The Really Big ReFURb: Help Secure the Future of Animal Rescue
The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch has launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date – The Really Big ReFURb – an essential capital appeal aimed at transforming its outdated animal welfare facilities and safeguarding the long-term future of the centre.
Without this vital redevelopment, the centre will no longer be able to remain open in the years ahead. With growing numbers of animals requiring care, increasing pressure on their services and welfare standards evolving rapidly, the branch’s current shelter no longer meets the needs of the animals it cares for.
“This project really is a need…not a want” said Lauren Moore, Fundraising Manager. “The animals we care for, many of whom arrive with complex medical needs, deserve facilities that allow them the best chance of recovery and finding forever homes. Without this essential project we risk losing our ability to help them altogether, and this simply isn’t an option for us.”
The Really Big ReFURb will enable the branch to:
- Expand and improve the accommodation for all species, including a 172% increase in space for rabbit housing.
- Introduce larger, quieter and more enriching kennel spaces to reduce stress for dogs.
- Allow cats from the same family to be housed together and support the care of more feral or traumatised cats in a safer environment.
- Create flexible indoor spaces to host educational sessions for local schools and community groups.
- House more animals, reduce shelter stress considerably, secure forever homes more quickly.
A key priority for the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & Bradford team has been to ensure services remain active during the build. The branch is proud to confirm that they will continue their usual rescue and rehabilitation work throughout the entire project and the public will still be able to adopt, donate, and support the centre as normal.
(Above: Teddy, a 5 year old dog suffering from a painful case of Sarcoptic Mange was recently cared for and rehomed by the RSPCA branch, emphasising the need for their shelter to remain open throughout the build)
Claire Spencer, Animal Centre Manager says “We have worked tirelessly to create a solution that allows us to continue our mission without interruption. Turning away animals in need is not an option for us, and this plan ensures that we won’t have to.
“With many local RSPCA branches and rescue centres in our region closing/reducing animal intake due to funding crises – we know our Animal Centre is a much-needed lifeline for the hundreds of animals who come to us every year. Those numbers sadly aren’t slowing down… they’re on the increase.”
Cats will remain on site in soundproofed and secure accommodation, protected from disruption during the first stage of the build. Dogs will be temporarily relocated to nearby trusted RSPCA Centres, under the continued care of the branch’s dedicated team. The Centre’s Reception, Adoptions, and Pet/Vet Shop will remain open throughout the redevelopment.
(Pictured above: 3 kittens Penne, Rigatoni & Macaroni found abandoned at the side of a road, in a fabric playpen and Mater a cat found covered in oil, likely sheltering in a car as a terrified stray have all been cared for, rehabilitated and rehomed by the local branch in 2025)
Fay Gibbons, Digital Lead, explains: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters over the past two decades — and the careful financial planning of our charity, which has worked incredibly hard to set aside funds wherever possible — we’ve been able to build a pot to get this inevitable project underway. The time has now come where we must begin, and while we have enough to start, we don’t yet have the funds to finish. That’s why we’re sharing our plans now — so people can follow the journey from the very beginning.”
“This is a major two-phase project to secure the future of our centre and the animals who rely on us. We’ll need our community every step of the way — whether that’s through donating, fundraising, or simply staying in the loop and helping us spread the word. Keep us in mind and stay connected to find out how you can get involved over the next few months — and if you’d like to donate now, you absolutely can!”
You can support the Really Big ReFURb by:
- Staying updated via the charity’s newsletter and socials: https://www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list-2/
- Making a one-off or regular donation to the Capital Appeal https://rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.enthuse.com/cf/reallybigrefurb
- Planning or taking part in a fundraiser over the next two years
- Spreading the word to friends, family, colleagues, and your local community
- Learning more on our website: https://www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk
This project will not only improve the lives of animals today, but also ensure a stronger, more compassionate future for animal welfare across the Halifax, Huddersfield, and Bradford region.
To find out more or donate, visit:
https://www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk/capital-appeal-update/
For press enquiries, contact: Laurenmoore@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk
