Our impact during the year
Trustees Annual Report & Accounts April 2024 - March 2025 Registered Charity No. 1174331
I would never have been y « Yi Vy able to leave”
Contents
Page
“We are helping animals and a / > people when they are at their lowest point” Volunteer Animal Foster Carer
4-5 Refuge4Pets objectives & activities . . . . 6 Introduction from our chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Message from our CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Meet the team & trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Our volunteer animal foster carers . . . . . . 11 Our supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Timeline of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Our impact in numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 What people say about us . . . . . . . . . . 18 Our colleagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Training professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Case studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Main priorities 2025/26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Our values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-37 Financial accounts 2024/25 . . . . . . . .
Please note: We take the confidentiality of our victim-survivors (people and animals) very seriously. All the images of people and animals you see in this document (and in all our print, digital and social marketing materials) are from stock image libraries. We will never publish images of our service users or animals in our care.
Legendary broadcaster, Dame Jenni Murray is best known as the presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4. She was also a presenter and reporter on Newsnight and a presenter on the Today programme in the 1980s. After meeting our CEO, Mary Wakeham at the People’s Pet Awards in 2022, where the charity won a Special Recognition Award, we were delighted that Dame Jenni Murray agreed to become our Patron…
Refuge4Pets objectives & activities
Our vision
We are working to achieve freedom from domestic abuse for people and animals .
Our mission
We offer victim-survivors of domestic abuse a specialist animal fostering service to remove a significant barrier that prevents many victim-survivors from leaving. We empower victim-survivors to access the vital safety and support they need before being reunited with their much-loved animals.
Message from the charity’s Patron Dame Jenni Murray
“After some thirty years as the Woman’s Hour presenter, I thought I was fairly well informed about domestic abuse and had worked hard throughout my career to give women information about the law and the best means of escape for them and their children.
Over the years hundreds of families have been supported by this wonderful charity. The need is great, and Refuge4Pets works day in day out to fill that need with care and compassion.
I’ve often been asked to become an ambassador for various charities and have willingly supported Breast Cancer Now, the Family Planning Association and Parkinson’s UK but none has felt as important to me as Refuge4Pets. Our pets are not ‘just animals’ as some people have argued. They are loyal, devoted, loving members of our families who need our love and our protection.”
I was wrong. Until I met our amazing chief executive, Mary Wakeham, it had never occurred to me that animals, beloved family pets, were also in terrible danger.
I have two dogs and a cat, Minnie, Maggie and Suu, and I know how impossible I would find it to leave home without them if they were at risk of abuse. It’s thanks to Mary and the wonderful charity she founded that pets can be offered Refuge in the care of loving foster carers until such time as they can be returned safely to the family who long to have them back.
Dame Jenni Murray Refuge4Pets Patron
We believe that animals are an essential part of victim-survivors’ coping strategies and that the reciprocal bond between victim-survivors and animals aids recovery from trauma.
We contribute to research, policy development and education around the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to increase the safety and wellbeing of all victim-survivors, both people and animals.
Achievements & performance
Throughout this report you will read about our key achievements and performance during the 2024/25 financial year, as well as our priorities for 2025/26.
Refuge4Pets was founded in August 2017. We are a registered charity in England and Wales and our Registered Charity Number is 1174331. Our vision and mission are taken from our official objects, which can be found on the Charity Commission website.
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Introduction from our Chair
Domestic abuse is one of the biggest health concerns that we experience across our communities. Sadly, the abuse of victim-survivors’ animals by perpetrators of domestic abuse is inextricably linked to the abuse that they also experience. At the heart of this abusive behaviour is the coercive control exercised by the abuser. To understand this further please attend one of our highly regarded training events.
As Michelle Obama said
“Volunteering is the lifeblood of our communities. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about giving forward and creating a better world for all of us.”
Although based in Devon and Cornwall, our reach is far broader. We contribute to research, policy development and education to increase the safety and wellbeing of all victim-survivors. I am delighted to announce that once again we are at the forefront of pioneering new research in collaboration with the University of Bristol. This new research explores the use and abuse of animals by perpetrators in domestic abuse-related deaths. The overall aim of this research is to reduce harm to people and animals, and domestic abuse-related deaths where there are animals
What you will learn may shock you but be assured that the work of Refuge4Pets as detailed in this report is shown to reduce the harm to human victim-survivors and animals, enabling both to be safe, recover from trauma and to start to rebuild their lives.
