Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

What Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home does

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is a Scottish-registered charity (No. SC006914) founded in 1884 that operates an integrated pet welfare platform across East and Central Scotland from its permanent Seafield Road East site in Edinburgh. Its core mission covers the full pet welfare lifecycle: prevention (a Pet Food Bank distributing pet food and supplies through a network of nearly 90 human food bank partners), intervention (online rehoming, pet surrender support, and 660+ hours of helpline assistance annually), resolution (dog and cat adoption via a seven-step process), and ongoing education (SQA-regulated Dog First Aid, Cat First Aid, Dog Body Language, and individual training/muzzle courses). The organization took in 343 pets and rehomed/reunited 318 in 2025, and provided 636,662 pet meals through the food bank network in the same year.

The business is not a technology company; it operates no proprietary platforms. Technical infrastructure is composed entirely of third-party, off-the-shelf services: Beaconforms for adoption applications, Acuity Scheduling for course bookings, GiveCircle for lottery administration, Fundraise Up and Stripe for donations, and standard web/marketing tooling (Cloudflare, Hotjar, Google Analytics). There is no API, no AI/ML capability, and no data flywheel. The technical moat, if any, lies in the behavioral and temperament assessment data accumulated across 140 years of intake, which is held as human expertise rather than codified systems.

Financially, the Home operates on roughly £3 million of annual income with no government funding. Revenue is generated across seven streams: donations (one-time, monthly, corporate, text, crypto, Amazon wishlist), adoption fees (£100-£350 per animal by age), training courses (£15-£110), kennel/cat pen sponsorships, a £2/week charity lottery with £1,000 weekly jackpot, Gifts in Wills (at least one-third of donations), and memorial products such as engraved memory tree leaves. Legacy gifts are the single largest funding dependency. GTM is hybrid: community-led engagement through events (Community Day, Kiltwalk, Edinburgh/London Marathon), direct-to-consumer services through website portals, and an event-driven fundraising calendar. The organization is led by CEO Amelia Morgan and COO Jamie Simpson, governed by co-Chairs Matt Smith and Jo Talbot and a board of trustees, with 51-100 employees.

Name

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Legal name

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Website

https://edch.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1884

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is a Scottish-registered charity founded in 1884 that rescues, rehomes, and supports dogs and cats across East and Central Scotland, operating a Pet Food Bank network of nearly 90 food bank partners, paid training courses, and adoption services funded entirely by donations without government support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue and Welfare Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lost & Found, Reunification & Microchipping Programs (BPAGAIAL), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Pet adoption services
• Animal welfare charity
• Pet training courses
• Pet food bank

Headquarters

HQ city

Edinburgh

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue source including one-time donations, monthly recurring donations (Companion of the Home program), corporate donations, and general fundraising activities. No government funding received.
2. Adoption Fees: Fees charged for rehoming dogs and cats. Dogs 6 months to 9 years: £250 single, £350 pair. Dogs over 9 years: £150. Puppies: £300. Cats 9 months to 9 years: £150 single, £220 pair. Cats over 9 years: £100. Kittens under 9 months: £200 single, £280 pair.
3. Training and Education Courses: Revenue from first aid courses for dogs and cats, dog body language courses, dog training sessions, and muzzle training. Also includes venue hire for dog parks.
4. Kennel and Cat Pen Sponsorship: Corporate and individual sponsors can sponsor kennels and cat pens, receiving plaque recognition, sponsor packs, certificates, and magazine updates.
5. Charity Lottery: Weekly lottery operated with GiveCircle provider. £2 per week entry with £1,000 weekly jackpot and £10,000 bi-annual Superdraw.
6. Legacy Gifts and Wills: Gifts in Wills represent at least one-third of donations relied upon. Legacy giving program with dedicated Legacy Officer support.
7. Memory Tree and Memorial Products: Memory tree leaf dedications for pets that have passed, with one-year placement on memory trees in Leo's garden. Also includes memory and in-memoriam giving options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned, stray, and surrendered dogs and cats through a structured seven-step online rehoming process. The charity operates a Pet Food Bank network partnered with nearly 90 human food banks across East and Central Scotland to prevent pet surrender due to financial hardship, and provides paid training courses including SQA-regulated Dog and Cat First Aid, Dog Body Language, individual Dog Training, and Muzzle Training. Additional services include lost-pet reunification working with Police Scotland and local councils, dog park hire, kennel and cat pen sponsorships, a weekly charity lottery, and multiple donation channels including gifts in wills and cryptocurrency.

Product overview

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home operates as a charitable animal welfare organization providing a comprehensive range of interconnected services centered on animal rescue, rehoming, and community support. The core offerings include dog and cat adoption services with a structured seven-step rehoming process, supported by behavioral assessments and post-adoption follow-up. Community-focused services include a Pet Food Bank network partnering with nearly 90 food banks across East and Central Scotland, lost pet reunification, and pet surrender support with crisis referrals. The organization offers paid training courses including SQA-regulated Dog First Aid, Cat First Aid, Dog Body Language, individual Dog Training Sessions, and Muzzle Training. Facility rentals include Dog Park Hire at Seafield promenade. Fundraising mechanisms encompass donations (one-time, monthly, text, crypto), Gifts in Wills, Kennel Sponsorship, Item Donations, Charity Lottery, and Memory Tree memorials. Revenue supports operations as no government funding is received.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dog Adoption Adoption service matching rescued dogs with suitable homes. Includes individual assessments, temperament filtering, meet-and-greet visits, and post-adoption support. Age-tiered fees: puppies £300, dogs 6 months to 9 years £250 single/£350 pair, dogs over 9 years £150.
• Cat Adoption Cat adoption service providing rescued cats with new homes. Features online applications and matching based on cat personalities and owner preferences. Age-tiered fees: kittens under 9 months £200 single/£280 pair, cats 9 months to 9 years £150 single/£220 pair, cats over 9 years £100.
• Pet Surrender Support

