Every year Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cares for 8,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats that come through the doors of its three centres in London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor. The Home offers shelter, food and a loving environment until the animals are reunited with their owners or happily rehomed.
Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre is a peaceful retreat for dogs who are stressed by the big city and cats who enjoy a slower pace of life. Last year marked the centre’s 15 year anniversary and saw over 850 cats and dogs being rehomed over a 12 month period.
The average stay for dogs at Battersea is 36 days but some charismatic canines have been resident for a lot longer including three year old Alaskan Malamute Theo and four year old Jack Russell terrier Jake who seem to have become semi-permanent residents at the Brands Hatch centre, both spending over 200 days there to date. 
Battersea needs to raise £15.4 million every year in order to continue giving animals like Jake and Theo the second chances they deserve. Individuals, schools, businesses, groups and associations can all make a huge difference to lost and abandoned animals, however they choose to show their support. From bucket collections to non-uniform days, from raffles to cake sales, from staff fundraising to Charity of the Year adoptions – everything adds up to help give animals the second chance they all deserve. People can also lend a hand by volunteering at nearby Battersea events, helping at bucket collections and joining their local fundraising group.
Ken Hall is Co-ordinator of a Volunteer Battersea Fundraising Group in West Kingsdown. He said: “I have always been an animal lover and I am really excited about my new fundraising group which will hold several local events a year to raise money for Battersea. Fundraising groups are the perfect way for energetic and friendly people to make new friends, give some time and help a great cause. I’d encourage people to volunteer and fundraise for the Home as we can all see first-hand the difference we are making to animals lives.”
Battersea’s Regional Community Fundraiser for Kent and Sussex, Victoria Lawrence, says: “Our volunteer fundraisers work tirelessly in their own time to organise events and we’re so grateful for their support. Battersea receives no central Government funding, so we rely on the generosity and support of the public. Thanks to the fundraising activities organised by our passionate supporters, we can continue to care for homeless animals until new families can be found for them”
The Home are appealing for more volunteers to run and support community fundraising activities in the Dartford area to help raise funds for the thousands of animals it cares for every year. Victoria Lawrence supports all local fundraisers with advice, ideas and resources. If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Victoria on 07590 173456 or email v.lawrence@battersea.org.uk.