Freshfields Animal Rescue Celebrates New Cattery Following ADCH Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards Assessment

Freshfields Animal Rescue were proud to announce significant developments in its mission to care for vulnerable animals.   An assessment from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards provided the impetus to prioritise intended development work.  The implementation of these improvements have resulted in the Liverpool-based charity further investing in staff development and operational improvements, marking an important milestone for the charity.

ADCH’s assessments against the Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards are designed to empower members and applicants alike to ensure that they are confident in the care that they are providing for their animals. An assessment ensures the operational efficiency in animal rescues, provides invaluable insights and recommendations and gives assurance to personnel. Freshfields Animal Rescue took these findings to heart, and in response, launched several key initiatives to further elevate the quality of care it offers.

New Cattery Section

One of the most exciting outcomes of the assessment has been the construction of a brand-new cattery section. Freshfields has long been committed to providing the best possible care for cats in need, and the new facilities reflect that dedication. The new cattery includes 14 rehoming pens in the space and a small meet and greet room.  Two existing buildings have been reconfigured and upgraded to isolation specifications, to enable intake spaces for individuals/pairs, and move away from a limiting group intake system, thus reducing cross contamination risks and increasing rehoming times.

Staff Training at Battersea Academy

To further improve animal welfare outcomes and professional development for staff, the new Head of Cattery joined Battersea Academy’s five day Intensive Cat Welfare and Rehoming Course, and the Introduction to Cat Behaviour course to ensure that the staff and volunteers were able to follow best practice when working in their new facility.

Grant Funding from Pets Foundation

Additionally, the ADCH assessment helped Freshfields Animal Rescue present their case for support for funding, using their assessment report as part of their application for funding from Pets Foundation. The successful award provided the majority share of the funds from which match funding was secured from smaller trusts and established supporters who could see the clear benefits of the proposal for the cats, the cattery staff and the charity.

Emma Jensen, Director at Freshfields Animal Rescue, said,

“We are extremely proud of the new Cattery Unit at the Liverpool centre, the cattery team is reenergised, and we are now helping more cats better thanks to that ADCH assessment.  We used the ADCH recommendations, and standards guidance, as a brief for the new facility, which has provided more effective health care, the ability to behave more naturally, have choice, and adapt the environment for individual needs.   We are very grateful to Pets Foundation for their generous support, as well as Battersea Academy for providing valuable insights and confidence to Cattery Head.  Together, we have made a lasting difference for the animals who need us most, and the team look forward to making everyone who has made this possible feel rightfully proud with the results going forward.

 

These developments mark a new chapter for Freshfields Animal Rescue, the new cattery sets a standard for further developments at the Liverpool Centre, as we aim for a new bold chapter, in which we are able to meet future challenges and help more animals better than ever.”