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2025-08-31-accounts

Street Paws Registered Charity No. 1178826

Trustees' Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31 August 2025

Street Paws

Name: Street Paws Charity no: 1178826 Structure: Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by a constitution. Trustees: Susan McCabe Rachel Warren Adam Hemming Penny McIntyre Sarah Lawton Agata Witkowska Trustees are elected by the membership at each Annual General Address: Advance Northumberland Blyth Workspace Quay Road Blyth Northumberland NE24 3AF Bankers: Lloyds Bank Independent Mark Thompson MAAT Examiner: VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Customer First Centre 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR

The Trustee's present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2015)

Structure, governance and management

Street Paws operates as an independent UK charity. Street Paws (“The charity”) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, charity registration number 1178826 (England and Wales). The charity registered with the Charity Commission on 18 June 2016 and is governed by a constitution embodying its rules and principles

Street Paws has a board of 9 unpaid trustees, referred to as our Trustee Board. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year and acts as the charity’s governing body with powers to delegate day today management to the Street Paws leadership team, as defined below. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the accounts. Trustees are selected and appointed based on suitability, experience and commitment to the cause based on their skills and experience, both clinical and non-clinical, so that there is a good professional and cultural fit.

The team lead by the Chief Executive Michelle Southern OBE, are responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity under authority delegated by the Trustee Board. The leadership team proposes to the Trustee Board where the charity should invest its time, money and resources. The Trustee Board proposes an annual budget for approval and monitors financial performance accordingly. Regular Trustee meetings took place during this period to ensure a clear understanding and oversight of the business for all. The Trustees have assessed the risks to which the charity is exposed, those relating to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that there are systems in place to mitigate exposure.

The Trustees review the aims and objectives of the charity each year. This report looks at the achievements and outcomes during the reporting period. The Trustees report on the success of each activity, noting how operations have benefitted local populations. The review helps Trustees to ensure that the charity’s aims and objectives remain focussed on its stated purpose. The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and when planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the objectives that have been set.

Processes for risk management are clearly stated in our Health and Safety Policies and associated Risk register. Street Paws CEO is Health and Safety Officer and responsible for the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy and compliance with relevant legislation. Street Paws operates as an independent UK charity and there have been no transactions with related parties.

Objectives and Activities

Street Paws is the charity standing up for homeless people and their pets. Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That’s why, in partnership with local authorities, hostels, and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training, and advocacy - breaking down barriers and opening doors to make pet-friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We’re paving the way to pet-inclusive support. We’re leading a national movement to ensure homelessness policies and services recognise the essential bond between people and their pets, making inclusion the standard everywhere

We’re building a future where no one’s left outside. We stand beside people facing homelessness, ensuring that love and loyalty are never reasons to be excluded from a home.

We’re making pet-friendly support the norm, not the exception. By partnering with councils, hostels, and vets, we remove barriers and open doors so people and their pets can access shelter, safety, and stability together.

We’re changing systems through partnership and purpose. Through collaboration, training, and advocacy, we unite homelessness and animal welfare sectors to deliver compassionate, practical solutions that last.

We believe compassion should never come with conditions. No one should be turned away for loving their pet - we fight for services that see compassion as policy, not charity.

We demand equality in homelessness support for pet owners. We campaign for fair, inclusive systems that recognise pets as family and ensure every person and pet has the right to safety and belonging.

Street Paws provides the following support

 Pet Champion Scheme to support temporary housing to become pet friendly.

Support from the charity is accessible by referral by Local Authority housing support or organisations working with people experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness in the UK continues to rise at least 382,000 people are homeless in England today (Shelter 2025). This is an increase of 8% in one year equivalent to 28,602 people. 350.480 people are homeless in temporary accommodation which is the highest number of people in temporary accommodation since records began. At least 4,667 people are sleeping rough on any given night a 20% increase in one year.

Approximately 1 in 4 homeless people own pets, yet only 10% of hostels currently allow animals, leaving many with the difficult choice between abandoning their pet or forgoing shelter. 97% choose to remain on the streets rather than relinquish their pets.

Homelessness significantly elevates the risk of both physical and mental health issues. Amidst these challenges, pet ownership can provide emotional and psychological support. Research confirms the positive impact of pet ownership on health including improved heart health fitness and mental health, improved emotional resilience and a greater sense of purpose and responsibility. These benefits are particularly significant for unhoused individuals who often cite their pet as their only source of love, stability and a reason to keep going in difficult times.