We are indebted not only to our skilled and committed staff team, our trustees and the generosity of our funders, but also to our community-based volunteer foster carers. Without our volunteers, our life-changing work would not be possible. They enable victimsurvivors and their families to leave the abuser and start the process of becoming independent and, once secure, the joy of being reunited with their animals. This process is a virtuous circle with victim-survivors (people and animals) finally being empowered and in control of their lives.
involved. This study has been funded by DEFRA as part of the UK Government’s commitment to reducing violence against women and children. We will keep you updated with emerging findings.
Keep Being the Change ❤
Best Wishes Dina
Dina Holder Refuge4Pets Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dina has recently retired from The Women’s Centre Cornwall, where she led innovative work on inclusion, diversity and equality by developing their Community Engagement projects. Dina is a qualified social worker and, before joining The Women’s Centre, worked in the
probation and youth offending teams, as well as developing and establishing services in Cornwall that provide vital support to survivors of domestic abuse. Dina is now offering a consultancy service to local organisations working to end Violence Against Women and Children. Dina has always had horses, dogs and other pets, and Refuge4Pets brings together these two areas of her life that she is passionate about - tackling domestic and sexual abuse and promoting animal welfare.
Message from our CEO
It’s been another busy year for our small team. Over the last 12 months, we have supported 93 individuals and families to escape domestic abuse by fostering 141 animals. The best part of our job is reuniting animals with their families and this year we have had the pleasure of reuniting 59 animals with their loved ones.
to train 902 professionals this year. We have spoken at numerous conferences both nationally and
internationally, including the International Association of Veterinary Social Work Conference in Ohio, the 3rd International Anthrozoology Conference in Hungary, and the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group in Parliament.
We foster all animals (from hamsters to horses) and people are often surprised by how much work happens behind the scenes. Many of the animals in our care have also been abused by the perpetrator and are traumatised by their experience of domestic abuse. It’s our role to rehabilitate these animals and care for them until they can be reunited with their families.
We held our first-ever Refuge4Pets conference this year and we were delighted to be joined by colleagues from various services across Devon and Cornwall, as well as from further afield, to learn more about our work.
Like many charities, this has been our most challenging year financially. That being said, we have a strong financial diversification strategy and plan in place and we are optimistic about the future. We are committed to enabling freedom from domestic abuse and will make sure we are here for victim-survivors, both people and animals, when they need us.
Our small team is trained and experienced in animal welfare, but we are also highly trained in domestic abuse and safeguarding. We are an animal welfare service and a domestic abuse service. There are several factors to consider when placing animals in foster care, including ensuring they will be safe and determining what kind of home they need. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteer foster carers who give their hearts and homes to provide the best possible care to animals while they are away from their families.
We have a strong leadership team and have expanded our Trustee team this year, welcoming Dr Harriet Lawrence, CEO of Langford Vets, and Sarah Moffat, Finance Systems Implementation Manager at Age UK. Thank you to the Trustees for leading Refuge4Pets with such integrity.
This year we have participated in some excellent collaborations focused on raising awareness about how perpetrators use animals to coerce and control victimsurvivors and how to safeguard people and animals. We are proud to have worked alongside our Links Group colleagues, Barnardos, Age UK, Samantha Beckinsale, Hourglass, the University of Bristol, and Naturewatch
Thank you to the Refuge4Pets team for all their hard work, and of course, thank you to everyone for your ongoing support - it is truly appreciated.
Best Wishes Mary
Dr Mary Wakeham BA (Hons), MA, MRes, PhD Refuge4Pets Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Mary has over 15 years of experience working in the domestic abuse sector. She founded Refuge4Pets in 2017, driven by her lived experience and passion to enable freedom from domestic abuse for all victim-survivors, both people and animals. Mary is also a Senior
Research Associate at the University of Bristol with a specialism in the dynamics and implications of the use and abuse of animals in the context of domestic abuse, particularly animal abuse as a strategy of coercive control. Mary is currently researching ‘the use and abuse of animals and domestic abuse-related homicide and suicide’, a study hosted at the University of Bristol and funded by Defra.
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Meet the team
Our board of trustees
Alongside our Chair, Dina Holder, we have six further trustees . Each trustee gives up their time throughout the year to oversee the governance of the charity, provide support and guidance to the CEO and ensure Refuge4Pets is focused on achieving our objectives .
Caroline Harding Trustee (Secretary)
Caroline comes from a business and marketing background and for the last 17 years has run a branding and graphic design agency with her husband. Back in 2019, she was looking for a new challenge outside of work that was related to helping animals and people and saw an article about Refuge4Pets in Cornwall Life magazine. She approached us to become a fundraising volunteer and has been helping at our events ever since, even completing a 15,000ft skydive in 2022 to raise money for the charity! Joining as a trustee in January 2024, Caroline brings her business skills to our board and continues to help at our events.
