The Irish Blue Cross was established in 1945, and put its first mobile veterinary clinic onto the streets of Dublin in 1953. Since its foundation the charity has continued to develop the service whilst extending its support for needy pets through partnership with private veterinary practices.

Ten Blue Cross mobile veterinary clinics are in operation weekly throughout Dublin and are manned by a dedicated volunteer force of vets, drivers and helpers.  Each year, at least 10,000 pets are cared for at the mobile clinics.  This work is supported by the main office, which handles an additional 8,000 calls for assistance from the general public.

In 2007, the Irish Blue Cross provided veterinary care to 12,749 small animals. This included treatments, vaccinations and check-ups carried out at the charity’s Dublin based mobile clinics as well as neutering and life-saving surgeries carried out under its low cost referral schemes undertaken by veterinary practices in Dublin and around the country.

In 2007, support has been given by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a grant of €15,000 towards canine and feline neuters. Also, in recognition of the work of the charity, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food contributed generously towards the work of the Charity with a grant of €40,000. Each year, Dublin City Council and other local authorities also give significant grant aid to the charity.

The Irish Blue Cross also operates a horse ambulance service that attends at all Irish racecourses, north and south. In an average year, the fleet of three ambulance units provides over 350 days of service. Experienced staff work closely with racecourse veterinary surgeons to assist racehorses ‘pulled up’ or injured during the course of racing. In 2007, 382 horse ambulance service days were provided to racecourses. Funding is provided by Horse Racing Ireland and other racing organizations. The Irish Blue Cross horse ambulances are also to be seen at the RDS Annual Horse Show, the Punchestown International Horse Trials and some Point-to-Points