More than 70,000 families in Manchester could be eligible for help with vets bills, an animal charity has said, as they open a new pet hospital.
The brand new facility in Gorton welcomed its first sick and injured animals last week.
It was officially opened by Mojo, the former police explosives dog who was awarded the animal equivalent of the OBE.
The brand new £2.4 million centre, the largest of its kind in the country, is run by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and was paid for entirely by donations.
Founded by Maria Dickin in 1917, during the First World War, the charity provides veterinary care for animals owned by those who may not be able to afford private vets bills.
However thousands of people who may qualify for free or reduced cost vets care aren't taking advantage of the service, they say.
The new centre, named the the Montague-Panton Hospital, replaces the previous PDSA Pet Hospital on Warwick Road South, Old Trafford, which closed its doors for the final time after 40 years last month.
The site on Redgate Lane, off Pottery Way in Belle Vue includes a waiting room with separate areas for dogs, cats and small furries so everyone has their own space.
It also has special recovery wards for cats and small animals as well as two operating theatres, one for major operations and another for more minor procedures.
PDSA’s Director General, Jan McLoughlin, and Chair, John Smith, as well as supporters attended the hospital to meet the first animals to be treated.
Rachel Smith, Senior Vet at the new Wellbeing Centre, said: “It’s great to finally be here. The Old Trafford hospital holds lots of memories, and helped so many pets and people over the years, so the team were sad to leave.
"But we are really excited to finally open the doors of this fabulous new facility.
“The space and equipment will allow us to do more than just treat animals – we want to become the heart of the Manchester pet community: somewhere people can come for advice and guidance on how to keep their best friends happy and healthy.”
The PDSA opened their first facility in the region in Salford in 1925 before moving to their previous home near Lancashire County Cricket's Old Trafford ground in 1975.
Nationwide they treat near half-a-million vulnerable pets a year at a network of 48 hospitals, of which this new facility is now the biggest.
Director General Jan McLoughlin said at the opening: "The PDSA has been treating poorly pets in and around Manchester since 1925, so today is a true milestone for us.
"I’m thrilled to be here with the local team and Mojo to mark this special occasion.
“We are so grateful to every single supporter who has donated money to help this new hospital become a reality.
"And I offer special thanks to the Montague-Panton Trust and players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their generous support.”
Mojo was the first dog to arrive at the scene after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
He worked throughout the night following the devastating attack alongside his handler PC Phil Healy - searching around injured victims to make sure the area was safe and that there were no further explosives.
Who is eligible?
The PDSA Centre offers vet care for the pets of owners who receive certain benefits.
The bills are free or reduced-cost depending on what benefits the persons receive.
The charity recommends people visit their ‘eligibility checker’ here
