Longstanding charity faces costly kennel rebuild
A much-loved Gateshead rescue centre has appealed for public support after confirming it must demolish and replace a deteriorating kennel block. Bryson’s Animal Shelter, which has served the community for nearly eight decades, has closed six kennels on welfare grounds due to a leaking roof and poor heating, opting for a complete rebuild now costed at £250,000.
The charity, founded in 1947 by Bill and Marion Bryson, has rehomed cats, dogs, small animals, horses and donkeys throughout the Gateshead area. Managers said a hoped-for refurbishment has proved unviable because of the extent and positioning of the block, forcing the decision to start again from the ground up.
‘Not fit for purpose’ triggers closure
“Our kennel block has been used for decades now, helping numerous animals over the years. It’s now looking very shabby and no longer fit for purpose.”
Centre manager Tracy Holmes said the closure was unavoidable, despite long waiting lists for intake, because animal welfare remains paramount. She added that limited heating and fabric failures had undermined the space beyond practical repair.
“It is frustrating but the animals deserve the best possible accommodation.”
The kennels’ shutdown immediately reduces capacity, tightening the squeeze on a service that already balances admissions with the resources needed for veterinary care, rehabilitation and rehoming. The charity emphasised that its priority is to provide safe, warm and secure accommodation from the first day an animal arrives.
Funding pressures and ongoing upgrades
Bryson’s annual outlay stands at around £450,000, covering veterinary fees, building upkeep and everyday animal care. While the shelter runs monthly fundraisers, these only cover part of rising costs. In recent years, the charity has delivered a series of capital improvements with the same local contractor, including upgraded stables, a new cattery in 2024 and isolation kennels in 2025. The latest project, however, is a far larger undertaking than originally anticipated.
Alongside appeals to supporters, a current GoFundMe target of £5,500 has been set to contribute toward the works. As of publication, the shelter had raised £1,190, underscoring the distance still to travel to meet the full rebuild costs.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Projected kennel block rebuild | £250,000 |
| Annual operating spend | £450,000 |
| GoFundMe target | £5,500 |
| Raised so far | £1,190 |
| Kennels affected | 6 |
What this means for rehoming in Gateshead
The temporary loss of six kennels reduces flexibility for intake at a time when many rescues are facing steady demand. While Bryson’s continues to place animals and manage new arrivals where possible, the charity says the rebuild is essential to restore capacity and meet welfare standards for dogs awaiting new homes.
The organisation’s history in the borough is long-standing. Established to provide a sanctuary and “home of rest” for retired and ill-treated ponies, Bryson’s has since broadened to a multi-species shelter. The kennel block upgrade forms part of a wider modernisation programme aimed at ensuring animals have safe, well-ventilated and appropriately heated accommodation year-round.
How residents can support
The shelter is inviting the community to help however they can while larger grants and funding options are explored. Support can include:
- Contributing to the shelter’s GoFundMe appeal
- Taking part in the charity’s monthly fundraising activities
- Raising awareness by sharing the appeal with friends, workplaces and community groups
Those wishing to help can search online for Bryson’s Animal Shelter fundraising page or contact the shelter directly through its usual channels. Donations, however small, will contribute to restoring kennel capacity and improving conditions for incoming dogs.
As the centre navigates a challenging period, staff say their focus remains on animal welfare and maintaining rehoming work across species wherever space allows.
