The RSPCA has at least 7,700* animals in its care at any one time – ranging from domestic pets like cats and dogs to exotic snakes and lizards, to native wildlife and birds who find themselves a long way from home.
As well as dealing with a wide range of species – both wild and domestic – the animal welfare charity also takes in dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents, exotics and birds from every corner of the globe.
That includes dog breeds such as the German shepherd or the Chinese crested, cats like the Burmese or Siamese, and rabbits like the Himalayan and Netherland dwarf.
In fact, the hundreds of animals currently up for rehoming on the online Find A Pet search service are from more than 36 countries ranging from the rainforests of Madagascar to the frozen plains of Russia to the rolling mountains of Bolivia.
“We are a nation of animal lovers but the animals we love don’t just come from all over the UK, but from all over the world,” RSPCA assistant director of field operations, Dermot Murphy, says.
“We are the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the country but we are also the only one which helps all creatures great and small – from farm animals and equines, to pet dogs, cats, rabbits and little furries, to pet birds and exotics.”
To mark World Animal Day (4 October), we’ve created a map (above) featuring just some of the dozens of destinations our animals originate from.
The charity – which is funded entirely from public donations – has thousands of animals in its care at any one time including around 2,500 wild animals, more than 1,800 dogs and around 2,000 cats.
“If you are considering getting a pet, start your research on the RSPCA’s advice pages online and you may find out your lifestyle would suit a Siberian husky, a Welsh pony, or a bearded dragon – all the way from Australia!” adds Abbi.
“And you needn’t look any further than the RSPCA’s Find A Pet search tool as the purr-fect pet for you may already be waiting in one of our many centres or branches across the country.”
The RSPCA is a charity and we rely on public donations to exist. To assist our inspectors in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).
Notes to editors
The interactive map is available via Thinglink. Photos of the featured animals are available from the press office.
*This is an average number based on the number of spaces the RSPCA has available. This number can fluctuate depending on the number of cats that are paired up in their pods.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 07825 158490
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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