A self-funded animal rescue charity facing an uncertain future due to the cost of living crisis has launched an Animal care fundraiser. This will complete a new commercial boarding kennel and cattery, a project it says will secure half of its annual operating costs forever.
Animal care fundraiser aims to secure the rescue centre’s future
Animal Care, based on Blea Tarn Road, announced last month that it was in a very serious financial situation. It says it urgently requires regular donations to survive.
The charity is now appealing for help to finish construction of the new facility it secured planning permission, but ran out of funds to complete.
Meanwhile, the social enterprise model will see all profits from the pet boarding channelled directly into the charity’s rescue work. The facility will also allow the charity to launch a programme caring for animals in the short term.
Additionally, owners receive hospital treatment, a service that it describes as much needed in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.
Social enterprise model to fund half of the annual costs
Formed in 1978, Animal Care takes in unwanted and abandoned animals from across the North West. It cares for around 800 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other creatures each year until it finds them new homes.
Faye Goymer, Animal Care manager, said the new facility represents a shift from surviving to sustaining. This is after nearly five decades of relying solely on donations.
“Once operational, this facility will cover 50 per cent of our annual rescue costs, forever,” she said.
The charity is, however, now seeking businesses and sponsors to help bridge the final funding gap. This is to offer permanent recognition within the new facility and social media coverage in return.
In another development, a United Kingdom-based charity, Broken Biscuits, specialising in disabled dogs, has recently dispatched a team of veterinary experts on a 5,000-mile mission to China. The vet experts are to treat canines rescued from the country’s illegal dog meat trade.