Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know that we have a pet accessories and toy shop at the York Animal Home? The shop is accessible during our opening hours of Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 am to 3.00 pm and our stock is reasonably priced.

All profits are used for the care and welfare of the animals at the York Animal Home.

We like to help but there are things you can do before contacting us.

Our reception is manned during opening hours but may not be manned at other times of the day, due to the work caring for the animals resident at the York Animal Home. We understand that this can be frustrating for you but there are things you can do before you contact us.

If you have an immediate concern for your own pet, please contact your vet. We do not have a vet at the York Animal Home.

If you are concerned about the welfare of an animal that is not yours then please call our National Control Centre on 0300 1234 999.

If your dog is lost please contact the York Dog Warden on 01904 552299.

You can find out more on our lottery page.

Yes!

We have a monthly giving scheme called SuPAWters. Monthly donations start from just £3 a month and you can find out more here

Did you know that the RSPCA is the world’s oldest animal welfare organisation?  Every year tens of thousands of animals are rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed by branches across the nation.  Individual membership costs just £24 per annum.  To read more information about membership, follow this link.  For an application form and payment details follow this link.  By becoming a member you are automatically entitled to become a member of this branch at no extra cost.  We are grateful for your support.

To view the animals looking for a home, please select the animal type from our home page. When you see a pet that you hope will become a part of your family please visit the York Animal Home at any time between 11 am and 3.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday or call to initially discuss the animals potential suitability for your home and family on 01904 654949 . Please note that we are closed every Monday and the first Thursday of each month. If you would like to meet the animal - this can be arranged at The York Animal Home but all the family that live in your home will need to be at that meeting.

Following your meeting with the animal and providing everyone is happy to proceed, you may then reserve your proposed new pal (shown on the animal pages as RESERVED). A home visit will then be arranged as soon as it is convenient for you and your local home visitor . If your home visit and the necessary vet checks are successful we will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for you to collect your new family member.

We look forward to welcoming you to the York Animal Home soon.

Our adoption fees are reviewed every year and we try to keep them as low as possible but at the same time set the fee so that we are getting an appropriate contribution towards the cost of looking after your pet, whilst he or she has been in our care. Our adoption fees were amended 1st September 2018.

They are as follows:

Puppies – from £150.

Adult Dogs - from £150.

Kittens - from £90.

Adult Cats - from £90.

Rabbits, Small Animals and Birds – Between £5 and £25.

On adoption your cat, dog or rabbit will be neutered (if 5 months or older), micro-chipped, wormed and have up to date vaccinations. Cats and dogs received standard and regular flea treatments and rabbits, treatment for mites.  Of course, you also get your new family member! If your dog, cat or rabbit leaves us unneutered because they are too young, then we issue a voucher to you to pay for the neutering when your new pet is old enough.

If you were to acquire your new pet from a source that does not provide the above then you can reasonably expect to pay the following:-

Microchipping – typically around £25.

Dog Castration – from £80 (more for larger dogs).

Bitch Spay – typically £150 to £300+ depending on the size of the dog.

Cat Castration - from around £40.

Cat Spay - £60 upwards.

Plus the cost of vaccinations, worming and flea treatments.

(All prices are an indication only and the actual prices will depend on the charges of your chosen veterinary practice, the species, breed and size of the animal).

FIV cats can enjoy a happy life and can make wonderful companions. However, we’ll only rehome FIV cats whom we believe can be happy as indoor-only cats.  

To prevent the disease from spreading, the FIV cat must be the only cat in the household, so if you would like to have a one cat home, a FIV cat might suit you.

Adopting a FIV positive cat can be really rewarding. Although no-one can predict the future, many FIV cats can potentially live long, healthy and full lives, just like a non-infected cat, and have all the usual needs such as a nutritious diet, mental stimulation and plenty of love!

Follow this link to read more

The volunteer role of a cat fosterer can make a huge difference to the rehabilitation of an animal and their chances of finding a forever home. Some of our cats and kittens need one-to-one care while they wait to find their new family and this is where our team of fosterers come in. If you are interested in becoming a cat fosterer please telephone the York Animal Home on 01904 654949 to discuss.

Please note that a home check will also be required and this will be arranged after you have been invited in to meet with the Animal Centre Manager to discuss the role in more detail and both parties agree that the resources you can offer are in line with what is required. We will provide all necessary cat equipment and accessories, cover the cost of food and litter and also advise on when the cat/kittens need to be seen by the vet.

This has been a great way in the past for people to support us without leaving the comfort of their chair. If you would like to help us with one of the many items we need, then please click here RSPCA York and District Wish List.

You buy it online and it is delivered to our door. 

Perfect!