IF NOT US THEN WHO?

Aim

We aim to raise funds allowing us to carry on providing veterinary care for those that need it in our area.

Who would have paid for Tommy to have a life changing operation to fix his entropion eyelids which were causing him constant irritation throughout his whole life. 

Who would have paid for Alfie to have antibiotics and steroids after he found himself injured with a large facial wound from straying. Without care and treatment his wound would have become infected, leaving him suffering out on the streets alone.

Who would have paid for Marley to have around the clock care including hourly feeds and toileting after he was left only a week old orphan on our doorstep. Many orphaned kittens come to us needing fluid injections, glucose, heat mats and other specialist care to ensure they are comfortable, giving them the best chances at life. Without this round the clock care, orphaned kittens wouldn't survive.

What would have happened to them if we hadn’t paid for their Veterinary treatment?

There is no National Health Service for animals ,they rely on people like us to pay for any treatment needed. As a self funding charity every penny we have needs to be raised by all our staff, volunteers and supporters. 

Last year our vet bill was over £27,000 and is rising each year. We are looking to raise £7000 to cover our vet costs for 4 months. This would give us the opportunity to have the ability to  help more animals as well as being able to continue to provide Vet welfare contribution vouchers to qualifying pet owners helping pets to stay with them and not have to suffer.

On average only about 50% of owners have insurance to cover the cost of veterinary treatment. Of the remaining 50% it is estimated that 80% can’t afford the treatment forcing them into taking out loans, denying their animal treatment or having it euthanased.

WHO ARE WE?

The RSPCA Kent,  Ashford, Tenterden and district Branch is run as a separate charity whilst coming under the National Society umbrella. In order to exist we rely on all our staff, volunteers and the local community to raise the funds we need. Our Branch area reaches down to the coast in the south and towards Canterbury in the West which covers a large part of Kent.  As a Branch we run a successful rehoming centre taking in cats  from across our local area as well as farther afield and the Inspectorate. Last year we rehomed 244 cats! 

As well as running a rehoming centre right in the heart of the town centre we have a foodbank for cats, dogs and small animals. A successful Charity shop which is uniquely run only by volunteers plays a big part in helping to fund our work We provide neutering and vet welfare vouchers for people on low incomes. We help with Vet costs for wildlife as well.  Many of our volunteers find their mental health improves by being around animals and provides a valuable lifeline to them by working with like-minded people and becoming part of a team .

Our Branch building was built by funds raised by volunteers in 1964 so celebrates it’s 60th birthday this year!

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO DO?

All the  cats that come into our care are in need of food, rehabilitation, warmth, Veterinary treatment but most of all LOVE. However, as the years go by our costs increase but the need continues.

Above: Mark recovering from his leg amputation in Ashford Garden Cattery.

Last year our Vet bill came to over £27,000 ,each of the 244 cats coming into our Cattery had a vet check within 10 days of being admitted. A high proportion of those cats needed further veterinary procedures whether it was neutering, dental work or more complex issues. 

Last year 106 of our cats needed neutering. We never  refuse to treat an animal however much it costs as there would be no one else to help if we didn't.

All cats coming into our care all have a different story to tell - 

* Abandonment - they get left behind when people move 

* Their owners sadly die or go into nursing homes

* Be found straying by a member of the public or one of our Inspectors

* Been in an accident or have other conditions and are not claimed or their owners couldn’t afford the treatment they needed

* Unable to stay with their family for various reasons

* Cases of cruelty that our Inspectors have to deal with. If a prosecution is involved they can stay with us for months until the court case is heard.

* From local vets and RSPCA Branches from other parts of the country

* Even dumped on our doorstep in unsuitable boxes or a carrier if they are lucky,

Whilst our staff and volunteers can rehabilitate them emotionally by making them feel safe and able to trust people again all medical treatment has to be funded by the Branch.

Above: Maggie was found straying with an open wound riddled with maggots, she recovered in Ashford Garden before finding her forever home.

The national shortage of Vets has also meant that we no longer have weekly visits where all of the cats that needed to be seen were done at the same time. Each one now has to be taken to the vet surgery which has added transport costs to our bill.

Not only do we provide vet care for the cats in our care, we do our best to help members of the public with neutering and welfare vet contribution vouchers if they qualify. Already in 2024 we have given out 14 vouchers . That's 14 animals who are now getting the treatment they need. But there are many more that need our help, and we could do this with your help. A donation will go to making this possible. We also help to pay for the veterinary costs of treatment for wildlife.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Helping to keep pets with their owners either by helping with the cost of food through our foodbank or helping with the cost of vet treatment for all types of animal mean there are less animals having to be given into rescue centres just because their owner can't afford to keep them.

Owning a pet is beneficial to someone's physical and mental health not to mention the animal’s. Ripping a well loved animal away from its home is heart breaking for all concerned.  The worst thing is when you can’t afford to have your severely ill pet put to sleep it's unimaginable the stress and heartbreak that brings not to mention the continued suffering of the animal.

We don't give up on any animal unless all avenues have been explored. Cats like Gordon who had terrible cat flu as a kitten , his eyes were so badly damaged they had to be removed. He has turned into a happy cat and is rehomed with his sister and enjoying life.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHEIVED SO FAR?

We have set up a discounted neutering scheme which costs only £15 for owners of cats and rabbits that qualify. Free microchipping events are planned for this year. As the deadline for all cats to be microchipped comes nearer this will be ever more important. Our foodbank was set up in 2022  in response to the cost of living crisis  - a little help with pet food costs means owners can spend their money on items vital to their own health. We would like to help more people with vet welfare vouchers. No pet or owner should suffer because they can't afford the treatment they need or to give a seriously ill and suffering animal the dignified end it deserves.

WE KNOW THAT

By helping people either with food or vet contribution vouchers it allows pets to stay with their owners rather than having to give them up to rescue centres like ours which is better for all concerned especially the pet. 

Owners have less stress as they no longer have to go without food themselves in order to feed their pet. 

The giving out of neutering vouchers mean no unwanted babies which in turn means less animals ending up in shelters like ours or worse cast out onto the street where the whole cycle begins again.

IF WE COULDN'T PROVIDE VETERINARY CARE FOR THEM  - WHO WOULD?

A donation today would help us continue our vital work. Thankyou.

This project successfully funded on 28th March 2024