RSPCA centre unveils canine caravan!

Here’s one use for a pre-loved caravan – RSPCA Danaher has created a new doggy hangout: The Canine-avan!

An old Pageant caravan has a new lease of life to help rescue who experience cruelty and neglect at RSPCA Danaher Animal Centre, in Essex.

Danaher senior supervisor Craig Horsler said:

“We’re always trying to come up with new ways to help the animals in our care while they wait for their forever homes.

“We’d dreamed of having somewhere for our dogs to enjoy during their stays with us—somewhere safe and quiet where they can chill out, snooze, spend time with volunteers and have a break from the noisy and busy kennels.”

Caravan donation and renovation

The team enquired into getting a second hand caravan and Paul Tywman—also known as The Caravan Man – kindly donated an old Pageant caravan and handyman Andy Bentley gave up every Sunday to work on the caravan with volunteers.

“Paul’s gift was so generous and gave us the opportunity to create somewhere special for our dogs,” Craig added. “Handy Andy has transformed our caravan into a home and our amazing volunteers donated lots of bits and bobs to go inside the new space while others helped with the upholstery.”

The caravan has been painstakingly and lovingly renovated and adapted over the last three months and is now welcoming its first visitors - like Staffie Minnie.

Five-year-old Minnie came into Danaher when her owner could no longer care for her. She loves being out and about so has really enjoyed spending time in the caravan with the kennel staff and dog walkers.

Craig added:

“The caravan will not only provide dogs with a lovely space to enjoy away from their kennels, but will also help us to re-home more dogs. Unsurprisingly, dogs can find kennels stressful and don’t always show themselves to potential adopters in the best light when they’re in kennels. But the new caravan will provide a safe, familiar and cosy space for potential adopters to meet our dogs and spend quality time with them!”

To help Danaher rehabilitate and re-home more dogs please visit www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk.