The Irish Blue Cross was established in 1945 and introduced its first mobile animal dispensary onto the streets of Dublin in the early fifties. Since then, the charity has treated, vaccinated and arranged surgeries for well over 600,000 small animals through its mobile clinic service and subsidised welfare schemes run in co-operation with veterinary practices.

In 2009, the charity opened the doors of its fixed small-animal clinic at Inchicore, the first of its kind in Ireland where genuinely needy pet owners bring their pets for a range of low cost services including check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries and welfare requirements. The clinic was an immediate success, taking off instantly for those pet owners most effected by the recession.

In the current year, attendance figures at our mobile and small-animal clinics are expected to reach 20,000, showing a steady incline in demand on previous years.

Key sources of funds for our small-animal services are the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food; the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Dublin based local authorities. Our annual mailing and fundraising campaigns, in aid of services and capital requirements are generously supported by the general public.

The Irish Blue Cross horse ambulance service is on stand-by at all Irish race meetings. Last year it delivered 398 service days to the racing industry and is also present at key equine events (E.g. RDS Horse Show). This service is funded in the main by Horse Racing Ireland.