Dr Harriet Lawrence Trustee
Hattie is an equine vet by background and spent nearly 30 years in clinical practice and running a variety of veterinary businesses. She is now the CEO of Langford Vets, the clinical teaching platform of the University of Bristol Veterinary School. Hattie has seen first-hand in veterinary practice the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse and is committed to help widen understanding of this widespread issue, especially within veterinary teams. She brings to the team veterinary expertise and extensive leadership experience and business acumen. When not working Hattie loves to be out in the beautiful countryside of the southwest, running or walking with her little lurcher Piper.
“You always go over and above to support victim-survivors we work with”
Colleague in Domestic Abuse Professional Services
Lesley Leahy Trustee
Lesley spent her career in Housing, working as Area Housing Manager for the London Borough of Ealing, Housing Services Manager at Herefordshire and as a housing consultant. Lesley is well versed in working in fast paced organisations working with people at crisis point. She is experienced in business planning and management, governance, strategic planning and public relations. Now happily retired Lesley has volunteered for Refuge4Pets since 2019, fostering dogs, fundraising, working as a peer mentor and she joined the trustee team in 2022.
Sarah Moffat Trustee (Treasurer)
Sarah is currently the Finance Systems Implementation Manager at Age UK and has previously been the Head of Finance for a local social enterprise, managing a large team in an organisation with circa. £40m turnover. Sarah has worked in finance roles for many years and qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2022. All of her career has been in not-for-profit organisations, and she is passionate about working for organisations with strong values, like Refuge4Pets. Sarah joined as the Treasurer in April 2025 and is looking forward to using her experience and knowledge to assist with the management of the charity’s finances.
Mark Randell Trustee
Mark is a retired senior detective who now trains police officers, prosecutors and politicians globally on the importance of taking animal welfare seriously within relationships and communities. His policing background focused on understanding criminal and abuser motivation within serious crime and terrorism, then working collaboratively to protect communities. His passion has always been animals, and he uses his international policing skills to persuade others why keeping pets safe keeps people safer too.
Laura Smit-Chesterfield Trustee
Laura worked as an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate in Cornwall and was the founding team leader of the one-stop-shop for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. After the arrival of her second child, Laura decided to go on to explore other passions. She now spends her days surrounded by animals and plants at the Lost Gardens of Heligan where she has worked as the Executive Director and Head of Garden Experience, and is now the Managing Director. Laura’s love of animals and dedication to providing support to victim-survivors of domestic abuse is what inspires her to work as part of the Board of Trustees at Refuge4Pets.
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Our volunteer animal foster carers
Our supporters
During our 2024/25 financial year, in addition to donations from individuals, we were also supported with grants and donations from various organisations. Thank you to everyone who made a donation, and to the following organisations…
Animal Friends ATASS Foundation Devon County Council Devon and Cornwall Police (Proceeds of Crime) Jean Sainsburys Animal Welfare Trust National Lottery Norman Family Trust Petplan Pets Foundation ShareGift
The Arnold Clark Community Fund
The Beryl Evetts and Robert Luff Animal Welfare Trust The IVO Trust
The Truemark Trust
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Timeline of the year
April 2024
Staff and volunteers enjoyed meeting so many generous supporters at Liskeard Pets at Home for the Easter fundraising appeal . We are very grateful to Liskeard Pets at Home for having us as their charity partner .
May 2024 We were awarded the Living Wage Employer Accreditation .
November 2024
November saw the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and a training collaboration between Barnardo’s, Age UK, Samantha Beckinsale, University of Bristol, Cats Protection Lifeline and Refuge4Pets to raise awareness about the dynamics and impact of coercive control . We had a record-breaking 191 delegates from across the UK attending this event and we were proud to be a part of it .
June 2024
We were part of the team of experts delivering training to social workers to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding the whole family .
October 2024
We held our first ever Refuge4Pets conference this month bringing together professionals and supporters to celebrate our achievements and raise awareness about how to safeguard all victimsurvivors of domestic abuse (people and animals) .
December 2024
Another very successful ‘Extra Bowl’ at Christmas campaign thanks to our wonderful supporters . This was also our busiest period, 38 animals came into our care between October - December (16 dogs, 20 cats, one exotic and one rabbit) .
July 2024
We attended the Liskeard Show with our Refuge4Pets stand . Mary (CEO) and Trustees Caroline and Lesley had a great day meeting visitors to this brilliant country show . We had a teddy tombola, received donations and spoke to lots of people about the services we offer .
January 2025
We were delighted to receive a further three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund which funds a member of our team and transport costs .
August 2024
We shared our long-term goal of opening our own Refuge4Pets Sanctuary and started a fundraising appeal .
September 2024 The team had the pleasure of visiting The Cinnamon Trust’s Sanctuary in Devon to make connections and share best practice .
