Open Doors and Dogs Home Tours Sunday 20th March

Open Doors 15 montage

The return of Open Doors and Dogs Home Tours!

One of the most important days in the RSPCA Bristol and District Branch’s yearly calendar takes place on Sunday 20th March. On this special Sunday, the St Philips based RSPCA Bristol and District Branch opens up its clinic’s doors and welcomes the public for its annual ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work of the biggest branch clinic in the country, as well as offering visitors guided tours around Bristol Dogs and Cats Home’s kennels, cattery and small animal unit.

Hundreds of visitors are expected to visit from across the Bristol area to support the work of the charity, which has been based in St Philips since 1887. The Open Day will also see the launch of the Charity’s Paws Together Appeal.

All funds raised at this great family day out will go towards the running costs of the RSPCA Bristol and District Branch, which are £1.7 million a year. The RSPCA Bristol Branch is made up of the RSPCA Bristol Clinic & Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, together they give thousands of local animals in need a second chance for a happy life, free from pain or neglect.

Attractions include a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work of the RSPCA Bristol Clinic and Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, stalls and activities, educational and interactive games for kids and adults alike, face-painting, meet the RSPCA Inspectors, Bristol’s Police Dog Legislation Officer and his dog, refreshments including homemade cakes – and you’ll have the chance to hear from some of the animals carers, who will be popping along with some of the pets they care for.

Firefighters from Bedminster Fire Station will also be at the even between 11am and 1pm, and they will be on hand to talk about their work, demonstrate some of the kit contained on a fire truck, and give advice on fire safety. They will also have their animal rescue unit with them to demonstrate to visitors.

Dr. Mandy Stone, Veterinary Manager at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for anybody interested in the veterinary side of animal charity work to learn more about what we do here. The theme is “Intensive Care” and there will be displays and demonstrations showing how we rescue the most injured, sick or neglected animals that pass through our doors. The newly refurbished intensive care unit and our operating theatre will be open for people to see behind the scenes, and there will be plenty of games and interactive activities for both kids and adults.”

Although Bristol Dogs and Cats Home will be shut for the day, visitors will be able to sign up for a special guided tour of the Home.

Bristol Dogs and Cats Home Manager, Jodie Hayward, says “This is an exciting day for me and my fantastic team. A day where we get to show the wonderful public the good work that we do here, and allow them to meet some of our residents and learn more about how we operate on a daily basis. The tours are designed so that the animals are less stressed by the event, and on this day you will get the chance to learn more about our set-up, and why we don’t allow the public to view all our animals every day. We look forward to seeing you all there”.

The Open Doors and Dogs Home Tours event takes on Sunday 20th March at the RSPCA Bristol & District Branch, 48 Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol, BS2 0XA. Doors open at 10.30am and close at 3pm.

 Tickets are £2 for Adults, and £1 for Children. A family ticket (family of four) is £5.

 Anybody wishing to support the charities Paws Together Appeal can text PAWS07 £10 to 70070 (you can replace the amount you donate by replacing the £10 with your preferred amount e.g. PAWS07 £5 to 70070) or visit their website for other ways to make a donation www.rspca-bristol.org.uk.

 To find out more about the event visit www.rspca-bristol.org.uk/events or call the fundraising team on 0117 300 3968.

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