About RSPCA Cornwall Branch

The Venton Animal Centre

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

In 1993, the four RSPCA branches in Cornwall came together to form a single charity, the Cornwall Branch (Charity No: 1024808). In 1994, we acquired Higher Quoit Farm, a 6-acre site near St Columb, to establish our Rehoming Centre.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Cornwall, the Centre welcomed its first cats and dogs in 1996. With additional funding from Mrs. Patricia Venton, Phase 2 of the Centre’s development was completed in 1999.

The Venton Centre serves as a vital hub for rehabilitating and rehoming animals, playing a key role in the RSPCA’s work across Cornwall.

We provide a safe haven for unwanted, neglected, and mistreated dogs and cats from all over the county. The Centre also works closely with RSPCA Inspectors to care for animals in need of extensive veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and assessment before they are rehomed in loving forever homes.

Our dedicated team consists of 32 staff members, supported by a fantastic group of volunteers who assist with cleaning, maintenance, dog walking, cat socialising, and fundraising events. We also run two charity shops, where proceeds help fund our work and provide essential resources for the animals we care for.

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.