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Copyright Dublin SPCA 2023
Charity number CHY1047
Registered Charity Number 20001735
Our History & Heritage
The DSPCA was established over 180 years ago in 1840. Over the years we have grown to be the leading animal welfare charity in Ireland. We exist uniquely to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick, injured and cruelly treated animals.
Initially the organisation was known as the “Dublin Auxiliary of the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals”, and it was founded the year the RSPCA received Royal Patronage The charity has had a number of names, and was known at different times as the “Dublin Home for Starving and Forsaken Cats” or the “Dublin Cats and Dogs Home”.
Between 1840 and 1990, the DSPCA was based at Grand Canal Quay in Dublin city centre. In 1990, it moved to Stocking Lane in the Dublin suburb of Rathfarnham. The land, known as the Potterton Rest fields had been bequeathed to the charity in 1936 as a place to graze retired working horses. In 2003, the charity moved to a new premises on Mount Venus Road in Rathfarnham.
The Shelter Today
The charity resides on a 32 acre site based at the foothills of the Dublin mountains on the Mount Venus Road in Rathfarnham. The areas on public view include the dog and cat rehoming centres, stables, small animal areas, perimeter walk and pet memorial garden. Our shop based in the main shelter reception sells a full range of pet supplies, pet food, pet accessories and DSPCA Merchandise.
Meet the team
Mission Statement & Values
Our Mission
To promote and protect the welfare of all animals.
Our Vision
Is a country where all animals, domestic or wild, are treated with compassion and respect.
Our Values
- Animals and their welfare are at the heart of everything we do.
- We value and respect our staff, volunteers and supporters.
- We promote and welcome social inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
- We are committed to making it socially unacceptable to mistreat an animal.
- We advocate continuously to strengthen the law on animal welfare.
- We work towards a sustainable animal population through our range of neutering programmes.
- We act ethically, transparently and adhere to the highest level of corporate governance and financial reporting.
Our Services
Pet Memorial Garden
The DSPCA Pet Memorial Garden is a reflective, dedicated space for people who wish to honour the memory of a beloved pet who they have loved and lost.
By supporting the garden, you are helping the DSPCA to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick, injured, and cruelly treated animals.
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DSPCA Pet Hotel
The DSPCA doggie daycare is the perfect place for your dog to hang out and play while you are at work.
By Choosing DSPCA Doggie Daycare you are also supporting the work of the main charity as 100% of the income goes directly to fund the work of the DSPCA Animal Shelter.
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DSPCA Dog Training
At DSPCA Dog Training, we teach people how to better understand the ways dogs learn and perceive the world to improve you and your dog’s quality of life. It is our mission to support ANYBODY with a dog in Ireland by using positive reinforcement techniques.
By Choosing DSPCA Dog Training you are also supporting the work of the main charity as 100% of the income goes directly to fund the work of the DSPCA Animal Shelter
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