This recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation.
Midlands Pet Ambulance CIC, the UK’s only not‑for‑profit, 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Ambulance Service, proudly serving Burton and Swadlincote, has been honoured with a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the Best Pet Related Business category at this year’s prestigious ASA Animal Star Awards.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation, which has grown from a small community initiative into a vital emergency service relied upon by pet owners across the region. Operating day and night, Midlands Pet Ambulance provides urgent veterinary transport, crisis response and a dedicated daytime Pet Taxi service supporting vulnerable, disabled and elderly pet owners who may otherwise struggle to access essential veterinary care.
Director Craig Thompson expressed how much the accolade means to the volunteer‑led team, describing being nominated as “a huge boost for our small dedicated team of volunteers”.
Every call we attend, every pet we help, and every owner we support reminds us why this service is so important.
The organisation has seen a surge in demand over the past year, reflecting both the growing awareness of the service and the increasing need for accessible veterinary transport. Craig continued:
Getting Highly Commended was the icing on the cake to an amazing year. It shows just how much need there is for the service. Going forward, the team will be launching a fundraiser in August to purchase an additional ambulance specially adapted to allow pet owners in wheelchairs to travel with their pets.
This next step represents a major development in the charity’s mission to ensure no pet owner is left behind, regardless of mobility or circumstance. The planned accessible ambulance will feature specialist adaptations to allow wheelchair users to travel safely and comfortably alongside their pets during emergencies or routine veterinary visits.
Midlands Pet Ambulance CIC is now inviting corporate sponsors and individual supporters to help bring this vital new vehicle to life. Sponsorship opportunities include branding on the new ambulance, community partnership recognition, and involvement in future outreach events.
Anyone interested in supporting the fundraiser or becoming a sponsor can contact Craig via the organisation’s Facebook page or by email at petambulance999@gmail.com.