The Really Big ReFURb 
Help us build a better future for animals in need -
Our big fundraising campaign will happen later in the year but for now, please share our project with your family and friends, follow us on socials and sign up to our newsletter if you haven’t already…
Our Wade Street Animal Centre has been a lifeline for animals in need for decades — but our site is now outdated and no longer meets modern welfare standards, putting us at the very real risk of having to close our doors for good. Animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do, with the needs of the animals we care for shaping every single aspect of our work, and we believe that the animals arriving in our care deserve only the best facilities.
That’s why we’re launching The Really Big ReFURb, a vital project to rebuild and transform our centre for the staff, volunteers, our incredible local community and most importantly, for the animals.
Why We Need Your Support
Kennel Upgrades
We’re redesigning our kennels to put dogs wellbeing first. The new layout will significantly reduce noise and stress by preventing dogs from facing each other. With additional exits and more space, dogs will be calmer, and staff can work more safely and effectively.
🐶 Less stress, calmer environment – quieter kennels, better rest, and more settled behaviour.
🚪 Improved flow and safety – easier movement through kennels for all dogs.
🧸 More enrichment opportunities – Our new larger kennels will allow plenty of space for toys, crates and beds.
🧘 Better one-to-one time – peaceful spaces for staff to bond with our dogs and help them on their rehabilitation journey.
Cattery Improvements:
Right now, only one of our cat wards benefits from natural light — and the difference is dramatic. Cats in well-lit areas are more relaxed, active, and `easier to assess. Our new design will include windows in every pen, supporting healthy routines and reducing the need to move cats or use foster spaces unnecessarily. These changes will help shorten our cats stay with us and make their time here more comfortable and enriching.
Natural light in every pen – supporting cats’ natural behaviours and improving mood.
Dedicated feral space – calm, quiet and safer for handling more complex cases.
Bigger pens for all – room for toys, interaction and shared housing when appropriate.
No more facing pens – less visual stress and better separation when needed.
Adoption Improvements: Smoother journeys to forever homes
Our goal is, and always has been, to help every animal find their perfect home! Our new facilities will make that process much more welcoming and effective.
Calmer animals = higher rehoming rates, helping our animals transition from rescue to forever homes as quickly as possible.
Dedicated viewing spaces – so families can meet animals in a peaceful, private environment… a home away from home.
Quieter areas for paperwork and briefings, helping our dedicated team manage adoptions swiftly and effectively.
A proper meeting room for confidential discussions with adopters, staff, or national RSPCA teams.
Better adoption spaces mean smoother, more positive experiences for animals, families, and staff.
The Target
We are rebuilding in stages to stay open throughout the work. With other local RSPCA branches being forced to reduce their intakes, or even close entirely, due to funding crises, our services are more important than ever before, and it is crucial that we continue to provide them during the project.
The services we provide as a local branch support not only the local community, but animals across the country too. 25% of our intake in 2024 was from outside our branch region, so closing the centre entirely during the refurbishment is simply not an option.
With this in mind, we aim to complete the project by July 2027 and to achieve this, we must raise £3.8 million.
*7% of all donations received towards our Really Big ReFURb will cover general charity running costs*
Be Part Of Something Special
There are so many ways that you can support us and help us to achieve our goal - whatever your means!
This is more than a rebuild — it’s a fresh start for every animal who comes through our doors and a path to much brighter future for years to come!
Without our loyal supporters, we simply wouldn’t exist and animals at risk would not receive the help they need. We’ll be announcing how you can support our fundraising appeal later in the year but for now, please stay up to date with our project by following us and signing up to our mailing list! If you’d like to make a donation now you can do so below, your support means everything to us.
Donate Now Fundraising pack – full pack coming soonFrequently Asked Questions