email usOther help & advice
Still seeking help and advice on animal care and welfare, such as how to surrender an animal if you or someone you know is struggling to care for them, or to report a concern about an animal?
