Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

History

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in Holloway in 1860 by Mary Tealby (1801–1865) as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. The Home moved to Battersea in 1871 opposite Battersea Park and has a view of the Battersea Power Station.

During World War II, then manager Edward Healey-Tutt advised against people euthanising their pets because of fear of food shortages. Throughout the war Battersea fed and cared for over 145,000 dogs.

In 2002, the name was changed from Battersea Dogs Home to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (cats were first admitted in 1883).

To mark its 150th anniversary in 2010, the Royal Mail released a set of stamps featuring a series of dogs and cats that had been adopted by staff. It also launched a commemorative book, A Home of Their Own, which charts the history of the Home. This includes a look at notable people who have adopted animals such as Elton John, who credited his pet, Thomas, with helping him through a rough period. Starting in 2011, Battersea implemented the "Staffies. They're Softer Than You Think" campaign to educate the public about the positive attributes of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

On 17 March 2015 Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a plaque to officially open the Mary Tealby kennels.

In addition to the site in south-west London, the Home also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.

Patronage

In 1885, Queen Victoria became Patron of the Home, and it has remained under Royal Patronage ever since. HRH Duchess of Cornwall is the current Patron, and Prince Michael of Kent is the President.

Aims

Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help, caring for them until their owners or loving new homes can be found, no matter how long it takes. Battersea champions and supports vulnerable dogs and cats, determined to create lasting changes for animals in society.

Achievements

TV programmes

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has featured on many television programmes and documentaries. The Channel 4 programme Pet Rescue which aired in 1997 featured Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. BBC One programme Animal Rescue Live was broadcast live for a week at Battersea in July 2007. The programme was presented by Matt Baker and Selina Scott.

Since 2012, ITV's Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs has been filmed at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. The show won multiple awards including two National Television Awards for 'Factual Entertainment'.

In June 2016, the home featured in a Channel 4 series called Rescue Dog to Super Dog, made by Plimsoll Productions.

Ambassadors

Celebrity friends

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is supported by a host of high-profile celebrities who attend Battersea's events, support campaigns and rehome animals including Tom Hardy, Jeremy Irons, Simon Cowell, Sue Barker, Anthony Head, Samantha Barks, Sue Perkins, Craig Revel Horwood, Kirsty Gallacher, Susie Dent, Rosie Marcel, Christian Jessen and Nicky Clarke.

Notable alumni

Governance

The Chief Executive is Claire Horton, assisted by several directors, reporting to the Council of Trustees, of which the chairman is Amanda Burton. The Council consists of 11 Trustees, one of whom is elected as chairman. The Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Home and monitoring the achievement of objectives and the financial position.

Funding

The Home receives no government funding and is run almost entirely on donations from the public.

Transport

Battersea Park station for National Rail and Queenstown Road (Battersea) station for National Rail services are located nearby on Battersea Park Road. In the future the Northern line will serve the Home at a station called Battersea Power Station.