## **Schnauzerfest our Annual Report and Accounts 2025 -2026** **Registered Charity Number 1185975** ## **CONTENTS** 1 Trustees Report 7 Structure and governance 9 Financial Review 10 Independent examiner's report 11 Financial statements 13 Notes to the financial statements **Lowri** ## **WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO** Schnauzerfest is an animal welfare charity working to relieve the suffering of dogs, in particular but not exclusively schnauzers, who are in need of care and attention. We promote humane behaviour towards all dogs. We achieve this by supporting animal welfare charities, organisations and individuals involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs. In addition we provide support for individuals who are unable at a point in time to meet the costs of veterinary care for their dogs. We educate the public on matters around responsible pet ownership and animal welfare with a focus on the dog breeding industry. **On the cover: Bertie** who is living with cancer, in long term foster care with all palliative care costs covered by Schnauzerfest. **Above:** Ex-breeding dog Lowri received cataract surgery which restored her eyesight and helped her to adjust to the outside world with the care and support of her adopters. ## **WELCOME TO THE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 2025 TO MARCH 2026** As you read through this report, you will see that the year was challenging for dogs and the people who love and care for them. Schnauzerfest assisted a considerable number of rescue organisations around the British Isles, issuing grants to pay for veterinary treatment for schnauzers and other dogs. Undoubtedly this support provided a vital lifeline and throughout this report you will see evidence of how the charity’s work is very much appreciated by those struggling in an ongoing and major animal welfare crisis. As well as supporting rescues, a number of families were also helped to meet the costs of providing veterinary treatment for their dogs. The overwhelming relief that is expressed by people when we can assist them is exceptionally moving. It shows how deeply important the human-canine bond is and you will find in this report touching illustrations of this. To help people and dogs in this way would not be possible without the best possible supporters and every day, I and the other Trustees are very grateful for what everyone does. While we experienced a drop in our income for the first time, October saw us hit a major milestone: seeing one million pounds raised by supporters since 2014, was a phenomenal achievement and I am enormously proud of our supporters for achieving this. The challenges of the year were significant and look set to continue with rising costs across the board, and difficult financial times for many. But, Schnauzerfest is a resilient, creative community and we are determined to continue to deliver as much support as we can during these turbulent times. I sincerely thank our donors, volunteers, supporters and everyone who makes this work possible. ## **Janetta Harvey, Founder** The Trustees confirm that they have carefully considered the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake and believe that Schnauzerfest’s work does so in a number of ways. Throughout this report the activities undertaken by Schnauzerfest will demonstrate that the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable purposes have created material public benefit and prepared Schnauzerfest to further this in future. **1** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2025** ## **WHERE SCHNAUZERFEST HELPS** **Rescues and families receiving help were located across a wide geographic area. Schnauzerfest Grants paid vet bills for dogs in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of We worked with 5 Ireland. organisations in Northern Ireland, 4 in Wales, 1 in Scotland, 2 in the Republic of Ireland and 17 in England.** **2** **www.schnauzerfest.org** ## **THE IMPACT ON THOSE WE CAN HELP** "I can't thank you enough for all you have done for my little dog Teddy. At seven months old I was shocked when we were told he had a Portosystemic Shunt and would need surgery. Schnauzerfest not only helped with our financial shortfall, they helped find a fantastic veterinary surgery who looked after Teddy brilliantly. Your emails and kind words have been a real comfort during a stressful few weeks. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to this fantastic charity, I can now look forward to many years with my furry best friend" **Lisa with Teddy, who received life saving surgery** Spencer is doing well following his toe amputation almost 6 weeks ago. Prior to his operation he was hopping around on three legs and was in a lot of discomfort. Now, not only is he walking on all fours, he is running! This would not have been possible without the help from Schnauzerfest, I am so grateful as without it we could not have afforded the surgery. and we are just so very grateful and happy that he can enjoy his birthday pain free. Thank you so much again for your help. **Charlotte, whose 11 year old schnauzer Spencer needed treatment which was unaffordable for her** **3** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2025** ## **MEET WINSTON** Overnight, diabetic Winston went from being a happy, vibrant dog to suddenly not being able to fnd his way around his home, his food, or do anything he was used to. He had lost his vision with the sudden onset of cataracts. Following a successful application from his owner Becky, a Schnauzerfest Grant cover the cost of surgery. On the day after his surgery we received this email from Becky, I cannot put into words what you have done and the impact of it. I know everyone loves their dogs, but Winston is my joy. It’s been me and him since 2016. Just us through the pandemic. He’s been a fixture of nearly all the major milestones in my adult life. We are best friends. When Winston’s eyes went so suddenly the guilt I felt was overwhelming. The world is in a cost of living crisis and the guilt and shame I felt at missing his insurance payments and therefore losing that support made me feel awful. There is no way this surgery could have happened without Schnauzerfest. I messaged at around half five one evening and by half ten the next morning you had read and reviewed Winston’s case and offered your support. You saved my life. It’s unbelievable really. