UK’s FIRST RVN-OWNED CAT CARE AMBULANCE SERVICE HITS ROAD

A veterinary practice that provides in-home care for cats is gearing up to launch what is believed to be the UK’s first RVN-owned ambulance equipped with oxygen.

Whiskers ‘N’ Beans is introducing this service to facilitate the transfer of patients to specialist care in emergency situations.

Currently serving Greater London, the service has already gained many clients who face mobility or transportation challenges that make visiting a traditional practice difficult.

The practice also plans to extend its transport services to referral centers outside the capital in the future.

Difference

Ellie Baggs, one of the company’s founders, believes that the APHA-regulated ambulance service can be a lifesaver, drawing from her own experiences as a pet owner.

She recounted the difficulties of not being able to drive and the challenges of transporting her own cat to emergency care, knowing that oxygen was needed but not readily available.

Baggs explained that access to veterinary care and referrals could be limited if patients were not stable enough to be moved, despite needing advanced care for recovery.

Remain Calm

Ms. Baggs said, “It really highlighted to me how crucial it is for cats to stay as calm as possible. That day, I vowed to do everything I could to prevent such situations for as many cats as possible.”

The ambulance is also central to other services offered by the company, including neutering and dental care. Cats are collected from their owners’ homes for treatment following an initial check by a vet.

Ms. Baggs and her co-founder, Sarah Reilly, bring over 30 years of combined nursing experience.

By working closely with veterinarians to provide in-home care and coordinating transport with practices, they aim to enhance community-based care, strengthen vital human-animal bonds, and elevate the profile of registered veterinary nurses.

Locum Vets

Although the business is owned and led by nurses, locum vets are working with the founders on a flexible basis to reconnect with the community, allowing clients to see familiar faces and ensuring continuity of care.

Ms. Baggs added, “Neither Sarah nor I come from wealth, and we weren’t born into the profession. We both worked hard, recognized our potential, and chose to pursue it.

“We wanted to change the direction of our lives and take control of our careers.

“Meeting new people and cats is what drives us, so it was clear that Whiskers ‘N’ Beans home vet services were our calling.”