Who we are

The RSPCA Solent Branch (The Stubbington Ark) is the focus for local animal welfare services covering 400 sq.miles of Hampshire. We are a separately registered branch of the RSPCA and are self-funded, receiving no financial assistance from the government or lottery funding. We rely on the support and donations from the local community to operate.

What we do

Despite the excellent new facilities, expansion has been necessary year by year to keep pace with the ever-growing demands made by todays’ uncaring society. Ignorance being the key to many of the problems the we face, ‘The Ark’ considers education vital to ensure a better future for animals. We are one of the few shelters in the country to have developed an Education Centre and we encourage visits from school parties, youth groups and adult groups. Promoting knowledge of the work we do and the problems we face, will hopefully pay dividends in years to come.

Why we need you

We are now receiving 7 times as many calls for help as in 1984 when we first conceived ‘The Ark’ project. That is over 145 calls a day and each year take in over 6,000 animals. At present we have over 140 dogs and nearly 150 cats looking for new homes. We have a multitude of other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds that we try to re home and wildlife we try to help. Last year we found homes for 85% of our charges but that record has become hard to maintain. The easy availability of animals from unscrupulous breeders, puppy farms and irresponsible owners who refuse to neuter their animals, coupled with an amazing lack of knowledge on how to look after animals by many owners, ensures a constant stream of unwanted animals into the shelter.

It costs over £3,500 a day to keep our Ark operational, we are one of the largest RSPCA shelters in the UK. Providing shelter and rehoming for all types of animals; domestic, wildlife, farm and exotics.