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History
In 1860 Mrs Mary Tealby, concerned by the number of animals roaming
the streets of London, opened ‘The Temporary Home for Lost and
Starving Dogs’ in a stable yard in Holloway.
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The Home received a
lot of bad press when it first opened, at a time in Victorian
London when it was deemed immoral to spend time and money helping
‘dumb’ animals when human beings were living in appalling
conditions on the streets.
Attitudes began to
change. Mary Tealby died in 1865, aged 64. In 1871, the Home moved
to its present site in Battersea, and was renamed The Dogs’ Home
Battersea. The Home started taking in cats in 1883. |
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In 1885 Her
Majesty Queen Victoria became patron of the Home, and it has remained
under royal patronage ever since. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is
our current patron and has visited the Home on many occasions to open
newly-built facilities and to offer her support and encouragement.
Background
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Dogs are brought
into the Home from two main sources – as strays from police
stations and dog wardens all over the capital, and as ‘gifts to
the home’ from people who are unable to care for their dog or cat
any more.
Each dog or cat is given a number and a name and logged on our
computer system. When a stray comes in, the owner has seven days
to claim it and once that week has passed we begin the process of
finding it a new home. Contrary to popular belief, there is no
time limit on how long an animal can stay with us. As long as the
animal is happy and healthy, we will care for it until the right
home comes along. |
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Every dog is assessed
to determine its temperament. The dog is analysed to determine its
general behaviour, how it responds to cats and whether it is suitable
for living with children. It is also given a thorough health check.
Once all this is done, the dog enters the rehoming kennel block ready
to be viewed by the public.
Prospective new owners undertake an in-depth interview process so they
can be advised on the type of dog or cat that would suit them best.
The idea behind this is to find a healthy new environment for the
animal so that both owner and pet are comfortable with the choice.
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