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. We will continue to donate to and promote your fantastic charity. One day, I hope to donate enough that you can repay what you did for me to someone else. I’ll keep you posted on Winston’s recovery. I just felt it important that you know the true impact of what you did for one woman and one small dog :) I hope you know how special you are. **4** **www.schnauzerfest.org** ## **OUR IMPACT WITH RESCUES** Supporting rescues with the increasing costs of delivering veterinary treatment is core to our mission. Every time a Grant is provided, it eases some of the rising pressures on the rescue system. Rising costs have placed our rescue centre under real strain, while the number of abandoned and neglected dogs has increased by 43% over the past two years. Every day, more dogs arrive frightened, vulnerable, and in urgent need of care. Organisations like Schnauzerfest mean so much to our work, with their incredible supporters and volunteers standing beside us to help dogs in crisis, their generous donations help to provide the care and veterinary treatment neglected and abandoned dogs desperately need at Hope Rescue. Thank you to everyone at Schnauzerfest for always being right by our side. **Hope Rescue in South Wales was the recipient of several Grants throughout the year.** **5** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2025** ## **OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS** **----- Start of picture text -----**
£137,259 £1820
total grants given to pay for veterinary the average cost to support owners to meet
treatment the costs of their dogs treatment
28 11
dogs with eye conditions supported
rescue organisations received support and
including cataract operations
financial grants
4 15
rescues received grants from Schnauzerfest dogs had consultations and treatment with
for the first time specialist referral centres
54 43
schnauzers / crosses had veterinary rehoming requests* for 36 minis and
treatment paid for by Schnauzerfest 7 standards
**----- End of picture text -----**
**The money which creates every Schnauzerfest Grant is raised by our wonderful community of supporters. Every vet bill that is paid is for a dog who is helped through the generosity and kindness of many people.** ***whilst we are not a rehoming charity, through our network, connections and affiliate membership of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, where we can, we help owners and rescues liaise to find the best outcomes for the dogs.** **6** **www.schnauzerfest.org** ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** Good governance is fundamental to our charity. We are fully committed to it and it means the charity is well placed to achieve its objectives. Our commitment to the highest standards of governance ensures that we are compliant with relevant legislation, we can review any risks we may face and create and nurture a positive, protected community of supporters who we recognise and value as fundamental to our success. We take data protection and privacy seriously. We adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice and all required charity regulations. ## **INTEGRITY** As a charity we are committed to doing what is right and doing it openly and honestly. The Trustees govern and scrutinise all decisions to ensure we meet the standards set by the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator as well as the rigorous standards we set ourselves. Keeping our supporters’ and donors’ trust is very important to us. We work at all times to ensure that we manage the finances responsibly and are transparent, truthful and reliable. There are some occasions where we might be prevented from being fully transparent by legislation (for example data protection) or, where a case is operationally or legally sensitive (for example a welfare case). We consider carefully at all times what we share and when, with a steadfast commitment to transparency. We welcome communication and engagement with our supporters and actively seek it. **7** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2025** ## **BOARD OF TRUSTEES** **There are five Trustees.** **Janetta Bensouilah Anne Barlow Camilla Kinton Annabel Kelly were appointed on 24 October 2019 and Nicola Joanna Taylor was appointed 30 April 2026** ## REMUNERATION OF TRUSTEES All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the charity. ## APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment the charity trustees will have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the organisation. The trustees will make available to each new trustee, on or before appointment a copy of the current version of the constitution and a copy of the latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts. ## GRANT GIVING POLICY ## TRUSTEE MEETINGS The Trustee Board meets regularly. Every meeting is minuted and has standing agenda items covering performance, activities, planning, communications, conflicts of interest, risk and compliance matters. To these are added other relevant items in line with the Trustees’ responsibilities. The key element of our work is providing financial support for veterinary treatment. The payment of every veterinary treatment grant is considered and sanctioned by the Board of Trustees. **8** **www.schnauzerfest.org** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE** **Schnauzerfest is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as a body corporate under Part 11 of the Charities Act 2011. The CIO registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 24 October 2019.** ## **PRINCIPAL ADDRESS** **2 Lapwing Close Basingstoke Hampshire RG22 5UU** CHARITY NUMBER: 1185975 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS TC Group CAF Bank Ltd Suite 501 25 Kings Hill Avenue The Nexus Building Kings Hill Broadway West Malling Letchworth Garden City Kent Herts ME19 4JQ SG6 3TA ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** We are pleased to present our full financial report and statements in the following pages. In brief, our total income for the year was £152,087 and expenditure was £154,460 and unrestricted funds at year end were £49,516. ## RESERVES The Trustees have decided a policy of maintaining 3-6 months of expenditure. They consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised The Annual Report of the Trustees of Schnauzerfest was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Janetta Bensouilah, dated 10 July 2026. **9** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2025** ## **FINANCIAL REPORT AND STATEMENTS** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SCHNAUZERFEST** **www.schnauzerfest.org** **10** STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2024** **11** **BALANCE SHEET** _**AS AT 31 MARCH 2026**_ **www.schnauzerfest.org** **12** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 **13** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2024** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued **14** **www.schnauzerfest.org** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued **15** **Schnauzerfest Annual Report 2024** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued **16** **www.schnauzerfest.org** grapher