One of Aberdeen’s oldest charities is calling on North-east businesses to get behind a major fundraising campaign, as work officially begins on new purpose-built kennels which will transform the care of stray and abandoned dogs for generations to come.
Demolition work is now underway at Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats in East Seaton, marking a major milestone in its £500,000 Big Build campaign.
Chap has been appointed as the main contractor for the development, which will replace the charity’s ageing dog rehoming block with 21 modern kennel units, including a dedicated maternity unit. Each kennel will have a heated sleeping area and its own outdoor run, creating a calmer, safer, and more comfortable environment for dogs which can often arrive at the Home frightened, stressed, or traumatised.
With construction now underway, Mrs Murray’s is calling on businesses and organisations across the North-east to get behind the Big Build and help support this important investment in the future of the charity, with a range of corporate sponsorship opportunities now available.
Chairman Alan Grant said: “Seeing work begin on the Big Build is a huge moment for everyone at Mrs Murray’s. Our old kennels have provided shelter to generations of dogs, but they have reached the end of their useful life, and we now have an opportunity to create something that reflects everything we know today about animal welfare.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of people and businesses across the North-east throughout our history, and we need that support again. We know £500,000 is an ambitious target, but this is an investment that will benefit animals in Aberdeen and the surrounding area for decades to come.
“We would love to hear from businesses of every size which might be able to support us. There are a number of ways to get involved and, if anyone would like to come along, see what we are doing, and talk about how they could become part of the Big Build, our door is very much open.”
Alan Grant, Chairman and Marie Simpson, General Manager, of Mrs Murray’s, in the old kennels that are about to be demolished.
Founded in 1889, Mrs Murray’s has provided refuge and care for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals in Aberdeen and the North-east for 136 years. More than 1,000 animals pass through its doors each year, with the charity currently rehoming up to 500 animals annually.
Alongside its rescue and rehoming work, Mrs Murray’s provides professional boarding services for dogs, cats, small animals, and birds, with more than 2,000 animals using the service last year. It also operates a pet foodbank to support local owners experiencing financial hardship, helping pets remain in the homes where they are already loved.
The cost involved in giving an animal a second chance can be significant. On average, it costs Mrs Murray’s around £2,500 to prepare a dog for rehoming, before any additional or unexpected veterinary treatment is required. This can include veterinary checks, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, neutering, food, accommodation, and the day-to-day care provided by the team while the right new home is found.
As an independent local charity, Mrs Murray’s receives no government or lottery funding and does not have the financial backing of a national charity. It relies on boarding income, donations, fundraising, legacies, and the generosity of the public to continue its work.
While Mrs Murray’s was once the only animal charity of its kind in the area, there are now many organisations doing important work for animals across the North-east. The charity welcomes that growth in animal welfare provision, but it also means donations, grants, and legacies, are now being shared across a much wider charitable sector.
General Manager Marie Simpson, who this year celebrated 40 years at Mrs Murray’s, said the support of the local community has never been more important.
She said: “Mrs Murray’s has been part of Aberdeen for generations, and the people of the North-east have always been incredibly good to us. They donate food, raise money, volunteer, adopt animals, use our boarding facilities, and step forward time and again when we need their help.
“The Big Build is about making sure we are still here, providing the very best care we can, for generations to come. These new kennels will make such a difference to dogs arriving with us, particularly those that are frightened or overwhelmed and need somewhere calm and comfortable to begin to settle.
“Although demolition and construction work is underway, I also want to reassure everyone that the animals in our care are safe and comfortable, and Mrs Murray’s remains open as usual. Our rehoming, boarding, pet foodbank, and other services are continuing throughout the work, and the team is making sure disruption for the animals is kept to an absolute minimum.”
The Big Build follows the redevelopment of the charity’s reception and administration block in 2022, which created improved front-of-house facilities, a dedicated veterinary treatment room, grooming room, and self-contained staff accommodation for night cover.
The latest phase represents one of the most significant investments in the Home for many years and, for Mrs Murray’s, its success will depend once again on the community which has supported it since 1889.
Alan added: “Aberdeen has changed enormously since Mrs Susan Murray first opened the Home, but the reason we are here has not. There will always be animals that need somewhere safe to go and people who need our help.
“This is our chance to make sure the facilities are there for them. We hope businesses across the North-east will join us and help build the next chapter of Mrs Murray’s.”
Businesses and organisations interested in supporting the Big Build can contact info@mrsmurrays.co.uk to arrange an informal conversation or a visit to the Home to find out more about the project and the sponsorship opportunities available.