Phase One

Phase One: Building a better start for cats and puppies

Estimated Cost: £2 million

Phase One is the first and most urgent stage of our redevelopment project. It will replace some of the oldest and most deteriorated buildings on site with modern, welfare-focused facilities designed around the needs of vulnerable animals.

Behind every cat and puppy that arrives at York Animal Home is a story of hardship. Whether they have been abandoned, neglected or faced health challenges, each animal deserves the chance to recover, rebuild confidence and find a loving home. Our current facilities are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and no longer provide the environment these animals deserve.

The new cattery will offer spacious, low-stress accommodation with improved ventilation, natural light and dedicated areas for vulnerable, long-term and isolated cats. The new puppy unit will provide safe, purpose-built accommodation for litters and their mothers, giving them the best possible start while supporting vital early socialisation and development.

This phase will also include essential site infrastructure works and the construction of a community and training hub that will support animal enrichment, rehabilitation, volunteer training and community engagement activities.

By completing Phase One, we will create facilities that improve welfare, reduce stress, support recovery and enable more animals to receive the care they need.

Building a brighter future, one brick at a time

Be part of something special by purchasing a virtual brick in support of our Capital Appeal. Every brick purchased will help us create a brighter future for the animals in our care through the redevelopment of our new cattery and puppy unit.

For just £50, you can add your name and a short personal message to one of our two virtual walls - the Cattery Wall or the Puppy Unit Wall - helping to fund the new facilities that will transform the lives of animals in our care.

Your brick will become part of a community of supporters helping to create modern, purpose-built facilities and improve the lives of thousands of animals for years to come.

The Puppy Wall The Cat Wall

The plans

The plans below show how we will create a brighter future for cats, puppies and nursing mothers through modern facilities designed around animal welfare and recovery.

A second chance for Bailey, Hatchi, Aubrey and Pyewack

Over the following weeks, the team provided intensive treatment, including six weeks of medication and up to six small meals a day to help them regain strength. One of the cats nearly tripled in body weight during their recovery.

Their journey was not a quick one. It took ten months of dedicated care, patience and rehabilitation before they were finally ready to find loving homes.

Today, the three boys - Bailey, Hatchi and Aubrey - are happily settled together with a wonderful couple who recognised the special bond they shared. Pyewacket, the older female, found her perfect match and now enjoys a close companionship with her adopter.

Their story is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate care can make. Thanks to the support of people who believe every animal deserves a second chance, four neglected cats were given the opportunity to recover, heal and start a new chapter filled with love.

Our Fundraising Goal

We're raising £2 million to deliver the first phase of our transformational redevelopment, creating a modern cattery, specialist puppy facilities and a new community welfare hub.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we've already secured £1.2 million, including a landmark £100,000 gift from Pets at Home. That means we have £800,000 left to raise to complete Phase One.

With construction now underway, every donation will help keep the project on track for completion by June 2027, bringing us one step closer to a brighter future for vulnerable animals.

Ways to support the appeal

There are many ways you can help build a future for every paw. Whether you make a donation, organise a fundraiser, become a corporate partner or simply get in touch, your support will help transform the lives of vulnerable animals.

Find out more here