About
Bath Cats & Dogs Home
There has been an animal shelter in Bath since 1918, with the present Home based at Claverton Down in Bath opening it’s doors in 1939. For over 65 years years the Home has had a policy of non-destruction, providing vital shelter, care and re-homing services for local animals in need.
Although Bath Cats and Dogs Home is affiliated to the national RSPCA, it does not recieive any financial support from them for its running costs. The Home is a charity in its own right and relies upon fundraising events, donations, sponsorships, legacies and support groups such as ‘The Friends’ to fund its important work.
The Home has grown dramatically since its early beginnings and now has the facilities to look after 250 animals at any one time. Every year over 3,000 cats, dogs and small animals benefit from the Home’s dedication to help local animals in need.
About The Friends
In 1980 a group of animal lovers formed and independent Charity, The Friends of Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
Our main aim is to raise much needed funds to support Bath Cats and Dogs Home, which has been voted the number one re-homing centre in the UK for the second year running; a recent Dogs Trust survey revealed that 101,586 stray dogs were found in the UK in 2005, of them, 7,743 had to be destroyed, as homes could not be found for them. We also occasionally donate funds to other animal welfare organizations whose work reduces pressure upon the home.
We currently have about 1,400 Friends who through their subscriptions, donations, legacies and fundraising over the past 24 years have raised the magnificent sum of around £2m. A Committee of Trustees manages these funds, organises fundraising events and also approves all donations large or small.
Over the years the Friends have contributed £1.2 million to the re-development of the Home, provision of an Animal Ambulance, outfitting the vet’s suite and cost of a new IT system. The Friends have contributed £400K towards vets’ bills since 2004 and recently, £450K of a total cost of £500K for 2 new ‘state of the art’ circular kennels and runs to replace very old and tired buildings. Construction started at the end of February 2006 and was completed at the end of August 2006.
Become a member of The Friends
Visit our Support page to find out how you can join the Friends.
