Mayhew were delighted to be part of the 40^th Annual Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Conference this year.

As part of the Conference, Mayhew’s Community team spoke about the work Mayhew does in the community, and the impact it has on the lives of the animals and their humans that they reach with their vital services.

At a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect so many, they can see daily the difference they are making in their communities and that the demand for their services continues.

Their Community Animal Support Manager and TheraPaws & Pet Refuge Manager took to the stage on Friday 9 May 2025 to explain the valuable support Mayhew gives to pets and their people in local communities and answer questions from the audience. The presentation was a key opportunity for Mayhew to talk about their unique community-focussed offering with other animal welfare experts.

What support does Mayhew provide?

Pet Refuge: Mayhew are able to provide temporary care and shelter for the pets of people facing a short-term crisis, whether that be an ongoing issue or an unexpected emergency. This allows people and their pets to remain together in the long-term, avoiding the need for the animal to be rehomed.

TheraPaws: Mayhew’s TheraPaws volunteers take their behaviourally assessed dogs into hospitals, mental health centres, SEN schools, care homes and hospices to help improve the quality of life for those interacting with the animal. TheraPaws can support people of all ages and all boroughs across London.

Supporting homeless people with their pets: Mayhew’s team regularly visit those experiencing homelessness and their dogs and cats in centres and hostels, where they build close and trusted relationships with them and provide free general health checks and microchipping.

Working with food banks:  Their Community team go out to food banks within the five boroughs that Mayhew operates in (Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Ealing) to give support to pet owners in need. Currently, Mayhew work directly with five food banks in their area and provide them with cat/dog food, supplies, and individual care packages.

Collect & Care: This programme was created to provide support to vulnerable pet owners and give them improved access to preventative veterinary care. This service is available for dogs and cats. Mayhew’s Community team will collect the animals from the owners, take them to Mayhew’s Community Veterinary Clinic for treatment and then return them safe and sound.

Pet Support Hubs: Mayhew offers free preventative vet care, pet essentials and helpful information to struggling pet owners through a weekly drop-in service at the Home and two pop-up support hubs in the community each month.

Individual support: Mayhew can offer care packages to those struggling to afford the basics for their dog or cat. This could contain a number of items, including food, collars, leads, blankets, or more. The contents will depend on the donated items Mayhew has available.

Mayhew are grateful to ADCH for this opportunity to highlight the valuable work they do in the Community, work that makes it possible for animals and their humans to stay together – even through hard times – and preserving that beautiful bond.