Association of Dogs and Cats Homes

ADCH Wellbeing Session
2025-04-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-02-12 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-02-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-29 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-15 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-12-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-11 10:30 - 11:30 UTC and 8 more dates | Virtual Event
About the sessions
Delivered by ADCH Wellbeing Volunteer, Gary Fielder, these wellbeing sessions will run every Wednesday. The session times will alternate between a morning session at 10:30 AM and an evening session at 7:00 PM.
Each session will last approximately 40 minutes.
Sessions will typically begin with a brief discussion on a wellbeing-related topic, followed by some guidance around mindfulness, and one or two meditations exercises to conclude. No prior experience in mindfulness or meditation is required.
*Please note: You only need to register once. After completing the registration form, you’ll have access to all weekly sessions without needing to re-register.
Who can attend
These sessions are available to anyone who works or volunteers at an ADCH Member organisation.
Cost to attend
There is no cost for ADCH Members to attend these sessions.
Registration
You can register for the wellbeing sessions by clicking here.

ADCH Virtual Open Meeting
2025-03-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
Our first Open Meeting of 2025 will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday 18th March at 10:00.
Join us for our first Open Meeting of 2025, where you’ll receive key updates on our work and have the opportunity to share your own. This virtual meeting will also feature:
Helping You Apply ADCH Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards in Your Rescue
Members of ADCH’s Standards & Animal Welfare Committee will host a session focused on key standards that members frequently have queries about. We will look at standards for dogs and cats to help Members understand how the standards discussed apply in their organisation. We will have an opportunity for you to ask any questions in advance.
Employment Law Update: Understanding the Employment Rights Bill, Citation
2024 was a year of unprecedented employment law change: from holiday pay and entitlement to new types of leave and requirements around preventing workplace harassment, there’s been a lot to keep track of. The publication of the new Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill in October also set out further big, proposed changes to employment rights across Great Britain. This session, led by Director of Employment Law, Gill McAteer, will give you an overview of all the critical updates you need to know about, so you can stay informed and prepared. She’ll cover…

A recap of the Employment Law changes from 2024 including the new Sexual Harassment law that came into force in October 2024
An overview of the Employment Rights Bill and its significant proposals for employment law, including proposed changes to zero hours contracts and sick pay
The steps you need to take to ensure your organisation is compliant

View the full programme here: March 2025 Open Meeting Programme
Who can attend
This event is open to ADCH Members and invited Supporters.
Cost to attend
Attendance is free of charge.
Registration
Secure your place by registering here.

Disclaimer
The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) provides a platform for various speakers during its events and in its materials. Please note that ADCH does not endorse or validate every element of the presentations or information shared by speakers. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of ADCH. Attendees are encouraged to use their discretion and critical judgment when interpreting and applying the information provided.

VAT Update Webinar: PTS and other issues affecting Animal Rescue Charities
2025-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
About the session
Join us for an important VAT update with Mike Payne from Grosvenor VAT Consultants.
This session will focus on a recent change in HMRC policy that could benefit animal rescue charities by increasing the amount of VAT that can be recovered. Mike will explain how this change affects the treatment of VAT incurred on PTS costs and what it means for your organisation. With £2 million in VAT refunds already secured for animal rescue charities, Mike will share expert insights on maximising your repayments.
The webinar will include a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask your VAT-related questions.
Who can attend
These sessions are available to anyone who works or volunteers at an ADCH Member organisation.
Cost to attend
There is no cost for ADCH Members to attend these sessions.
Registration
You can register for the webinar by clicking here.

ADCH Open Meeting
2024-11-12 | Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GS
About this Event
Join us for the final Open Meeting of 2024 hosted by RSPCA Sussex North & Brighton Branch. This event is exclusively for ADCH Members and invited Sponsors and offers an opportunity for learning, networking, and collaboration.
Location
Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GS
We are pleased to share that we have some very informative speakers on important topics for our sector. Please see the full agenda for the meeting here.
Event Details
Open Meeting

Date: 12 November
Time: Registration from 9.30 AM, Start at 10:00 AM, Close for lunch at approx, 1:30 PM
Cost: Attendance is free for Members and invited Sponsors.
Lunch and refreshments: Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking.

We are pleased to share that we have some very informative speakers on important topics for our sector. Please see the full agenda for the meeting here.
Pre-Open Meeting Dinner

Date: 11 November
Time: Arrival from 7:00 PM, Dinner at 7:30 PM
Cost: £40 per person

To book dinner and Open Meeting attendance without accommodation, please email events@adch.org.uk.
Host site tours

Dates: 11 & 12 November
Times: 14:00, 14:30, 15:00
Details: RSPCA Sussex North & Brighton Branch are kindly offering site tours. Delegates will be asked to pre-book their timeslot after registering.

