Portsmouth taxi firm offering free rides to and from animal shelters

A TAXI company is doing its bit to help adopted animals reach their new forever homes.
By David George
Published 22nd Oct 2020, 13:04 GMT
Cats and dogs now have an easier ride to their new forever homes. Picture: SuppliedCats and dogs now have an easier ride to their new forever homes. Picture: Supplied
Cats and dogs now have an easier ride to their new forever homes. Picture: Supplied

CoolRides, which was set up in Portsmouth earlier this year, is currently offering free rides to customers who are travelling to and from animal shelters in the surrounding area.

The initiative aims to reduce the number of animals stuck in these shelters.

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Head of marketing Anna Greentree said: ‘We wanted to give something back to the community that has supported us since we started up.

‘Our owner, Marius Savu, was keen to help and after adopting a pet himself recently, realised the scale of the problem animal shelters are facing during this difficult time.

‘In this way, we’re able to do something positive to help out.’

Animal adoption rates have soared during the coronavirus lockdown, but animal centres have struggled, with many being closed during the pandemic.

In 2019, the RSPCA found new homes for 39,178 animals.

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Starting up in March, the taxi firm is one of the first pet-friendly companies of its kind in the UK.

SEE ALSO: Pub landlords say trade is now back at pre-Covid-19 pandemic level

While pet passengers are rejected by other firms, but CoolRides was given approval from Portsmouth City Council to carry them in their cars.

Now, with this initiative gathering steam, the company is looking at other ways it can make a difference.

Anna said: ‘We have already been working to support the Elizabeth Foundation, but just want to do as much as we can.

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‘We might be a business, but to us it’s not just about making money – but also doing nice things to help people out.

‘Charities need our support more than ever right now, so we will be here for anyone who needs our support.’

The company is urging other charities that need their support to get in touch.

For more information, people can go to coolrides.co.uk

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Related topics:PortsmouthRSPCAPortsmouth City Council

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