By recognising and supporting the unique bond between homelessness individuals and their pets, homeless services offer a more holistic and effective care. Pet friendly policies in shelters and outreach programmes can help reduce barriers to accessing support whilst ensuring both owners and their pets receive the care they need to move towards stability and find housing and improved health outcomes.

Street Paws Pet Champion Scheme addresses the unique challenges faced by homeless pet owners. By partnering with hostels and temporary housing providers the scheme creates pet friendly spaces that ensure individuals never have to choose between their beloved pet and safe shelter. This initiative is vital because it removes significant barriers to support for homeless pet owners.

We train hostel staff in dog behaviour and canine first aid, equipping them with the skills to care for accommodate pets. Hostels also receive resources such as pet policies, procedures and essential pet supplies enabling them to overcome concerns about safety and welfare. The scheme also provides free veterinary treatment, vaccinations, microchipping, and ongoing health support for the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

The Pet Champion Scheme helps pet owners build skills and confidence, empowering them to secure permanent housing. Services such as creating pet CVs and behavioural training enhance the likelihood of landlords accepting tenants with pets.

By prioritising the human-animal bond, the Pet Champion Scheme not only increases the ability to find housing for homeless pet owners but also ensures they and their pets thrive together, boosting service engagement, promoting healing, stability, and community cohesion.

During the financial year 2024-20245 Street Paws referred 107 pets for veterinary treatment (51 pets 2324)

In the period of September 2024- August 2025 we received 732 requests for support (244 requests 2324).

Achievements and performance

During the financial period 2024/2025 Street Paws had a Trustee board of 9. We also expanded the team to 5 staff members and recruited two new members of the team to replace our outgoing Operations manager.

Street Paws charitable activities focus on homelessness and are undertaken to further Street Paws charitable purpose for the public benefit. The Charity continues to expand services notably the Pet Champion Scheme. Alongside the dedicated learning platform for hostel staff, we have introduced a new volunteering programme to further support both our homeless clients and the staff in temporary accommodation we partner with. We believe that owner training supports unhoused pet owners to move from temporary accommodation into more permanent housing, so we continue to offer training and Pet CVs.

The online access to our training portal has encouraged a consistent number of learners and in the year 2024-2025 we have enrolled 55 staff onto our learning platform (79 in 23-24) (52 in 22-23) (19 in 2122).

During this financial year Street Paws has supported 20 hostels and 8 day centres through the Pet Champion Scheme. Due to a continued partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority 17 hostels are located in the Greater Manchester area. Partnerships are slower in the other parts of the North of England, but a study will begin in September 2025 with IMPACT (Improving Adult Care Together). IMPACT is the UK centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, working across the four nations, to draw on insights from research, lived experience and practical knowledge to make difference to front line services and people’s lives. We plan to use this research and resulting policy and procedure in 2025/2026 to develop a national strategy with policy to encourage further uptake of temporary accommodation providers to welcome pets.

This financial year we also launched our volunteer programme led by our Project Coordinator for Volunteering. The scheme is designed to provide volunteers the opportunity to support through regular visits to our trusted partners to support registrations and veterinary referrals for treatments. The scheme continues to be popular, and we have successfully recruited and on boarded 20 volunteers giving the equivalent for 38 hours volunteering time. We plan to continue to grow the volunteer programme organically as the Pet Champion Scheme continues to expand and grow.

Public Benefit

Street Paws exists to ensure that all pets belonging to people who are experiencing homelessness get the veterinary treatment and support that they deserve and ultimately live happy healthy lives, free from the threat of unnecessary pain and lack of veterinary care.

Pets can play a vital role in keeping humans physically and mentally happy and healthy. We at Street Paws work hard to maintain the human-animal bond that is so important. Street Paws charitable activities focus on keeping vulnerable people and their pets together

Fundraising

As a charity that receives no government funding, we are reliant on the generosity of the general public, our supporters and our partners. Street Paws subscribes to the policies of the Fundraising Regulator which oversees fundraising activity. The Fundraising Regulator investigates and, where necessary, takes appropriate action in cases of public concern. Their advice helps us ensure that our activity meets the expectations of our supporters and the wider public.

