The Rainbow Rehoming Centre in Derry has an unpaid bill of £8,430 with one veterinary practice. The centre seeks financial donations to cover these costs.

Anna Hyndman, a trustee who has volunteered at the centre for 25 years, stated that vet bills represent the largest expense alongside general operations. She noted that corporate takeovers of local vets in Derry have driven up costs for the centre and pet owners.

Vaccination prices have tripled, Hyndman said. The centre spent £47,000 on vet bills in 2023, £65,000 in 2024, and projects £75,000 for 2025. January 2025 vet costs alone reached £8,000.

Many pets taken in are stray cats and dogs surrendered by owners due to living expenses, Hyndman explained. Some owners could not afford needed medical care for their animals.

Hyndman said families now face tough choices on pet care amid high costs. The centre recommends pet insurance for owners. Vets also deal with significant overheads, she added.

To stay open, the centre plans to reduce pet intakes. Hyndman expressed concern over Derry's large area and the risk of closure, though the team remains committed to helping some animals rather than none.

Volunteers, who balance jobs and families, find the rising costs stressful, according to Hyndman.