February 2025
We launched our ‘Sponsor an Animal’ scheme, which is helping us to cover the cost of veterinary treatment, food and items animals need while in our care . Thank y: you for sponsoring “a me!
March 2025
Our CEO, Dr Mary Wakeham, published a peer reviewed journal article in the Journal of GenderBased Violence titled ‘Animal abuse as a strategy of coercive control’ . This month, we also attended the AllParty Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare at the Houses of Parliament to speak about animal abuse, domestic abuse and the importance of our service .
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Our impact in numbers
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----- Start of picture text -----
People and animals People and animals
we helped in 2024/2025 we’ve helped to date
Families indirectly Animals
Families indirectly
supported fostered
Families directly supported
supported
93 Animals
reunited
Animals 425 725
1171
fostered
520
141
Families directly
Professionals supported
Animals
trained
reunited
389 Professionals
59
trained
Please note: Direct support is where families
902 accessed our fostering service and indirect support
is where we have provided information about animal 8243
fostering services in other areas of the UK or advice.
----- End of picture text -----
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What people say about us
100% of service users rated our service as excellent
Our service users (victim-survivors)
“Had I known this service was available I think I would have left the relationship earlier. I have left on a couple of occasions before but returned because I had nowhere to go that would accept a dog. Knowing that my pet was being cared for has enabled me and given me the determination to leave, and not go back.”
Our volunteers (animal foster carers)
“I am not in a position to have my own dog, fostering brings me so much joy and just being able to get out and walk a dog each day has also helped me to make friends.”
“It’s hard to say goodbye to any pet you have fostered, but it is wonderful knowing they are going back to their family who are now safe and happy.”
of victim-survivors said that Refuge4Pets meant 75% that they could leave an abusive relationship
of victim-survivors said that Refuge4Pets 67% enabled them to access safety and support
of victim-survivors told us that knowing their animals were so 75% well cared for stopped them returning to the abusive relationship
of victim-survivors said knowing that they would be reunited with their animal(s) 91% helped increase their mental health and wellbeing
of victim-survivors said that regular updates about animal(s) 91% helped to increase mental health and wellbeing
of victim-survivors said that Refuge4Pets enabled 67% them to form a positive support network
of volunteers said knowing that they have helped people 86% and animals has increased their wellbeing
of volunteers said that having a foster 62% animal provided them with companionship
of volunteers said having a foster animal helped to reduce loneliness and isolation
52%
of volunteers said having a foster animal increased their health and wellbeing
86%
of volunteers said volunteering enabled them 67% to feel part of a positive support network
of victim-survivors said being united with their animal(s) will 85% help them to recover from the trauma they had experienced
of victim-survivors said being reunited with animal(s) will help their 68% children to recover from the trauma that they have experienced
“Knowing our dog was safe and cared for so I could remove us from the abusive environment was key for us.”
Victim-survivor
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Training professionals
Our colleagues (domestic abuse-related professional services)
We work closely with our colleagues in human and animal health and welfare services including domestic abuse services, police, housing, social care, mental health, veterinary teams and so on. We are proud of the work we have done to raise awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse and the support we offer our colleagues when helping people and animals to escape domestic abuse.
Through our anonymous feedback survey, we found that 100% of our colleagues rated our service as excellent.
Here is a small selection of the comments we received from our colleagues as part of this survey…
“Your service is invaluable as when I came in to post we discovered 7 out of 10 women cited the fact that they had pets as a reason to stay.”
“The service can make all the difference in whether a victim leaves an abusive relationship knowing that their pets are being well cared for until they are ready to have them back. Invaluable service.”
“Many victims will not flee due to having to leave their animals. They are often the only support and comfort they have and become their lifeline. As an animal lover and pet owner I personally would not leave my animal regardless of risk to myself. knowing that a victim can remove that barrier and concentrate on their own safety is absolutely saving lives!”
“Refuge4Pets has made a huge difference in my role. For all our clients, Refuge4Pets is an essential lifeline and gives the client the opportunity to flee a potentially dangerous situation but still be assured their animals are safe and cared for.”
“Refuge4Pets means that people can be assured that they have a kind, therapeutic organisation to support their pet. The staff are knowledgeable and super quick acting which helps stabilise risk more thoroughly and quickly.”
“Refuge4Pets support has been crucial in helping one of my clients to care for and keep their pet dog. This has supported their mental health and wellbeing.”
“When dealing with high-risk situations, Refuge4Pets have been quick to respond and have enabled us to make sure that our victim-survivors know that their pets are safe whilst they seek support. We are very fortunate to have Refuge4Pets involved in our MARAC process. Thank you.”