Accommodation
We have reserved rooms at Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront on 11 November, at the following rates: –

Single Occupancy B&B: £120
Twin/Double Occupancy B&B: £135

Limited number of rooms reserved. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Registration
Registration is now open. Please book your tickets below.
If you are booking a residential ticket you will be given the option to pay by card or BACS when you checkout.
Contact Information
For any queries, please contact us at events@adch.org.uk

ADCH Virtual Open Meeting - September 2024
2024-09-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
Our third Open Meeting of 2024 will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday 10th September at 10:00.
In addition to updates on the work of ADCH, there will be two guest presentations: –
An introduction to Human Behaviour Change and how this approach can help animal welfare charities
Join Kerry Taylor (Blue Cross) and Chris Bennet (Woodgreen) for an introduction into Human Behaviour Change and how we can help pets through people.
Update from AMDO (Association of Microchip Database Operators)
Representatives from AMDO will be providing an update on what they have achieved, their engagement with DEFRA and how to deal with the databases and any complaints.
You can view the full programme here.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members and invited Sponsors.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend the Open Meeting.
Registration
You can pre-register for the meeting by clicking here.

ADCH AGM and Virtual Open Meeting
2024-07-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
10:00 – 11:00       The ADCH Annual General Meeting (AGM)
We invite all voting Members (Full Members) to join us for our virtual AGM.
The AGM is an opportunity for us to reflect on the past year and to understand ADCH plans for the year ahead.
We will also be confirming the results of the Trustee Elections.
The full agenda can be found here 2024 AGM Agenda
The Minutes of the last Meeting can be found here AGM DRAFT MINUTES 06042023
The Trustees Report and Annual Accounts for 2023 can be found here 2. TRUSTEES’ REPORT & ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31122023
Following a short screen break, we will welcome all Members (including Affiliate and Provisional) to join us for the following presentations:
11:15 -12:15       Supporting our Volunteers, Jenny Whyte, Trustee, Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue
Jenny Whyte, a Trustee at the Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue and an experienced voluntary management consultant with Cranfield Trust, will be speaking about strategies to support our volunteers. Her focus will be on promoting their wellbeing and enhancing their resilience.
12:20 -13:20       Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC), Kerry Taylor, Education Officer, Blue Cross
Kerry White, Education Officer at Blue Cross, will be presenting the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC). This session will explore the motivation behind its creation, the delivery methods they employ, and the current progress of the programme. Designed as an online course for police and local authorities, to provide education and knowledge for low level Section 3 Offences. The course aims to encourage positive changes for owners and their dogs and to enhance safer communities
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members. Note: Only Voting Members can attend the AGM 10 – 11
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend the AGM or Open Meeting.
Registration
Registration in advance is required. Register here.

Behaviour Lunch & Learn - Applying LIFE in the centre
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
05 June 2024 at 1300 is our next ‘Behaviour Lunch and Learn‘. This time our guest hosts are Fiona Cooke and Lyndsay Arliss from Woodgreen. Fiona and Lindsay are going to talk us through the latest thinking in LIFE principles, which we touched on in the last session. This session is just for ADCH members.

Registration in advance is required here.

ADCH Conference 2024 - Together for Dogs and Cats
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-15 | Telford International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford, TF3 4JH, United Kingdom
Event Highlights:

Engaging sessions with industry experts
Networking opportunities with fellow animal welfare enthusiasts
Celebrating achievements at the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards
Exciting sponsor, exhibitor, and advertising opportunities

For more details about the event, including sponsor, exhibitor and advertising opportunities, please visit ADCH Conference 2024
Ticket purchase information:
With over 500 tickets now assigned, ADCH Conference 2024 is now sold-out. To enquire about being placed on a waiting list please contact events@adch.org.uk.

ADCH Pre-Conference Networking Event
2024-05-13 19:30 - 22:30 | Telford International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford, TF3 4JH, United Kingdom
Join us for our pre-conference networking event 2024
Conference 2024 Delegates, Members and Exhibitors, kick off the conference with us at our pre-conference networking event! An evening dedicated to networking, optional pizza indulgence, and loads of fun to warm you up for the main event.
Join Steve Byrne, ADCH Trustee and GSPCA Manager, as he hosts games that aim to foster connections among delegates and help everyone get acquainted. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this is your chance to mingle and make meaningful connections.
While attendance at the pre-conference networking event is complimentary, we’re offering a pizza buffet option for £7.00 +VAT per head for those who want to fuel their networking with some delicious slices.
Please note: Advance booking is essential as there won’t be any option to purchase tickets at the door.
Book your tickets below (or email events@adch.org.uk to block book by invoice), choosing the option that suits you best – with or without pizza. Let the networking begin!

ADCH Virtual Open Meeting
2024-03-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
Our first Open Meeting of 2024 will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday 12th March at 10:00. In conjucntion with the Open Meeting, we plan to hold two sessions which we believe will be relevant and useful to members.
You can view or download the full agenda here.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members and invited Sponsors.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend the Open Meeting.
Registration
You can pre-register for the meeting by clicking here.

