About RSPCA Cornwall Branch

The Venton Animal Centre

The Venton Centre is owned and managed by RSPCA Cornwall Branch.

In 1993, the 4 RSPCA branches in Cornwall pooled resources to become a single registered charity – Cornwall Branch (Charity No: 1024808).  The following year, the Branch bought Higher Quoit Farm near St Columb in 1994; a site of just over 6 acres, centrally located with good road access, with the aim of setting up their own Rehoming Centre for Cornwall.

Thanks to the support of the people of Cornwall, the Centre opened to accept its first cats and dogs 1996.  With subsequent generous funding from Mrs Patricia Venton, phase 2 of the building was completed in 1999.

The Centre now provides a base for rehabilitating and rehoming animals and is a focus for the work of the RSPCA throughout Cornwall.

The Centre receives unwanted or neglected dogs, cats and from all over Cornwall.  We also take animals from RSPCA Inspectors, that sometimes need extensive veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and assessment, prior to being found new loving homes.

The Branch currently employs 32 staff and is supported by an invaluable team of volunteers who help with cleaning and maintenance, dog walking, cat socialising and assist with our fundraising events.  We also have 3 charity shops, the proceeds from which bring in much needed additional funds.

The Rehoming Centre Facilities

Kennel accommodation for up to 42 dogs and cattery pens for 40 cats.

An aviary for wild birds to recover from trauma before being released.

A compound for swans, geese and ducks needing rest and recuperation.

A veterinary treatment room for our visiting vet to health check and treat the animals in our care.

An administration block housing our offices, reception and a conference room for training and meetings.  There is also a small shop selling pet foods and equipment, both new and good quality items kindly donated to us.

Accommodation for our Centre Manager and other staff who reside on site to ensure 24/7 security for animals in our care.

We also have various secure outside paddocks for exercising, training and socialising dogs.  One of these paddocks is now available for public hire as a secure dog exercise field – You can find out more about Cooper’s Field here

The Branch

RSPCA Cornwall is an independent charity, operating under RSPCA Branch rules and is run by a Board of elected Trustees.  We are responsible for our own fundraising to run and maintain the Venton Centre and our various welfare campaigns in Cornwall.  All money raised in Cornwall, stays in Cornwall to directly support the Rehoming Centre and the Branch’s animal welfare services in the County.

The Branch holds its own fundraising events and relies on support from sponsors, donations, legacies and money raised from our Charity Shops.

The Branch holds an AGM every year, where local members of the RSPCA can attend to hear how the Branch has performed during the previous 12 months, review the annual accounts and vote to elect new Trustees to continue for the following year.