How We Rescue

The majority of Danaher animals are brought to us from RSPCA Branches and the RSPCA Inspectorate, usually arising from welfare or cruelty concerns. We also take stray dogs, by prior arrangement, from Braintree District Council and other local authorities as required. Occasionally, when space allows and by prior arrangement, we may take in animals directly from members of the public.

All animal arrivals can only be accepted at our Thorley Farm centre, near Wethersfield.

We are committed to a non-selective intake policy. This means that irrespective of breed, condition, temperament, age or health, provided we have space, we will accept any animal we are equipped* to care for. Where appropriate, we will make every effort to reunite said animals with their families or work towards placing them in new forever homes.

*We accept dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, hamsters, degus, small birds and other small companion animals. We are unable to accommodate horses, poultry, farm or exotic animals. Please visit www.rspca.org.uk to search for details of organisations that may be able to help in such circumstances.

How We Rehabilitate

On arrival, all animals are assessed by our in-house veterinary team and animal care team in order to determine any health and/or behaviour concerns. A timetable is then put in place for appropriate treatment and/or training in order to facilitate the best possible outcome for the animal. There is no time limit on how long this process can take.

We are devoted to providing the best possible care for our animals throughout their stay and our policies and processes have been carefully established to ensure that all animals receive the best chance at a safe, secure and content future.

Our non-selective intake policy means we deal with a variety of animals, many of whom have complex medical and behavioural conditions. Every animal is treated on a case-by-case basis and we do everything possible to provide them with a second chance at a forever home, however difficult that may prove.

In addition to ensuring all animals are respected and treated with kindness and empathy, we provide species-appropriate enrichment, diet, opportunities for play and timely expert veterinary and behaviour care.

Treatment for our animals is evidence, ethics and expertise based to ensure that every decision made for each animal is right for their welfare.

Meeting the welfare needs of our animals also means ensuring that our team is protected from physical and mental harm. We strive to ensure our entire team, including volunteers, receive adequate training, regular wellbeing checks, guidance and coaching to ensure we can provide the best possible care for our animals.

How We Rehome

After going through our assessment process, animals deemed suitable for rehoming will be cared for as long as necessary to find the right forever home. We may utilise other rehoming centres within the RSPCA to help us do so.

Danaher does not impose time limits on any of our animals and, while our average length of time from intake to rehoming is two months, the process can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several months.

Although animals with medical and behaviour conditions can take much longer to rehome, provided we can keep them content and comfortable (in line with our expert veterinary advice), we always work hard to find them new homes. In some cases, we are able to place such animals in foster homes.

To meet our goal of placing our animals in loving, responsible and secure households, where possible we undertake home visits, ask all members of the household visit us to meet the animal, and check the welfare (including vaccination and neuter status) of any existing pets.

We ensure that every animal rehomed is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and free from parasites. Exceptions may occur if, to carry out such measures, would directly contradict current veterinary advice.

We endeavour to work towards a world in which no rehomable animal is euthanised. However, where problems persist and we are unable to meet an animal’s welfare needs and/or we cannot be confident of rehoming them safely and responsibly then, with great reluctance, we also accept that it sometimes may be in the animal’s best interests for it to be put to sleep. Such decisions are never taken lightly and take into account circumstances affecting the welfare of the animal at the time and our best assessment of the future. Decisions such as these are always based on a full veterinary and behavioural evaluation and consultation with relevant team members. Please refer to our full euthanasia policy for further information.

On occasion, we may be asked by the courts to take action if, for example, a dog is determined to be on the list of breeds banned in the UK, or if a dog poses an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the police or other responsible person. In such cases, the court may order that the animal be lawfully destroyed. If we suspect an animal in our care falls into the category of banned breeds, we are legally obliged to inform the police.

How We Educate

Danaher is committed to helping educate the next generation to be kinder to animals. We do this by participating with the RSPCA Generation Kind initiative and undertaking our own in-house education programme. In particular, we strive to work with children to educate them on the importance of providing for an animal’s five welfare needs.

Subject to resources, we will endeavour to; visit places of education to deliver inspiring and interactive presentations on animal welfare, encourage children to interact with animals and ask questions in relation to caring for animals, and where possible, we work with schools and other bodies to arrange visits to Danaher so children and young people can understand the work we do in promoting education.

We provide and support work experience placements for those people considering a career in animal welfare.

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