Volunteering at Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter

How Easiaccess assisted the shelter

A team of 7 from Easiaccess attended a volunteer fundraising day at the Newcastle Dog & Cat shelter on Friday 25th October, and it proved to be a very rewarding experience. The day was spent working with the maintenance team, Barry & Keith, helping them with heavy lifting and prepping the shelter for upcoming events. You could tell from their attitude that are very passionate and dedicated about the shelter and love taking care of all the animals there. Dominic, one of the volunteers, said ‘‘it was a fantastic day and it felt good to help support such a great cause. Everyone was really kind, and you could see their dedication to helping the animals to find their forever home!’’.

After we had finished all our tasks, we had the chance to meet some of the wonderful cats and dogs that are currently being looked after there. I think we all found at least one furry friend to fall in love with!

The Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter

Newcastle Cat & Dog Shelter has been running since 1896 and will be celebrating their 130th birthday in 2026. Located at Benton North Farm, Benton, the shelter has employed 32 permanent members of staff and approx.’ 30 volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the animals are cared for, looked after and ready to be rehomed. Currently they house 40 cats, 40 dogs, 3 donkeys and 6 pigs.

Running the shelter costs £1.2 million per year, and without any Government funding it is a struggle raising the necessary funds each year. To support their efforts, they have opened 2 charity shops, with the hope of expanding and opening more. Alongside this they also run a lottery and host fundraising events such as the Burns Night Charity Fund Raiser. This is being held at the Gateshead Hilton Hotel on the 25th of January 2025. The shelter also organise a Christmas Market held within the shelter on the 7th of December where you can enjoy delicious food, visit Santa and win prizes!

Details of how to subscribe to the lottery and information on how to donate through ‘’Troubled Tails’’, of which the charity will receive 100%, can be found on their website: https://www.dogandcatshelter.com/.

All donations would be very welcome.