Pets at Home and Blue Cross are launching a nationwide summer fundraising event to help keep pets fed and families together as cost-of-living pressures continue to affect homes across the UK.

In August, the event will raise funds and collect donations for Blue Cross's pet food banks.

This appeal launches at a critical time as many households face additional financial pressures during the summer school holidays.

Since 2021, Blue Cross and Pets at Home have fed more than 4.5million pets across the country through pet food banks.

Chris Burghes, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Cross, said: “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table for their family and feeding the pet they love. Pets provide companionship, comfort and unconditional love, and they are an important part of the family, and for some, their only family. We’re proud to be partnering with Pets at Home on this initiative to help keep pets and people together, providing practical support to families when they need it most.”

Customers visiting any of Pets at Home's 450-plus stores will be able to purchase pet food parcels or make a monetary donation to support the initiative.

All donations collected through the event will be distributed through Blue Cross pet food banks and local food bank partners.

Amy Wilson, Fundraising Manager at Pets Foundation, commented: “Our purpose is to create a better world for pets and the people who love them, and nothing is more important than keeping pets with their families, living happy and healthy lives in their own home. This is something we care deeply about, so we are proud to partner with Blue Cross on this summer’s fundraising event and know our dedicated colleagues and brilliant customers will join us to help raise as many donations as we can for those who need a helping hand.”