What Is The Really Big ReFURb?
Our Really Big ReFURb is the biggest project in our branch history and a vital investment in the future of animal welfare
For more than 45 years, our rescue centre has been a lifeline for vulnerable animals across Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford, but after decades of caring for thousands of dogs, cats and small animals, our ageing facilities had reached the point where they could no longer meet the needs of the animals who depend on us.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’re now halfway through this once-in-a-generation transformation. The first phase is creating modern, purpose-built kennels for dogs in need, before we move on to transforming our cattery into a calm, welcoming space where cats can recover, thrive and find loving new homes.
This isn’t about building something new for the sake of it. It’s about ensuring our independent, self-funded rescue centre can continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals for decades to come!
We’re making fantastic progress, but there’s still plenty of work to do…
Every donation brings us one step closer to completing our new centre, giving thousands more animals the safe, comfortable environment they deserve while ensuring we’re here whenever they need us most.
2025 - 2026 Timeline & Progress:
What a journey it’s been already! The future of animal welfare in Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford is beginning to take shape before our eyes. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’re now half way through our Really Big ReFURb, and the transformation is becoming more exciting every single week.
We’re incredibly proud to say that our Really Big ReFURb is now 50% complete! 
Over the past year, we’ve reached some amazing milestones and phase1 of our build is nearly complete. Our old kennel blocks were demolished back in July 2025, making way for modern, purpose-built facilities designed around the wellbeing of every dog who comes into our care. While construction continues, our dogs are being cared for in comfortable temporary accommodation, where they’re still receiving the same love, rehabilitation and expert care from our dedicated team… but in September 2026 they will be moving in to their brand-new kennels here at our Wade Street site and we’re all so excited for this incredibly special milestone!
The transformation at our Wade Street Animal Centre is now impossible to miss. The foundations have been laid, the steel framework is in place, the scaffolding surrounds the new building and the walls of our brand new kennels are so close to being revealed! Every week brings another exciting milestone as our vision becomes a reality.
Although we’ve come so far, the next stage is one of the most important as we head into phase 2, the beginning of work on our much-needed brand new cattery!
Every donation helps keep this momentum going. By supporting the Really Big ReFURb today, you’re helping us complete the next phase of construction and ensuring vulnerable animals across Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford always have a safe place to turn when they need us most.
Why This Matters:
We started the build with our brand new kennel blocks. This 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.
Soon, we’ll begin work on Phase 2. 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 two specific 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
The dream will become the reality, with your support!
