Interview with RSPCA Finchley
What do the people who work at RSPCA Finchley do day to day?
Day to day, we have two charity shops, they both have managers working daily as well as a team of fantastic volunteers who help us keep the shops going. The shops are vital for the branch to continue animal welfare work in the area. We have a small clinic, which is open twice a week to eligible clients for preventative care and treatment. As a self funding branch of the RSPCA, we are a separate registered charity with our own charity number 211851, we are not part of the national RSPCA, but affiliated to it. We are responsible for all of our own funding and local animal welfare work. We cover Finchley, Hendon, Edgware, Golders Green and surrounding areas.
How many animals does RSPCA Finchley have in their care at any one time?
We have our cattery, located in Chingford. It is a private cattery and we have cat pods there funded by the Branch. These have just been rebuilt and we are now able to house more cats per pod, provided they are bonded cats. Other RSPCA Branches use this facility too. We do not have an animal center so this is the next best thing for us! We can now have anything from 0-36 cats at one time in our care. Other animals are networked out to other RSPCA centers and facilities.
Where do the majority of the animals come from?
The majority of our animals are networked from our London animal hospitals as well as local animals in need of our help!
We have heard that a large number of black animals are in rescue centres. Is this true?
We have all different colours, ages and personalities of cats come into our care.
Tell us about the fostering process should anyone wish to do this?
Fosterers are fantastic for cats who find it hard to cope at the cattery, or new mums and kittens. If anyone is interested in fostering they can speak to our rehoming coordinator by email at rehoming@rspcafinchley.org.uk who can give more details.
Why should people adopt an animal?
Adopting an animal gives that animal a second chance, many of the animals that come into RSPCA care have often never experienced life in a loving family home. All of our animals are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and up to date on flea and worming treatments before being rehomed.
What’s the adoption process?
When an adopter has visited the animal they would like to adopt and it is a perfect match, the branch will arrange a home visit so that we can give advice before the rescue cat comes home. This can be advice on food, environment and toys and tips to keep the cat safe and happy. For example, a new rescue cat will need a nice snuggly bed, but also a hidey place for when they need space, especially when settling in.
What happens if the adoption process doesn’t work out?
On the very rare occasion an adoption does not work out, the cat will be returned to us.
Tell us a couple of your happiest ending stories!
Our most recent success story is of a cat called Popcorn, who was dumped with a note at a bus stop in the local area the poor girl. She was picked up by an Animal Collection Officer and brought to the cattery. She was in good health and was adopted very quickly after being seen on Twitter by over 10000 people! She has now found a fantastic new owner and will have the best life.
Another recent success is a pair of cats called Punch and Judy, they were the sweetest pair of cats who had a few adoptions fall through. We could not understand why they were with us for so long.They finally found their forever home recently and we couldn't be happier for them!
Animals can be so forgiving of the way they have previously been treated.
Where can people see which animals are available for rehoming?
People can see all available animals on the RSPCA site, under the find a pet tab. RSPCA Finchley Branch animals are here.