During 2024/25 we provided training sessions to 902 people. The training and resources we provide are based on our domestic abuse practice and academic research expertise. We offer training to a wide range of professionals who are in touch with victimsurvivors of domestic abuse including: domestic abuse advocates, police, social workers, housing, health, veterinary, animal welfare, prison and probation teams, and more.
All the training that we provide is designed to raise awareness about:
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The use and abuse of animals by perpetrators as a strategy of coercive control .
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The implications for all victim-survivors – adults, children and animals .
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The importance of asking about animals, identifying animalrelated risks and effectively taking steps to reduce these risks in safety plans .
Much of the training we provide is co-facilitated with our Links Group colleagues and in collaboration with a broad range of experts in the field as well as those with lived experience .
“Hearing the survivors’ stories about the types of cruelty carried out by perpetrators has really made me think about considerations I will be making in the future when I’m responding to animal welfare complaints. Part of my investigations will now look at whether domestic abuse is a factor in the household.”
Training Session Attendee
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Case studies
The names of our service users and the animals we fostered for them have been changed, but their stories are true .
Kate, Maggie and Star
Kate had endured severe abuse at the hands of her partner when services reached out to us for our help . Kate has two children, a cat named Maggie, and a dog named Star . Star had also suffered abuse from the perpetrator . When we met them, both Kate and Star were visibly scared . It was clear how much our help was needed . We quickly arranged loving foster homes for both Maggie and Star, which meant that the family could escape the abuse and begin rebuilding their lives in safety .
It took time for Maggie and Star to feel secure and begin to trust again, but they gradually settled into their foster homes . Kate and the children took great comfort in receiving regular photo updates, knowing their beloved pets were safe and well cared for . A few months later, we were able to reunite Maggie and Star with their family .
Mary and Pixie
We met Mary at the local domestic abuse office, where we collected Pixie . Mary was so upset about handing over her dog, mentioning that they had never been separated before and that Pixie was her world . Pixie was visibly shaking during the collection and was nervous around anyone who wasn’t her Mum . Pixie showed noticeable signs of trauma from the abuse she had witnessed .
To help Pixie feel more comfortable and to support her in building a connection and trusting someone new, she was placed in a quiet, single-person foster home . The team maintained regular contact with Pixie and her foster carer, checking in often through phone calls and in-person visits, and offering support and advice whenever needed . We also worked to advocate for Mary to be placed into temporary accommodation that allows dogs, so that a reunion could happen as quickly as possible .
Caroline, Cindy and Barbs
We received a referral from a local domestic abuse service following Caroline’s hospital admission . We took further details from Caroline whilst in hospital and she was so grateful to hear her cats, Cindy and Barbs, would be safe and taken care of . The perpetrator had previously thrown the cats down the stairs and stepped on their paws, which required veterinary visits to treat the swelling . We were able to collect the cats from the property and make sure they received the necessary veterinary treatment .
Both cats were quite nervous, especially around sudden movements or when someone passed by . They were placed with an experienced foster carer who provided them with time to settle and gradually build trust . We maintained regular communication with Caroline, providing updates on the cats’ progress, and eventually shared videos of both cats relaxed and purring .
Sally, Simba, Jester and Frank
Sally was referred to us by her GP . The abuse escalated throughout her pregnancy and following the birth of her baby . She went to stay at a family member’s house with her baby, but unfortunately, she couldn’t bring her three cats along (Simba, Jester and Frank) .
We arranged to collect the cats and placed them in loving foster homes, keeping Sally updated with monthly reports on their wellbeing . After ten months, we were delighted to reunite the cats with Sally once she had found a safe and secure place to live .
Victim-survivor -
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Main priorities 2025/26
As we move into the next financial year, our main priorities and expected outcomes for 2025/26 are:
Our values
Refuge4Pets determination in achieving our main priorities are derived from our five core values:
Empathy
We understand what people and animals have been through and work in an empathetic and non-judgemental way .
Outcome:
We are reaching victimsurvivors of domestic abuse across Devon and Cornwall who need our support .
Outcome:
More people and animals are safeguarded because of our contribution to research, education, policy and practice change in relation to the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse .
Equity
We believe that everyone is equal and has the right to live free of violence and abuse .
Empowerment
We empower victim-survivors to regain control of their lives .
Effectiveness
We work efficiently and effectively to achieve our vision .
Integrity
Outcome:
Greater community ownership and awareness about the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to build a bystander community .
Outcome:
We are developing and delivering innovative solutions that enhance our reach and impact in terms of maximising the safety of victimsurvivors of domestic abuse, both people and animals .
We are honest and have strong moral principles .
