Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01.01.25 Period end date 31.12.25
Charity name: The Animal Team
Charity registration number: 1167277
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for dogs primarily but any animal that comes through any of our groups - which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among all animals. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
The homecheck and transport groups not only provide rescues with the ability to expand their rehoming areas, but our promptness in getting homechecks and transport runs covered, also means a quicker turnover of rescue spaces - this in turn enables more animals to be saved. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | In planning our policies for the year, we kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our Trustee meetings |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | |
|---|---|
| Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on grant making | |
| Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment | |
| including program related | |
| investment | |
| Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by | |
| volunteers |
Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | For another year ourFREEservices have seen transport requests increase, whilst homechecks have decreased, which is a reflection on the current economic climate in the UK. But all figures enforces that we are still providing a much-required service for animals across the country. Irrelevant of their country of origin. Assessments saw another decrease which we hope can only be attributed to less people surrendering their animals into rescue.Our foster and rehoming group had an increase in requests and adoptions. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
We have achieved full membership of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes in March 2026. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity still maintains a small credit balance in the bank account with the help of donations throughout the year |
|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable | |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Not applicable | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | Not applicable | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | We aim to hold a small credit balance in the bank account to cover any unexpected fuel and foster care/veterinary costs |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust Deed |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | As per our constitution |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
|
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | The Animal Team |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1167277 |
| Charity’s principal address | 124 Prince Charles Avenue Sittingbourne ME10 4NJ |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zena Cherie Gardner |
||||
| Carol Ann Batters | ||||
| Christine Smith | 4/10/25-31/12/25 | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets Not applicable held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Name: ZENA Full signature: ~) Full name(s) Zena Cherie Gardner
Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 3/4/2026
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1167277
Report of the Trustees and
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
for
The Animal Team
Grevett & Co Certified Accountants 346a Farnham Road Slough Berkshire SL2 1BT
The Animal Team
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 2 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 3 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 4 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 5 | to | 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
The Animal Team
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Now in our 15th year, the Charity continues to work with our registered rescues across the country to help animals in need and is recognised Nationwide as a leading charity in the animal rescue world. We have grown enormously from those early days into an established and registered Charity at the forefront of animal rescue. With six groups (seven including membership) and with membership numbers in the region of 8,000+ and working alongside over 1890 UK and overseas rescues who are registered with us. Over these years we have helped hundreds of thousands of animals find their way into new homes and better lives.
Our divisions include: Homechecks, Transport, Assessments, Resources & Animal Promotion, Foster Register, Training & Memberships.
Our homecheck and transport groups not only provide rescues with the ability to expand their rehoming areas, but our promptness in getting homechecks and transport runs covered, also means a quicker turnover of rescue spaces - this in turn enables more animals to be saved.
We offer training for new members who have not done homechecks before to ensure we are all carrying them out to the high standard we demand and the rescues expect of us.
We have had quite a lot of changes over 2025, which has given us the opportunity to implement new procedures and policies across all of our divisions, enabling them to work more streamlined and together under one direction allowing us to be able to truly monitor animals’ movements throughout the groups.
We cover the whole of the UK with our fantastic volunteers - they are really amazing, loyal and dedicated to rescue work. They will drop everything for an emergency and tirelessly give their time for the animals who need them. Our admins, across our groups, are a wonderful team of volunteers who work from home and give their time, energy and commitment to come to the help of these animals, working very long hours every single day of the year.
For another year our FREE services have seen transport requests decrease, whilst homechecks have increased, which is a reflection on the current economic climate in the UK. But all figures enforces that we are still providing a much-required service for animals across the globe. Assessments saw another decrease which we hope can only be attributed to less people surrendering their animals into rescue.
| GROUP | 2023 | %+ / %- | 2024 | %+ / %- | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homechecks | 6614 | Down 34% to | 4332 | Up 7.5% to | 4660 |
| Transport | 1203 | Up 25% to | 1497 | Down 14% to | 1285 |
| Assessments | 379 | Down 25% to | 282 | Down 3% to | 274 |
In 2025, our transporters amassed a total of 159,934 miles and transported over 1500 animals. These included 111 cats and 1375 dogs. We are also proud to be able to work alongside several pound pullers and during 2025 we took 575 dogs and six cats into rescue on their behalf. In addition to the cats and dogs we transported seagulls, ducks, pigeons, guinea pigs, parrots and a skunk! We also carried out 274 assessments both for rescues and for animals that we have taken on to help ourselves.
Our Resources group, our only public-facing group is often the place rescues go when they are struggling to find a home for a particular animal and we may suggest promotion through our Rescue Space Finder group, or if they need our support in other ways. Maybe a member of the public is looking for general advice or interested in adopting a particular breed, or have an animal they need to surrender, we will assist on any general rescue enquiries. We have helped promote over 1350 animals from rescue centres looking to be adopted.