Financial review

Street Paws have seen a slight increase in income this financial year to £115,207 (£93k 2023-2024) £91k (2022-2023). The principal sources of funds continue to be raised from public fundraising and sponsorship, fundraising events including social media/online funding campaigns and charitable donations from the public and veterinary partners.

In 2024-2025 Street Paws were awarded £67,500 in Grants listed in the Notes to the accounts. Despite operating in an extremely challenging financial period, alongside many charities, the trustees and Director are continuing to develop a fundraising strategy to ensure financial stability.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Trustee Board is responsible for ensuring there are appropriate risk management and internal controls systems in place to manage the major risks to which the charity is exposed. The risk register is in place to plan for resolutions, as opposed to the elimination of risks.

Key risks are regularly reviewed and updated, including operational risks that could arise. Below is a list of the principal risks for Street Paws as well as mitigating actions.

Risk: Volunteer or staff burnout

Action: Mental health training, continuation of risk assessment reviews and introduction of Mental health first aider.

Risk : Loss of key funding

Action: Dedicated fundraiser in place on the team to develop and deliver a fundraising plan across a broad range of donors and manage cost base to stay within available means.

Reserves policy

The aim of the Street Paws reserves policy is to ensure that the charity’s ongoing activities are protected from unexpected fluctuations in its income and expenditure to ensure that the charity is not impacted by short term financial shortfall. The charity is heavily reliant on voluntary donations to fund its charitable undertakings, which being an uncertain source of revenue may not always provide the funds to cover our essential costs.

Street Paws policy for holding free reserves is to target a level of cash that represents a minimum of 6 months core expenditure and fixed costs. Cash reserves are monitored monthly by the treasurer and reported to the Board at trustee meetings. Current charity reserves total £76,460

Plans for future periods

Street Paws plans to continue its growth in 2024/2025 in line with the board led strategic plan, monitored and implemented by the Chief Executive. Key areas of development are:

Outcome Goals

Increase number of pet-friendly hostels: Achieve a measurable increase in the number of hostels adopting pet-friendly policies.

Expand the Volunteering Programme: Further expand and grow Street Paws Volunteering Programme to increase capacity to support. Recruit, train and support a new cohort of volunteers to provide support to staff and owners at our registered Dog Champion Scheme hostels to increase awareness and support from the charity and to assist with data collection. By expanding the team of volunteer support, we are able to develop relationships with hostels and their clients more quickly, improving integration of the Dog Champion Scheme.

Develop resources and training: Create comprehensive resources and training programmes for hostel staff on pet-friendly practices, animal welfare, and the mental health benefits of pet ownership.

Collect data: Implement robust data collection methods to track key metrics, including pet relinquishment rates, resident mental health outcomes, and housing stability.

Advocate for policy change: Following our founder and CEO Michelle Southern receiving the honour of OBE in the Kings New Years Honours 2024, we wish to advocate for changes in local housing policies and regulations to make pet-friendly housing more accessible and affordable.

Collaborate with stakeholders: Build strong partnerships with animal welfare organisations, mental health providers, and housing authorities to maximise the Dog Champion scheme's impact.

Impact goals

Reduce pet relinquishment: Significantly decrease the number of individuals forced to surrender their pets due to housing restrictions.

Improve mental health outcomes: Demonstrate a positive correlation between pet retention and improved mental health indicators (reduced anxiety, depression, loneliness) among hostel residents.

Increase housing stability: Increase the likelihood of successful transitions from hostel living to longterm, pet-friendly housing.

Build community: Volunteers foster a sense of community, creating connections with both the people they serve and fellow team members, strengthening the project’s relationship with the wider community.

Raise awareness: Increase public awareness and understanding of the crucial role pets play in supporting the mental well-being of vulnerable individuals.