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Refuge4Pets Trustees Annual Report
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Reference and
Administrative Details
Charity Name Refuge4Pets Charity Registration Number 1174331
Company Registration Number CE010822
Registered office PO Box 160 Liskeard Cornwall PL14 9DR
Directors and Trustees
The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year and up to the date of signing this report.
Caroline Harding
Dina Holder (Chair) Helen Hoskin (Resigned 24th April 2024) Dr Harriet Lawrence (Appointed 24th April 2025) Lesley Leahy Sarah Moffat (Appointed 24th April 2025) Mark Randell (Appointed 2nd August 2024) Laura Smit-Chesterfield Kerry Whincup (Resigned 18th July 2025)
Mary Wakeham (CEO)
Key Management Personnel
Bankers
Lloyds Bank The Parade Liskeard Cornwall PL14 6AW
Andrew Harry (CGMA) Cornwall Community Accountancy Service The Elms 61 Green Lane Redruth TR15 1LS
Independent Examiner
Financial review
Governing document
Incoming resources for the period are £255,178 (2024: £291,405) and resources expended are £282,224 (2024: £273,918) leaving an overall deficit for the year of £27,046 (2024: £17,487 Surplus) . Total unrestricted funds carried forward at the end of the year of £102,991 (2024: £75,440) with £11,953 (2024: £15,174) within the total of unrestricted funds, assigned to designated funds . In addition there remains £55,528 (2024: £110,125) of restricted funds carried forward .
The governing document is based on the Charity Commission model constitution for association CIO’s i .e . those with voting members other than its trustees . The governing document came into force on the date of registration and was amended on 4 December 2024
Recruitment & induction of trustees
Trustees are appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees . In selecting individuals for appointment the trustees consider the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of Refuge4Pets . Induction includes familiarisation of all trustees with our objectives, policies and procedures, operating methods and financial reporting .
Reserves policy
Refuge4Pets’ reserves policy is to maintain its level of unrestricted funds and maintain funds at a position where the minimum level of free reserves (i .e . unrestricted funds less designated funds) will cover 3 months of core running costs plus any potential liabilities in the event of Refuge4Pets having to cease its activities . Though meeting this policy requirement, our aspiration is to increase our level of free reserves to from 3 months to 6 months core running costs, plus any potential closure liabilities .
Risk management
The trustees regularly review the risks to the Charity from both external factors and its operations . The trustees consider that they have taken appropriate steps to reduce such risks .
Structure, governance & management
Good practice is to keep a risk register, that identifies all risks and steps to reduce risks, which the charity has in place .
The charity was registered with the Charity Commission on 22nd August 2017 as a Charitable Incorporation Organisation (CIO) .
Trustees Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice . The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities .
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charity SORP (FRS 102) .
Approved by the Board on 23rd December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Dina Holder Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Independent Examiner's Report
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 27 to 37.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission
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under section 145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act;
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and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
| for the year ended 31 March 2025 | for the year ended 31 March 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | |||||
| Note | Unrestricted ~~funds~~ |
income ~~funds~~ |
Total ~~funds~~ |
Prior year ~~funds~~ |
|
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 26,473 | - | 26,473 | 54,563 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 106,373 | 112,712 | 219,085 | 236,842 |
| Other Income | 6 | 9,620 | - | 9,620 | - |
| Total | 142,466 | 112,712 | 255,178 | 291,405 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 7 | 139,566 | 142,658 | 282,224 | 273,918 |
| Total | 139,566 | 142,658 | 282,224 | 273,918 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 2,900 | (29,946) | (27,046) | 17,487 | |
| Transfers between funds | 24,651 | (24,651) | - | - | |
| Other gains/(losses) | - | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 27,551 | (54,597) | (27,046) | 17,487 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 75,440 | 110,125 | 185,565 | 168,078 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 102,991 | 55,528 | 158,519 | 185,565 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and section 130 of the 2011 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met;
- 2) or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
Andrew Harry, Chartered Global Management Accountant Date: 23rd December 2025 Cornwall Community Accountancy Service The Elms, 61 Green Lane, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 1LS
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Balance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
As at 31 March 2025
| Note £ £ Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 11 11,953 11,953 Current Assets Debtors 12 3,795 Cash at bank and in hand 145,217 149,012 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 (2,446) Net current assets 146,566 Total assets less current liabilities 158,519 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 14 - Net assets 158,519 The funds of the charity: Restricted funds 14 55,528 Unrestricted funds 14 Designated funds 11,953 Unrestricted income funds 91,038 Total unrestricted funds 102,991 Total charity funds 158,519 2025 |
£ £ 14,567 14,567 4,158 170,530 174,688 (3,690) 170,998 185,565 - 185,565 110,125 15,174 60,266 75,440 185,565 2024 |
|---|---|
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
23rd December 2025 Approved by the Board on _____ and signed on its behalf by:
.........................................
