Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has seen its finances devastated by Covid

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has launched an emergency fundraising appeal following devastating financial disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Help Our Home appeal comes after the charity was forced to close its pet boarding service and shops to comply with restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.

The charity, which costs over £2 million a year to run, also had to cancel key events and other fundraising activities this year, resulting in an organisational restructure and 15 members of staff being made redundant.

Even with funds taking a hit, the charity has continued to provide its core services throughout the lockdown period, taking in stray and abandoned animals and providing its pet foodbank service to those facing poverty, unemployment and homelessness.

Appealing for donations, Doreen Graham, the home’s chair of trustees, said: “2020 has been such a devastating year for so many people, charities and businesses across the world, and that is no different for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. We’ve been providing a safe haven to animals in need for nearly 140 years and this is all thanks to our wonderful supporters who have donated so generously over the years.

“Now more than ever, the home needs to call on the support of the public to help us pull back the £650,000 losses we have made this year and help secure our long term future.”

The appeal is asking the public to sign up to either a monthly direct debit, or to make a one-off donation to help the charity continue its vital work for dogs, cats and pet owners in need across the east of Scotland.

To find out more about the appeal, or to make a donation visit the charity’s website.