Part Four

Branches

We have around 135 RSPCA branches across England and Wales that are responsible for much of our direct animal welfare work. The branches are separately registered charities, and can vary in size and scope.

Some operate out of a large animal centre or clinic, with lots of staff; some branches are smaller, private boarding establishments (PBEs) that may have one or two staff at most, along with numerous volunteers. Other branches have no paid staff, are entirely volunteer and trustee led, may work from a PBE or fostering unit, and may only offer welfare assistance, instead of a rehoming service.

Branch activities and facilities

This list is not exhaustive, and reflects just a small part of our commitment to animal welfare.

  • Rehoming
  • Behavioural assessments
  • Community outreach
  • Pet food banks
  • Financial support for pet owners
  • Free pet health checks
  • Emergency veterinary financial assistance
  • Free cat microchipping
  • Mobile vet clinics
  • Low-cost neutering
  • Pet rescue and rehabilitation
  • Education
  • Trading (charity shops)
  • Free pet care advice
  • Fundraising
  • Operating theatres
  • Vet training
  • Animal dental suites
  • People food and clothes banks  
  • Crisis support

Branch activities and facilities

  • EDI events calendars
  • Braille signage
  • Hearing loops
  • Zero tolerance of abuse statements
  • Sympathetic lighting and colour schemes for light-sensitive colleagues and visitors
  • Tailored work plans
  • Extensive buddy systems for new starters
  • Faith rooms and religious observances
  • Fully adaptive mechanisms on animal cages to help colleagues with fine motor skills challenges

Staff reflections

Jessica Dowler: An inclusion story

Interview with Jessica Dowler, Cat Behaviour Assessor, Bath Cats and Dogs Home – RSPCA Bath and District Branch.

Life on the frontline of animal rescue

A heartfelt look at the challenges and rewards of working in animal rescue, from supporting vulnerable pet owners to rehoming animals and running community clinics.

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