Dina Holder
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with: - 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 (FRS102) second edition - October 2019 (effective 1 January 2019);
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the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
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the Companies Act 2006 and
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the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102
1.2 Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
1.3 Fund accounting policy
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are amounts that are allocated for specific purposes by the charity itself.
Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Revaluation funds are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market value.
1.4 Income
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS102 SORP or FRS102.
Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met:
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the charity has entitlement to the funds;
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any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met or are fully within
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the control of the charity;
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there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and
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the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies are voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts. It is included within the accounts when receivable and only when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the income.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts are included in the accounts at the same time as the gift/donation to which it relates
Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Notes to the Accounts
Notes to the Accounts
1.5
Donated goods and services are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material.
The value of services provided by volunteers is not included within the accounts.
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes the attributable value added tax which cannot be recovered.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs are the those costs required to support the charity in carrying out its activities and meeting its objects.
Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and other costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity including the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
~~1.10 Creditors and provisions~~
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.11 Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
1.12 Leases
The charity recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases with terms longer than 12 months, measured at the present value of future lease payments, in accordance with the updated SORP lease guidance.
1.13 Statement of cash flows
The charity is exempt from preparing a statement of cash flows on the grounds that it is a small charity
2 Company Status
The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation and has no share capital. The charity is incorporated in England.
In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £nil per member of the charity.
The members of the charity are the trustees named on page 24.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £100 are capitalised.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, which is reviewed annually. The rates used are as follows:-
Motor Vehicles - 25% reducing balance Office equipment - 25% reducing balance
1.7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
1.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
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Notes to the Accounts
Notes to the Accounts
~~5 Incoming resources from charitable activities~~
3 Statement of Financial Activities - prior year
| Income Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Expenditure Expenditure on: Charitable activities Reconciliation of funds: Donations and Legacies Legacies and bequests Donations Received Gift Aid tax reclaimed Total Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 47,495 42,665 90,160 96,965 96,965 (6,805) (6,805) (6,805) 82,245 75,440 Unrestricted funds £ 930 24,017 1,526 26,473 |
Restricted income funds 2024 £ - 201,245 201,245 176,953 176,953 24,292 24,292 24,292 85,833 110,125 Restricted income funds £ - - - - |
Total funds 2024 £ 47,495 243,910 291,405 273,918 273,918 17,487 17,487 17,487 168,078 185,565 Total funds 2025 £ 930 24,017 1,526 26,473 |
Prior year funds 2024 £ 10,030 41,934 2,599 54,563 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Donations and Legacies
| Grant Income: Animal Friends Arnold Clark ATAS Foundation David Gibbons Trust Devon County Council IVO Trust Jean Sainsbury's Kennel Club Beryl Evett & Robert Luff Manola Blahnik National Lottery Community Norman Family Trust Oak Foundation Pets at Home Foundation Pet Plan Betty Phillips POCA Richer Sounds Sharegift South West Water Souter Truemark Primary Purpose Trading: Training Income Income from Events Corporate Partnerships 6 Other Income Other income Sale of Leased Motor Vehicle |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 10,000 1,000 2,275 - - 25,000 - - 3,500 46,000 - - - - - - - - 5,000 - - 10,000 - 283 3,315 106,373 Unrestricted funds £ - 9,620 9,620 |
