A LOCAL veterinary practice is to collect donations of pet food and hold a fundraising party in aid of several charities.

Jonathan Wood Vets is asking for donations of pet food for Hector’s House Cat Rescue and the Blue Cross rehoming unit in Exeter, including tinned fish to help sick cats eat their medication.

Items can be dropped off from Sunday, December 1 at Jonathan Woods Vets at Barnstaple Cross in Crediton or at its branch surgery at Bernaville Nurseries in Cowley.

The practice will also hold a festive gathering on Thursday, December 19 at its Crediton surgery.

“Pet lovers” are invited to go along for mulled wine and mince pies from 5.30pm.

The event will raise money for the Blue Cross and for CODS (formerly Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society), which will be singing carols. 

Head Veterinary Nurse Shelly Jefferies said: “Hector’s House and the Blue Cross do such amazing work in our local community and we’re keen to help support them by collecting cat and dog food donations that will help ensure the pets they care for have a great Christmas.

“Our clients are always very generous and supportive of charities, and we are hoping they will rise to the occasion this time.

“We can take any donations of cat or dog food as long as it is unopened, and the charities have made a special request for tinned fish as they use it to disguise the taste of medication.

“Our caring team also wanted to make the run up to Christmas extra special this year, so we’re holding a festive social evening and hope as many people as possible will join us for mince pies and carols on December 19.

“We will also be raffling a luxury hamper containing lots of goodies for a pet and their owner during the evening.”