Lending a helping paw
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter has been awarded a grant of £49,189 from the Pets Foundation to help modernise its Benton site, with a focus on improving electrical systems and creating a dedicated nursing space for dogs like Kiki, a pregnant stray who gave birth while in the shelter’s care.
Kiki arrived at the Shelter frightened and alone in November 2024 following a difficult start in life and showing signs of neglect. Little did staff at the Shelter know, that Kiki would soon became the proud mum of seven healthy puppies. Following a period of care and nursing of Kiki and her babies, one by one the puppies were rehomed to loving new homes, and once Kiki was signed off by the vet, she managed to secure a happy ending of her own with her full adoption taking place in May 2025 following a successful foster.
The grant from Pets Foundation will support the development of a safe, purpose-built environment for mums and pups, giving vulnerable dogs like Kiki the calm start they deserve. The grant will also support the necessary electrical upgrades to modernise the Shelter. Works like this will help ensure every animal receives the best standard of care from day one.
Anjuli Hakin, Head of Animal Welfare at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter adds: “Caring for a litter requires a lot of care and attention, and this investment helps us provide that in a way that’s safe and kind. Giving mum and her pups a chance to thrive, before finding loving new homes. The grant from the Pets Foundation allows us to modernise key infrastructure and build a specialist space that better meets the needs in nursing dogs and their puppies.”
You can help more dogs like Kiki by supporting the shelter today. Visit www.dogandcatshelter.com to donate, view animals ready for rehoming, or find out how to get involved.