What’s StreetVet and Why Are Cornish Gems Backing Them in 2025?

Holiday letting firm throws its support behind Cornwall’s homeless pets with new charity partnership

Cornish Gems announces Charity of the Year

Cornish Gems has named StreetVet as its Charity of the Year for 2025, pledging to support the charity’s work with homeless people and their pets across Cornwall.

The Truro-based holiday letting company, which offers luxury stays across the county, has chosen to focus all fundraising efforts this year on StreetVet’s Cornwall branch. The national charity provides free veterinary care to pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness, running over 70 outreach sessions in the Duchy each year.

Supporting those living on the streets with their pets

StreetVet’s CEO, Zoe Abbotts, said:
“We were delighted to be chosen as Cornish Gems’ Charity of the Year for 2025. This collaboration will not only raise awareness of StreetVet’s work across Cornwall but also highlight the vital need for our services. All funds raised will directly support the 70+ outreaches taking place this year across the Duchy, ensuring that more pets and their owners receive the veterinary care they need.”

StreetVet launched its Cornwall team in 2019. Since then, its volunteer vets and nurses have carried out more than 2,000 consultations, supporting over 400 pets – including 354 dogs, 48 cats, rodents, birds and even a tortoise. The charity also runs eight Accredited Hostels in the county, helping people and their animals find safe, pet-friendly housing.

A partnership with personal meaning

Michelle Baillie, Managing Director of Cornish Gems, met Zoe at a networking event and was moved by the charity’s work.
“A few months ago, I met StreetVet’s CEO Zoe at a networking event and was immediately inspired by the charity’s incredible work supporting those going through homelessness with their pets,” said Michelle.

“I invited her to our office to discuss how we might support this vital cause, and after a company-wide vote, we were delighted to let Zoe know that the StreetVet Cornwall branch had been selected as our 2025 Charity of the Year. As a passionate animal lover I couldn’t be more thrilled that Cornish Gems is supporting an initiative so close to my heart.”

Local fundraising kicks off this week

The Cornish Gems team, based in Threemilestone, has already launched a Pet Donation Station in their office to collect food and toys. The first major fundraiser will be a Spinathon on 21st May, with all proceeds going to StreetVet Cornwall.

To support the event, visit their JustGiving page.

Using business as a force for good

Cornish Gems, which was founded in 2009 and is led by Nadia and Tom Macer-Wright, achieved B-Corp status in January 2024. The company has raised over £23,000 for Cornish charities since 2017, including Surfers Against Sewage, the RNLI, Cornwall Air Ambulance and Truro Foodbank.

It placed 6th in the 2023 Best Workplaces in Travel Awards and continues to use its platform to make a positive impact on the local community.