Meet the team dedicated to finding animals fur-ever homes

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine we meet the team at RSPCA Derby’s Abbey Street Animal Rehoming Centre to see first-hand the incredible work they do to find loving homes for neglected, mistreated or unwanted pets.

While meeting some of its furry and feathered residents, Innovate soon discovers that while the charity’s focus is, of course, on animals – it is a special team of people, including staff, volunteers, foster carers and supporters – who make it all possible.

And it is all achieved despite financial pressures and relentless demand.

RSPCA Derby is an independent, self-funded organisation that has been serving the animals, and the people, of Derbyshire for generations.

It has existed in one form or another for more than 150 years. The Abbey Street site itself was established in 1940, when Derby was still a branch of the  national RSPCA.

However, in 1963, it became a charity in its own right, still operating under the RSPCA banner but responsible for raising every penny it spends.

Branch manager Penny Lockwood tells Innovate that distinction remains one of the biggest misconceptions the charity faces.

She said: “A lot of people think that when you say ‘RSPCA’ there’s one big pot of money somewhere that we all draw from.

“But that’s not how it works. We receive no government funding and no national RSPCA funding. Everything we do here is funded locally.”

To continue operating, RSPCA Derby must raise around £12,000 every single week.

Each year, around 500 animals are cared for at the Abbey Street centre – with dogs and cats making up the largest proportion.

Some animals are brought in by national RSPCA inspectors investigating allegations of neglect, cruelty or abandonment.

Others are signed over directly by owners who, for a wide variety of reasons, can no longer care for them.

Importantly, the staff at Abbey Street are clear that most people do not give up animals lightly.

Jamie Pritchard, supporter care officer, tells Innovate: “A lot of it comes down to people’s circumstances changing.

“Financial pressures, housing issues, relationship breakdowns, illness, a new baby – sometimes people just reach a point where they feel they don’t have any other option.”

Rehoming animals is Abbey Street’s core mission – but it is never rushed.

Jamie explains: “We’re completely animal centred. Their needs come first, always.”

To read the feature in full click here.