Animal welfare pioneer and founder of PDSA, Maria Dickin CBE, opened her first ‘People's Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor’ in Whitechapel, London on 17 November 1917.
By 1935, Maria had established 5 PDSA hospitals and 71 dispensaries. She had also designed 11 motor caravan dispensaries, that travelled around rural communities providing free PDSA veterinary care.
Today, Maria's dream of offering free veterinary treatment for the sick and injured pets of those owners who can’t afford veterinary fees is a reality. There are 43 PDSA PetAid hospitals and 352 PDSA PetAid practices caring for sick and injured pets UK-wide.
Young PDSA History
Maria was convinced that the support and understanding of children was vital to improving the health and welfare of animals. In 1934 she set up the Busy Bees Club for PDSA's younger supporters. Maria herself was the first Queen Bee.
After Maria's death in 1951, her friend, the world famous children's author, Enid Blyton, took on the role of Queen Bee. Divided into 'hives' and 'swarms' Busy Bees were unequalled in their determination to collect 'honey' in the form of silver paper, stamps, rags and coins to support PDSA.
In 1993 the club was re-launched as
PDSA Pet Protectors. It remains a great way for children to have fun learning about their pets and other animals.
