Animal shelter celebrates community support in new campaign

An animal shelter is thanking the community for their long history of support to mark the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary.

Claverton-based Bath Cats and Dogs Home has launched a new campaign, Without You, as a tribute to the community's contributions.

The Without You digital campaign launched in mid-June online and on social media.

James Walker and rescue dog Morris (Image: Bath Cats and Dogs Home)

It highlights how Bath Cats and Dogs Home builds the trust of rescue animals and helps them on their adoption journey.

Taking care of more than 700 animals a year, the charity receives a lot of support from the communities of Bath and North-East Somerset and West Wiltshire.

Residents play a key role in the charity's work by adopting and fostering rescued cats and dogs, volunteering in charity shops and raising funds.

Established in 1937, the charity remains independently funded while also adhering to the RSPCA’s welfare standards for cats and dogs and working with RSPCA inspectors to shelter and care for animals in need.

Rachel Jones, CEO of Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said: "Congratulations to the RSPCA on 200 years of creating a better world for rescue pets and other animals.

"In Bath, we cherish the small victories of our animals every day as they make positive steps, one paw at a time.

Vet Michaela Taylor with rescue cat Reuben (Image: Bath Cats and Dogs Home)

"Today, we are shining a light on the hard work of the local community and our supporters.

"I am so grateful to our community for supporting the charity over the years, we simply couldn’t do what we do without you."

Matthew Fenlon, from Bath, adopted rescue dog Peggy from Bath Cats and Dogs Home in 2023.

He said: "Our experience of adopting with Bath Cats and Dogs Home has been a wonderful journey.

"After our initial enquiry, this led to a discussion about the various types of dogs that we were interested in, ones that would suit our needs and lifestyle.

"The team then matched us with Peggy, and she is perfect."

Del Gale, who has volunteered at Bath Cats and Dogs Home since 2015. added: “I love the variety of roles and working with staff and other volunteers at this amazing local charity.

"I started volunteering as a dog walker which led into puppy socialisation and then I moved on to helping with laundry and sorting retail donations.

"Since then, I have volunteered as an animal fosterer and helped with cat socialisation.

"I also volunteer at street collections and help to run fundraising craft stalls at community events.”