Registered charity number: 275415

THE RSPCA

In 1824 the RSPCA was started by a small group of volunteers and our incredible volunteers have been helping us carry out our important animal welfare work ever since.

 

Back then we were the SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Royal patronage followed in 1837 and Queen Victoria gave permission to add the royal R in 1840, making us the RSPCA as we’re known worldwide today. When we were founded our focus was working animals, such as pit ponies, who worked down the coal mines. But we’ve changed with the times. During the First and Second World Wars we worked to help the millions of animals enlisted to serve alongside British, Commonwealth and Allied forces. 

 

THE RSPCA MK & NORTH BUCKS BRANCH
Our branch was founded on the 5th April 1978. We primarily assist in the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of sick and injured cats, rabbits and small animals, but also rescue dogs and other domestic animals. 

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As a small independent charity we are responsible for raising our own funds locally through our charity shops, fundraising events, grants and public donations. Without these donations we would not be able to carry out our vital work.

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We are run by volunteer Trustees who look after all aspects of the branch daily operations.They are supported by a larger group of volunteers which include animal fosterers and charity shop workers. We have a small number of charity shop staff and 2 animal welfare staff members. We are all very passionate about the work we do.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
Animals Supported (2025):

In 2025, our branch provided vital care, safety and second chances to animals across our community.

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Our work primarily focuses on cats and small animals, which reflects both the greatest areas of local need and what we are best equipped to support through our current facilities and foster network.

 

This year's achievements reflect the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, fosterers, trapping team and supporters.

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Key achievements:

• In 2025, a total of 629 animals were rescued, with the majority being cats and small animals, alongside a small number of dogs and other species supported through appropriate foster placements.

• We successfully rehomed 509 animals into loving homes.  There included cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils and kittens (some born within the branch).

• We cared for 87 small animals and found loving homes for 60, representing a significant increase in small animal adoptions compared to 2024.

• 38 kittens were born in branch care and received full veterinary and welfare support until adoption.

• Every cat and small animal that entered our care received a full health check, with many requiring and receiving additional treatment and rehabilitation.

• We cared for and neutered 38 animals that came into our care due to inspector welfare concerns, including cats, chinchillas, dogs and rabbits.

• 48 cats were supported through our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, helping to control and protect local stary cat populations.

• We expanded our foster capacity for small animals, enabling the branch to take in more abandoned and vulnerable animals than in previous years.

• Throughout the year, we worked closely with our dedicated trapping team to safely secure vulnerable cats and kittens and to reunite missing cats with their families.

• We achieved an adoption success rate of approximately 96.7% for rehabilitated animals.

People Supported (2025):

• We engaged with local leaders and local and national news outlets, who visited our cattery and saw firsthand the realities and impact of our work.

• We worked in partnership with local councils to deliver awareness events, strengthening relationships and promoting responsible animal welfare within the community.

• Over 120 volunteers and fosterers contributed their time, care and expertise to support animals in need throughout the year.