As a charity that receives no government funding, we remain reliant on the outstanding generosity of the public, our partners and supporters to continue to fund our vital services. We value every single donation and are very grateful to all our donors, volunteers and corporate partners for their wonderful contributions throughout the year. Signed on behalf of Trustees

Sue McCabe Chair of Trustees

Independent Examiners Report

Report to the Street Paws trustees of

On accounts for 31 August 2025 Charity no 1178826 the year ended Respective The trustees of the organisation are responsible for the preparation of responsibilities of accounts; they consider that an audit is not required for this year under trustees and section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent examiner Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to  examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act),  follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act), and  state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions independent given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review examiner’s of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the statement accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Signed: 20 January 2026 Name: Mark Thompson MAAT Address: VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Customer First Centre 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR

Street Paws

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 August 2025

Receipts
Grants
2
Donations
Other Online Donations
Sales
Fundraising
Total Receipts
Payments
Salary
Dogs Champion
Vet Procedures and Supplies
OOP Expenses (Travel & Etc)
Website/Computer Systems
Office and Admin Costs
Insurance
Promotional Material
Mobile Costs
Recruitment & Volunteer Costs
Motor Vehicle Costs
Volunteer Uniform
Show/Event Attendance costs
Other Animal Welfare
Equipment/Supplies
Membership fees etc.
Motor Vehicle Costs
Accountancy
Miscellaneous
Total Payments
Surplus / deficit for the year
Funds at 1 September 2024
Funds at 31 August 2025		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
67,500
67,500
52,246
13,904
13,904
3,832
23,040
23,040
26,337
338
338
200
10,422
10,422
11,065
47,704
67,500
115,204
93,681
81,133
16,500
97,633
75,096
-
13,347
1,715
5,546
7,261
2,770
1,715
250
1,965
1,797
512
512
1,577
-
1,027
1,027
-
-
1,035
1,035
649
6
250
256
515
710
710
-
1,664
495
2,159
-
1,356
1,356
-
40
40
1,401
-
33
45
45
44
4,909
4,909
816
-
843
-
400
-
3,432
88,896
30,012
118,908
102,720
41,192
-
37,488
3,704
-
9,039
-
137,282
38,972
176,254
184,774
96,090
76,460
172,550
175,735
Street Paws
Balance Sheet
31 August 2025
2025
£
Current assets
Debtor
Cash at bank and in hand
172,550
172,550
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
Net Assets at 31 August 2025
Represented By:
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds		 2025
£
172,550
172,550
172,550
76,460
96,090
172,550		 2024
£
176,254
176,254		 2024
£
176,254
176,254
176,254
38,972
137,282
176,254

The financial statements were approved by the following members of the Management Committee:

Signed…………………………………. Position……………………………..
Signed…………………………………. Position……………………………..
Date

Street Paws

Notes to the accounts, 2025

1. Accounting Policies

Street Paw meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets

and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

2. Grants Receivable

Restricted Funds

Catherine Cookson
Community Foundation
Leeds BS - details below
Astor Foundation
Marjorie Coote Trust
Barbour Foundation
Hadrian Trust
Kristina Martin Charitable Trust
Astor Foundation
E Holt Trust
Total Restricted Funding		 500
1,000
20,000
2,000
1,000
25,000
1,000
5,000
2,000
10,000
67,500

3. Trustees, staff and related party transactions

No Trustees were remunerated or received expenses payments.

Total Salary Costs £ 97,633
No of staff was 4

4.[Costs of financial services]

The fee for the independent examination of the 2025 accounts will be £460. No other amounts were paid for financial services.

5. Restricted Funds

Analysis of Restricted Funds:
Charities Aid Foundation
Aviva
Lloyd
Animal Friends
Audrey Lamb
The 1979 Willan Charitable Trust
Leeds Christian Community Trust
National Lottery
Wild at Heart Foundation
Bentley Life Chances
Fine and Country
Catherine Cookson
Community Foundation
Leeds BS - details below
Astor Foundation
Marjorie Coote Trust
Barbour Foundation
Hadrian Trust
Kristina Martin Charitable Trust
Astor Foundation
E Holt Trust
Total Revenue Restricted Funds		 Open Bal
Income
Expend
End Bal
4,147
3,151
996
625
596
29
1,134
1,057
77
2,500
-
2,500
2,000
-
2,000
1,000
-
1,000
4,066
284
3,782
20,000
9,471
10,529
2,500
-
2,500
500
-
500
500
-
500
500
458
42
1,000
82
918
20,000
14,995
5,005
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
25,000
25,000
1,000
1,000
5,000
5,000
2,000
2,000
10,000
10,000
.
38,972
67,500
30,094
76,378