Construction begins on £2 million transformation at RSPCA York, Harrogate and District – but charity still needs £800,000

The independently-funded RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch has now started work on Phase One of its ambitious A Future for Every Paw Appeal, which will deliver a purpose-built cattery, specialist puppy facilities and a new community and training hub.

While the charity has already secured £1.2 million towards the £2 million cost of the first phase – including a significant contribution from Pets Foundation – it is now appealing to the public to help raise the remaining £800,000 needed to complete the project.

For almost 50 years, RSPCA York, Harrogate and District on Landing Lane has provided refuge for hundreds of abandoned, neglected and mistreated animals each year, helping them recover before finding loving new homes.

However, the existing buildings are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and are no longer able to meet modern animal welfare standards, with some areas already out of use and the charity currently operating under conditional licensing arrangements.

The redevelopment aims to create purpose-built facilities designed around the welfare needs of the animals arriving at the home.

One of the many success stories highlighting the need for the project is that of four Siamese cats – Bailey, Patchy, Aubrey and Pyewacket – who arrived at the home in 2025 after being rescued from an owner previously prosecuted for animal cruelty.

The cats were severely underweight and suffering from bacterial infections affecting their eyes and airways.

Following ten months of specialist care and rehabilitation, all four have since been successfully rehomed.

Marie Sandall, Animal Welfare Manager at RSPCA York, Harrogate and District, said: "It's very sad not to have any cats here at York Animal Home at the moment, but we were able to find homes for all the cats in our care before the old cattery was demolished.

"While we rebuild, we'll be sharing cats available for adoption through our Bridlington branch.

"With demand for cat spaces continuing to grow, it's so important that we can bring these much-needed facilities back to York as soon as possible."

The charity hopes construction beginning on site will encourage more people, businesses, community groups and charitable organisations to support the appeal.

Lucy Lowthian, Capital Campaign Lead at RSPCA York, Harrogate and District, said: "Seeing construction begin is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved in this project.

"After so much planning, fundraising and hard work, it's wonderful to see the vision for our new Animal Home starting to become a reality.

"But while this is a huge milestone, our work is far from over.

"We still need to raise £800,000 to complete Phase One, and that funding is absolutely vital if we are to deliver the new cattery, puppy facilities and community and training hub as planned.

"We hope that seeing work begin will inspire even more people to get involved.

"Whether someone makes a donation, buys a virtual brick, takes on a fundraising challenge, encourages their workplace to support the appeal or talks to us about a corporate partnership, every contribution can make a real difference."

Phase One is expected to be completed by June 2027.

Lucy added: "Construction starting is something we should all celebrate but we can't stop here.

"We still desperately need the support of our community to get Phase One over the line.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create facilities that will support vulnerable animals for years to come.

"Every donation, fundraiser, partnership and act of support brings us one step closer, and we appreciate all the support we receive."

To support the A Future for Every Paw Appeal, make a donation, buy a virtual brick or find out more about fundraising and corporate partnerships, visit www.yorkanimalhome.com