Emergency appeal for vulnerable island animals

Aim

We have launched an appeal for emergency funding to help us to continue to provide our animal welfare services

 Our Isle of Wight animal centre was established in the 1950’s and since then we have cared for thousands of animals on the Island, so expert animal care is in our DNA.

Although we are part of the largest animal welfare charity in the UK – the RSPCA, which has been caring for animals for almost 200 years, we are both an independently registered and independently funded rescue and rehabilitation centre which relies solely on the support and generous donations from our local community to be able to provide care for the animals. 

Located off-shore we face unique challenges in our animal rescue and rehabilitation work.

The Covid 19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on our animal centre. We have lost revenue due to the closing of our charity shops and and our 5 star animal boarding business, Bohemia Boarding https://www.bohemiaboarding.co.uk/  We are facing a deficit of £100,000. 

We have launched an emergency appeal to help us to continue to provide our animal welfare services and we are hoping to raise £5000 through this the Aviva community Fund towards our overall £100,000 goal to keep the centre running and to help our islands most vulnerable domestic, farm and wildlife animals. We are the voice of the animals and any contribution made will go towards the cost of the animals daily care, medical bills and training aids to help adoptable animals succeed in their new home and for rehabilitated wildlife to be returned to their natural habitat.

“Like other charities, we are seeing a demand for our services at a time when our ability to generate income is very low,” said Suzanne Pugh, IW RSPCA branch manager.

“It won’t stop us admitting animals who require medical and surgical treatment, but we have to find the money for their care.”

"Though affiliated to the national RSPCA, our Island organisation is stand-alone and must raise its own funds to provide its animal adoption and welfare services".

“Throughout the Covid-19 period there are still domestic, wild and farm animals that depend on us,” Suzanne said.

“We know it has been a difficult time for everyone, including our staff, but we really need some financial assistance.

“As this crisis intensifies animals need your help more than ever and we would ask anyone who can make a donation to please, please, do so".

RSPCA Isle of Wight Reviews:

“They are compassionate and they do wonderful work for all the animals in care and do their very best for those needing to be taken into care who are still in need.” – Nikki

“A huge thank you to the lovely rspca team who acted really quickly in getting a cat trap to me so I could catch my 7 month old kitten that managed to get under the floor boards whilst moving house, I am so grateful and over the moon to have my boy back with me, I will most definitely be donating as much as I can to this wonderful charity!” – Kellyanne

“Had a fantastic experience with The RSPCA. We wanted to adopt a cat but had been told by other organisations that we were difficult to home due to 3 young children. Well RSPCA you were the opposite... we had 4 visits in total, our home visit passed after our 2nd visit and we found our perfect match on visit 4. We collected our cat Marvin on Thursday and he’s doing so so well. 

Thank You to everyone who gave us advice, support and encouragement. We are all very happy and Marvin is gaining so much confidence to explore and mingle.” – Mary

 “on Tuesday night my cat Ted became very unwell ,we didn't have the money for a vet out of desperation after calling 9 isle of wight vets for help I contacted the RSPCA who were wonderful and so helpful with their advice and after 20 minutes they found us a vet who would see my Ted. Sadly Ted had to be put to sleep as he was so ill but thanks to RSPCA he went to sleep without pain or suffering and with dignity. This would not of happend without them. We cannot thank you enough nor the vet who saw him who was amazing and so supportive I didn’t get the name of the vets of her name they are on Carisbrooke Road in Newport thank you all of you.” – Cheryl

“What an amazing team they have, kind and caring we adopted our beautiful bulldog Bennie today, we have fostered him for a time while he lost a few pounds. when I took him back the staff were always lovely and gave Bennie lots of attention. And special thank you to the lovely lady Lorna who helped us with the whole process. Her care for animals shines through and her advice and guidance is endless. What a credit she is to the branch. Here Bennie is with his new brother and sister” – Wayne

 “We re-homed a staffie from you. The staff were incredibly helpful and supportive. Our new dog is settling in well - we really love her. Thanks” – Martha

“Visited the centre here yesterday - what an amazing team and facility. Keep up the great job x” – Louly

 “Hi there, I found this branch really helpful and friendly. I adopted a guinea pig from here to be a mate with my existing guinea pig (adopted from Pets at Home).The inspector that came to inspect my home to see if it was OK for the new piggie was also polite and friendly. I took the integration process really slowly and I am pleased to say it was successful. The piggie that I adopted from here was apparently a stray. He didn't smell very nice and had a coat the texture of a Brillo pad. But now his coat is transformed to a softer, shiny coat and he looks very good. They are both thoroughly spoilt though! Shame that I don't seem to be able to add a photo of them?” - Katherine

“We’ve just adopted an older dog from the RSPCA at Godshill. She’s been well looked after during her time at the shelter, and has come to us in good health and is happy. We’ve been kept well informed about her throughout the adoption process, and unlike some other re-homing places, we felt that it wasn’t just about getting the animals out of the shelter, it was actually about what was best for them. All in all, a happy experience. Thank you.” – Phil

“A few days ago I found a rather poorly looking Jack-Door on our driveway, brought the little fella inside and phoned the RSPCA. A lovely gentleman was sent round to collect this beautiful bird. The lady on the phone was lovely, and the gentleman was very friendly, he was also very caring and gentle with our little friend. Thank you” - Terri

This project successfully funded on 7th October 2020