ADCH Behaviour Lunch and Learn - Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive
2024-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
We will be holding our next webinar looking at the behaviour of animals in rescue care on 12 February at 13:00 via Zoom. We are very pleased to be joined by Sarah Tapsell, Clinical Animal Behaviourist at RSPCA Cornwall Branch and member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. Sarah is going to help us unpack our concept of ‘Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive’ further and how this can be applied to the animals in your care.
There will be an opportunity to bring your own case studies to the session for further discussion.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend.
Registration
You will need to pre-register for forum by clicking here. You will receive an email with your meeting link, please do keep this safe so you can access the session.

ADCH Fundraisers' Forum - Top tips for bid-writing success
2024-01-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
The forum is aimed at ADCH Member fundraisers of all levels and plans to provide fundraisers with a platform to collaborate and share ideas to benefit local animal welfare organisations.
Lisa Harrison, Fundraising Manager for National Animal Welfare Trust, will be hosting the first forum meeting of 2024 on Tuesday 23rd of January 2024, 11am-12pm, via Zoom.
Forum focus: Top tips for bid-writing success from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust
Join us for a bespoke training session where Amy Stevens, Fundraising Manager at the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, will share clear and useable guidance on how to create winning applications to grant-making Trusts and Foundations. We’ll also have a review of the Trust’s funding priorities over the next year so you can see what opportunities may arise.
This session will be delivered in first half of the meeting, with the remainder of the meeting to be for questions, informal discussion and idea and solution sharing between the forum.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend.
Registration
You will need to pre-register for forum by clicking here. You will receive an email with your meeting link, please do keep this safe so you can access the meeting.

ADCH Open Meeting November 2023
2023-11-07 09:30 - 15:30 | The Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY
About this Event
Hosted by Hope Rescue, this will be our final Open Meeting for 2023.
Who can attend
This event is for ADCH Members and invited Sponsors.
Location
The Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY
Event Details
In addition to news from ADCH, we will have important updates on legislation (including a session on American Bully XL).
Peter Laurie will be presenting on ‘One Health – what it is, why it’s important, and what we as a sector
can do about it‘ and Rachel Jackson will be delivering ‘I like the way you move – Movement Matters’, a workshop on gait analysis.
There will of course be plenty of opportunity to catch-up with colleagues from the sector.
Full agenda can be found here.
For those arriving the day before (6 November), there will be a 3-course dinner with entertainment.
Arrival for the dinner is from 7.00 pm, to be seated to dine at 7.30pm. Menu will be available shortly.
Hope Rescue are kindly facilitating tours of their sites on the afternoon of 6 November and 7 November. Further details will be provided after booking your ticket.
Cost to attend
The Open Meeting is free to attend for Members and invited Sponsors. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
For those staying over and dining with us on 6 November the costs below (which includes use of leisure facilities) are: –
Single occupancy – bed, breakfast, dinner and meeting attendance £140
2 people sharing – bed, breakfast, dinner and meeting attendance £220
There are a limited number of rooms secured at this rate so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Registration
Online registration for this event is now closed. Please contact events@adch.org.uk to enquire about availability.

Cats Protection's Guide to Kitten Neutering
2023-10-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
About this Event
In this 60-minute session, Cats Protection’s Jane Clements, Head of Neutering and Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services, will be exploring the importance of neutering at 4 months. The aim of this session is to improve your understanding of the importance of 4 month neutering for both the individual and the wider cat population. We also aim to support conversations with your vet around neutering at 4 months. We know that vet practice policies on neutering ages are changing, but there are still many vets who are reluctant to neuter at 4 months, and through this session we aim to dispel myths and provide you with resources that will support these conversations. This includes introducing Cat-Kind, a collaborative group of organisations that aims to normalise neutering at 4 months in the veterinary profession and also provides a data-base of vets that are neutering cats at this age. There will be opportunities for Q&A, so we hope to resolve any questions or concerns you have about kitten neutering.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend.
Registration
You will need to pre-register for forum by clicking here. You will receive an email with your meeting link, please do keep this safe so you can access the meeting.

Dog Neutering – An overview of the latest evidence of what should be considered for neutering different breeds and post adoption considerations for owners
2023-10-19 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
About this Event
Dogs Trust promotes neutering to reduce the risk of disease and as the most effective method of humanely controlling the dog population. Based on a comprehensive review of all the currently available studies and due to the potential impact on skeletal maturity and joint health which may be seen in some dogs with earlier neutering (before 12 months of age), we are now recommending neutering at different ages based upon the expected adult body weight.
Who can attend
This event is available for ADCH Members.
Cost to attend
There is no cost to attend.
Registration
You will need to pre-register for forum by clicking here. You will receive an email with your meeting link, please do keep this safe so you can access the meeting.