Page 1
The Animal Team
Report of the Trustees
for the year ended 31 December 2025
The Charity continues to do its utmost to assist in finding new homes for rescued animals through our social media platforms and once again hope to reach a greater audience of potential adopters this coming year. Our Facebook pages, groups and our Twitter account continue to grow on a daily basis, with Twitter alone having over 42k followers and our Resources page having 7.9k likes. Social media platforms are directly responsible, through sharing stories, in helping rehome many animals. Our database increases daily with new volunteers and rescues.
We continue to build our Foster Register, started as a separate group in 2020 with the support of our approved members. We have assisted with nine foster placements through our foster register for our rescues that have led to adoptions and three dogs we have adopted directly, including a very heavily pregnant cat who had four healthy kittens who are all now looking for their forever homes.
Fundraising remains a large part of The Animal Team's annual income. Our main sources of income come from our donations and grants. The Charity is dependent upon these donations to finance its work and we are continually challenged to find new ways in which to raise funds and to develop our growth. Our levels of expenditure are reviewed monthly by our Trustees to ensure we remain prudent with expenditure.
Once again, we supported local foodbanks across the UK with donations in excess of £475. Plus £250.00 towards two Christmas Appeals. We also donated £550 to rescues for various rescue needs including a much-needed overseas neutering programme.
We are again this year very proud of what we have been able to achieve with the constant support from our volunteers, admin teams, rescues and pound pullers. They have allowed and assisted us to continue to maintain the high level of free services we offer to our registered rescues. We are constantly working to review and enhance our procedures, making it easier and more efficient for everyone and of course to provide support to all our active members.
- our job is to protect any animal that comes via us and to try our best to ensure they get the safe, secure and loving homes they so deserve. Here's to the next decade and the next ... we take what we do very seriously and our commitment is unending - thus proving
we really are
'the vital link between rescues and volunteers'
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1167277
Principal address
124 Prince Charles Avenue Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4NJ
Trustees
Ms Z Gardner Ms N J Walters (resigned 1.10.25) Ms C A Batters Ms C Smith (appointed 4.10.25)
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ Ms Z Gardner - Trustee
Page 2
The Animal Team
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | ||
| fund | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |||
| Donations and legacies | 5,346 | 8,557 | |
| Investment income | 2 | 285 | 187 |
| Total | 5,631 | 8,744 | |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |||
| Raising funds | 4,539 | 8,504 | |
| NET INCOME | 1,092 | 240 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 9,585 | 9,345 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 10,677 | 9,585 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 3
The Animal Team
Balance Sheet
31 December 2025
| 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | ||
| fund | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Debtors | 5 | 231 | 945 |
| Cash at bank | 10,446 | 8,640 | |
| 10,677 | 9,585 | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 10,677 | 9,585 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | |||
| LIABILITIES | 10,677 | 9,585 | |
| NET ASSETS | 10,677 | 9,585 | |
| FUNDS | 6 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 10,677 | 9,585 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 10,677 | 9,585 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Z Gardner - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
The Animal Team
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank deposit interest | 285 | 187 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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continued...
The Animal Team
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2025
4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund | ||||
| £ | ||||
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 8,557 | |||
| Investment income | 187 | |||
| Total | 8,744 | |||
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||||
| Raising funds | 8,504 | |||
| NET INCOME | 240 | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 9,345 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 9,585 | |||
| 5. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | |||
| 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Other debtors | 231 | 945 | ||
| 6. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
| Net | ||||
| movement | At | |||
| At 1.1.25 | in funds | 31.12.25 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 9,585 | 1,092 | 10,677 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 9,585 | 1,092 | 10,677 | |
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 5,631 | (4,539) | 1,092 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 5,631 | (4,539) | 1,092 |
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continued...
The Animal Team
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the year ended 31 December 2025
6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.1.24 | in funds | 31.12.24 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 9,345 | 240 | 9,585 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 9,345 | 240 | 9,585 |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 8,744 | (8,504) | 240 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 8,744 | (8,504) | 240 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.1.24 | in funds | 31.12.25 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 9,345 | 1,332 | 10,677 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 9,345 | 1,332 | 10,677 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 14,375 | (13,043) | 1,332 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 14,375 | (13,043) | 1,332 |
continued...
Page 7
The Animal Team
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2025
7. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Page 8
The Animal Team
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| for the year ended 31 December 2025 | ||
| 31.12.25 | 31.12.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Gifts and donations | 5,346 | 8,557 |
| Investment income | ||
| Bank deposit interest | 285 | 187 |
| Total incoming resources | 5,631 | 8,744 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Fundraising, promo & merchandise costs | (1,518) | 1,463 |
| Fuel and transport | 478 | 2,603 |
| Rescue donations | 897 | 658 |
| Postage and stationery | 1,733 | 950 |
| Sundries | 852 | 915 |
| Paypal and eBay fees | 35 | 26 |
| Insurance | 2,062 | 1,889 |
| 4,539 | 8,504 | |
| Total resources expended | 4,539 | 8,504 |
| Net income | 1,092 | 240 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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