The campaign will transform the now 41-year-old animal welfare facilities, ensuring the long-term future of the centre.
Their Wade Street Animal Centre has been a lifeline for animals in need for decades, but the site is now outdated and no longer meets modern welfare standards, putting them at risk of having to close their doors for good.
“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 redevelopment includes complete kennel and cattery upgrades with bigger pens for all, ensuring warmer, safer, and more comfortable spaces for animals in their care, and includes a 172% increase in space for rabbit housing.
Support staff and volunteers will also benefit from safer, better working environments and more welcoming and private spaces for adoption meetings and visits that are fit for the future.
So far this year, the branch has successfully rehomed over 226 animals, including dogs, cats, and small animals.
Work officially began on The Really Big ReFURb on Monday, September 10th, with the demolition of the old dog kennels.
But you ask, what about the dogs?
The current dogs in their care have already safely moved to a temporary site where they’ve settled in brilliantly, with the charity’s dedicated staff continuing to care for them every day.
Meanwhile, cats and small animals remain at Wade Street, where a soundproofed cattery and rescue space ensure they stay calm and content during the building work.
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.”
The Wade Street Centre will remain open throughout the refurbishment. The reception and Centre shop are open as normal, and adoptions continue for cats, dogs, and small animals.
Anyone interested in adopting can simply complete an online application form via the website:
As an independent, local and self-funded branch of the National RSPCA, support for the refurbishment is crucial to allow them to continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome unwanted, abandoned, and abused animals across the region.
The RSPCA aim to complete the project by July 2027, but to achieve this, they must raise £3.8 million.
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 the 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.