Quantifiable outcome

• 636,662 pet meals provided in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Abercorn and Braid Veterinary PracticescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Veterinary partnership announced in 2019 to provide better medical care for dogs and cats in the organization's care. Part of expanded veterinary services following appointment of first in-house vet Bridget O'Farrell.
• Tillycroy Support ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for delivery of First Aid for Dogs training courses. Tillycroy Support Services co-delivers courses regulated by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation. Provides trainer resources and certification support for the organization's education programs.
• Police ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks closely with Police Scotland to reunite lost dogs and cats with families. Coordinates with dog wardens and police to ensure lost animals find their way home.
• Local Councils (Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian, Midlothian)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with multiple local authority dog wardens across East and Central Scotland. Coordinates stray dog collection and rehoming services with Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian, and Midlothian councils.
• GiveCirclecoreTechnology or IntegrationLottery provider operating Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home's weekly charity lottery. Handles all lottery administration, player management, prize payments, and compliance. Previously operated under Donr brand.
• EasyfundraisingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline fundraising platform allowing supporters to raise donations while shopping at affiliated retailers including M&S, Booking.com, ASDA, and Tesco. Over 3,600 partner shops and sites.
• Give as you LiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline fundraising platform enabling supporters to shop at over 6,000 stores while raising free funds for the charity. Platform pays percentage commission on purchases.
• Pet Fostering Service Scotland (PFSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for pet fostering services. PFSS offers short-term care for pets when owners are dealing with illness, homelessness, or domestic abuse and cannot arrange alternative care.
• Dogs Trust Freedom ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for dog fostering in domestic abuse situations. Dogs Trust Freedom Project provides free dog fostering for people escaping domestic abuse.
• Cats Protection LifelinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for cat fostering services for survivors of domestic abuse. Access Lifeline program offers cat fostering support.
• PDSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for free and low-cost veterinary care. PDSA provides treatment for sick and injured pets for owners in receipt of certain benefits.
• Dog Aid ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner providing neutering vouchers for dog owners on low incomes (£100 deduction for female dogs) and veterinary aid scheme for unexpected vet bills.
• AmazonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon Wishlists enable supporters to purchase and donate items directly. Separate wishlists for pet food bank, resident cats, and resident dogs with items shipped to the rescue center.
• All4PawsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent-led charity run by Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Provides basic veterinary care and advice to homeless and vulnerably housed people and their animals.
• The Cinnamon TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of 20,000 volunteers providing practical loving care for pets of housebound owners. Volunteers walk dogs for housebound owners, foster pets during hospital care, and provide additional pet care support.
• East Coast Dog TrainingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended dog trainer partner for owners who want to keep their dogs but find behavior difficult to manage. Works closely with the organization's surrender support services.
• Shelter ScotlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing charity referenced as resource for pet owners in housing need. Provides advice and practical assistance for those struggling with housing situations affecting pet ownership.
• Dogs Trust Hope ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or in housing crisis. Dogs must be neutered, microchipped, and registered within 4 months.
• Human Food Banks (nearly 90 partnerships)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPet food bank network integrated with nearly 90 human food banks across East and Central Scotland. Enables distribution of pet food, leads, blankets, and other essentials to families in need through existing food bank infrastructure.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Mayhew: London-based animal welfare charity offering rehoming, veterinary care, community animal welfare programmes and international dog population work. Comparable in mission, services mix and donation-driven funding model.
• Scottish SPCA: Scotland's principal animal welfare charity, investigating cruelty and rehoming across the country. Operates in the same geography as Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, with overlapping dog and cat rehoming, lost-and-found, and community education services.
• PDSA: UK veterinary charity providing free and low-cost vet care for pet owners in need - a referral partner of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Comparable as a pet-focused charity, with overlapping beneficiary segments and donation/legacy revenue model.
• Blue Cross: UK pet charity providing rehoming, veterinary care, behaviour services and pet bereavement support. Comparable funding model (donations, legacies, lottery) and overlapping services in adoption, training and community education.
• Dogs Trust: The UK's largest dog welfare charity, operating a network of rehoming centres, a Pet Bereavement Service and the Freedom Project for domestic abuse survivors. Directly comparable to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home's dog rehoming, fostering and community support model, but at national scale.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: London-based rescue charity offering dog and cat rehoming, training, and a community-focused brand. Closest direct UK analogue in dual-species rescue, training courses, and donation-led funding model.
• Wood Green, The Animals Charity: Regional pet charity based in Hertfordshire/London, providing dog and cat rehoming, training courses and community outreach. Strong analogue to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home's centre-based rescue, training and education model.
• Cats Protection: National UK cat welfare charity with rehoming, neutering and education programmes, plus the Lifeline fostering service for domestic abuse survivors (a referral partner of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home). Closest large-scale analogue to the Home's cat adoption and support services.

Broad incumbents

• RSPCA: The UK's largest and oldest animal welfare charity, with a national branch network, cruelty investigation remit and broad fundraising footprint. Overlaps with the Home's rescue and rehoming activities but operates at significantly greater scale and scope.

Others

• Pets at Home Foundation: Charitable arm of Pets at Home, the UK's largest pet retailer, funding pet welfare charities and food bank initiatives. Adjacent ecosystem player that shares the pet poverty and welfare funding pool in which Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL7uZVFeT7MEtwnIeviUBs6OsW4wHVoMn-
• Facebookfacebook.com/EdinDogCatHome
• Xx.com/EdinDogCatHome

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home