Charity Spotlight: The Irish Blue Cross
Alleviate the suffering of animals through veterinary clinics and equine ambulances.
We'd like to know about your charity. Tell us who you are and what inspired the creation of your charity.
The Irish Blue Cross animal welfare charity was founded in 1945 by a group of like-minded people determined to prevent the live exportation of Irish horses to the continent for slaughter. It wasn’t long before the group realised that the plight of Dublin’s sick dogs and cats desperately needed to be addressed. The solution came when the first Irish Blue Cross mobile clinic hit Dublin’s streets in 1953, prioritising its presence in areas where there was highest demand for charitable veterinary services. In 2009, our small animal clinic was established with state-of-the-art facilities at our base in Inchicore, Dublin 8. The mission of The Irish Blue Cross is to offer affordable veterinary care to eligible owners; promote welfare and responsible pet ownership; and alleviate the suffering of animals through veterinary clinics and equine ambulances.
What impact does your work have on the community?
The opening of our Inchicore clinic, complemented by our mobile clinics, has made an immeasurable difference to so many communities across Dublin and without our support, many families would struggle with providing necessary care and assistance for their pets. Today, our clinic services have expanded to ten locations across Dublin each week day evening. Care is at the heart of our work and every year, over 16,000 dogs, cats and small animals attend our Inchicore clinic and mobile clinics for treatment. In addition to our small animal work, we operate a horse ambulance service that attends all Irish racecourses and main events, working closely with veterinary surgeons to assist injured horses.
Would you like to share a success story that really represents what you do?
We’d like to share one special story that shows just how much your generosity means. It’s the story of Barcimedes (Barchy for short), a tiny Yorkie with a huge heart, and the person whose life he helped change.
“Barchy came into my life just after my mum passed away in 2020. He was the dog we had always dreamed of, and he arrived at the moment I needed comfort most. Since then, he has carried me through some incredibly tough years. I’ve had multiple surgeries and broken bones, and on my worst pain days, Barchy never leaves my side. He curls up beside me like a tiny, warm weighted blanket and brings a kind of comfort nothing else can. He is my reason to keep going. I truly don’t know what I’d do without him. That’s why I am so deeply grateful to The Irish Blue Cross — and to generous supporters like you. Because of your kindness, Barchy has received everything from his annual vaccinations to treatment for a painful knee condition. The mobile clinic and the wonderful team in Inchicore have made it possible for me to access essential care for Barchy, something I simply couldn’t afford on my disability payment. And the compassion doesn’t stop there. Even the mobile clinic drivers gently help me lift Barchy onto the table — a small act that means the world when lifting is difficult for me. Thanks to The Irish Blue Cross, Barchy is back to his cheeky, joyful self, racing around the house with zoomies and filling my days with laughter. Your support means I can keep him healthy, safe, and by my side — just as he has always been for me. For him. For The Irish Blue Cross. And for caring people like you, who make their life-changing work possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.“- Emma & Barchy
How has being part of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon supported your charity's mission?
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has improved our charity’s reach and has enabled us to continue our support for pets in need. This marathon is a great way for people to become more familiar and engaged with charities across Ireland.
Contact Info:
Telephone: 01 471 3622 | Email: allana.pomponio@bluecross.ie | Website: The Irish Blue Cross – Animal Charity