Restricted income funds 2025 £ - - - - 13,468 - 3,000 - - - 57,257 1,500 - 28,487 7,000 - 2,000 - - - - - - - - 112,712 Restricted income funds £ - - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 10,000 1,000 2,275 - 13,468 25,000 3,000 - 3,500 46,000 57,257 1,500 - 28,487 7,000 - 2,000 - 5,000 - - 10,000 - 283 3,315 219,085 Total funds 2025 £ - 9,620 9,620 |
Prior year funds 2024 £ - - - 1,200 13,468 - - 25,000 - 36,000 75,176 2,500 30,000 27,901 - 10,000 - 10,000 - 2,000 2,000 - 450 1,147 - 236,842 Prior year funds 2024 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Notes to the Accounts
Notes to the Accounts
7 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct costs Pet Food Fostering Expenses Kennel Fees Vet Fees Event Costs Volunteer Expenses Purchase of Motor Vehicle Support costs Wages and salaries Staff NIC (Employers) Pensions Staff training Staff Welfare Rent and rates Insurance Telephone and fax IT Services Printing, postage and stationery Subscriptions Sundry expenses Owned vehicle expenses Travel and subsistence Advertising & Marketing Consultancy fees Bank charges Depreciation Total Support Costs Governance Costs Accountancy fees The audit or independent examination of the charity's accounts Total Governance Costs Total Charitable Expenditure |
Unrestricted 2025 £ 2,324 1,771 11,196 6,840 2,214 122 9,619 34,086 68,709 3,827 794 30 - 2,016 1,805 3,672 1,968 2,181 583 3,182 6,205 939 314 4,969 310 3,633 105,137 343 - 343 139,566 |
Restricted 2025 £ - - 203 14,248 1,492 - - 15,943 91,287 4,600 2,672 2,985 - - 4,575 12 79 342 537 28 8,315 3,133 - 5,979 - - 124,544 1,021 1,150 2,171 142,658 |
Total 2025 £ 2,324 1,771 11,399 21,088 3,706 122 9,619 50,029 159,996 8,427 3,466 3,015 - 2,016 6,380 3,684 2,047 2,523 1,120 3,210 14,520 4,072 314 10,948 310 3,633 229,681 1,364 1,150 2,514 282,224 |
Prior year 2024 £ 2,409 2,789 10,488 31,283 2,076 130 - 49,175 154,312 8,445 3,106 4,134 1,018 2,016 3,497 4,023 3,184 1,443 833 2,251 20,156 - 1,212 6,627 299 4,842 221,398 2,195 1,150 3,345 273,918 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 Net income/ expenditure
This is stated after charging:
| Staff costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Staff in charitable activities Volunteers (nos of people involved excluding Trustees) The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security Pensions Total employee benefits received by key management personnel Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Auditors' / Independent Examiners' remuneration |
2025 £ 1,150 3,633 2025 Number 7 161 2025 £ 159,996 8,427 3,466 171,889 50,201 |
2024 £ 1,150 4,842 2024 Number 7 145 2024 £ 154,312 8,445 3,106 165,863 46,620 |
|---|---|---|
9 Staff costs
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in either the current or the prior year.
The charity operates a defined contributions scheme with NEST. The pension cost shown represents the contributions payable by the charity to the scheme for the period.
10 Trustees' remuneration and expenses
Trustees received no remuneration, benefits in kind or expenses during the current or prior year.
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Notes to the Accounts
Notes to the Accounts
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals As at 31 March 2025 Depreciation As at 1 April 2024 Charge for the year As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at 31 March 2024 12 Debtors Prepayments 13 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
Motor Vehicles £ 19,833 9,619 (9,619) 19,833 9,374 2,614 11,988 7,845 10,459 |
Equipment £ 9,667 1,019 - 10,686 5,559 1,019 6,578 4,108 4,108 2025 £ 3,795 3,795 2025 £ 1,296 1,150 2,446 |
Total £ 29,500 10,638 (9,619) 30,519 14,933 3,633 18,566 11,953 14,567 2024 £ 4,158 4,158 2024 £ 2,540 1,150 3,690 |
|---|---|---|---|
1 ~~4 Movement of funds~~
| As at 1 April 2024 £ Restricted Funds Jean Sainsbury 10,595 Norman Family Trust - Pets at Home Foundation 20,341 National Lottery Community Fun 29,649 Pet Plan 434 The Fore 1,008 Devon County Council 5,387 Manola Blahnik 24,651 Betty Phillips 8,060 Richer Sounds 10,000 POCA - Steven Frewer - 110,125 General Funds Unrestricted funds 60,266 Designated funds Capital Expenditure - Designated Fund 1 14,567 Oak Foundation - Designated Fund 2 607 Total Unrestricted funds 75,440 Total funds 185,565 15 Net assets by fund Tangible assets Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Assets |
Incoming Resources £ 3,000 1,500 28,487 57,257 7,000 - 13,468 - - - 2,000 - 112,712 142,466 - - 142,466 255,178 Unrestricted funds 11,953 93,484 (2,446) 102,991 |
Resources Expended £ - - (27,086) (76,116) (7,434) - (15,207) - (6,815) (10,000) - - (142,658) (135,326) (3,633) (607) (139,566) (282,224) Restricted income funds - 55,528 - 55,528 |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - (24,651) - - - - (24,651) 23,632 1,019 - 24,651 - Total funds 11,953 149,012 (2,446) 158,519 |
As at 31 March 2025 £ 13,595 1,500 21,742 10,790 - 1,008 3,648 - 1,245 - 2,000 - 55,528 91,038 11,953 - 102,991 158,519 Prior year funds 14,567 174,688 (3,690) 185,565 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16 Related Party Disclosures
Controlling Party
The Charity is managed by the Trustees; thus no single party controls the Organisation.
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38 Refuge
Correspondence Address
Refuge4Pets PO Box 160, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 9DR T 0300 4000 121 E info@refuge4pets.org.uk www.refuge4pets.org.uk
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Refuge4Pets is a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity No. 1174331