Our history
Wood Green, The Animals Charity has seen some exciting changes over the years. 
Here are some key events that have shaped our history.
Our beginnings, London Centre
In 1924, Miss Louisa Snow opened the first centre in a small house in Lordship Lane, North London. She was concerned at the large number of abandoned and injured animals on the streets of London following the First World War.
Dr. Margaret Young becomes involved with the Charity in 1933 and changes its aims to rescuing and re-homing these unwanted animals and giving them a rightfully deserved second chance in life.
The Charity grows: Heydon Centre
As the years passed, the London Centre could no longer cope with the increasing number of animals being brought through its doors so a small pig farm in Heydon, Hertfordshire is purchased, allowing the Charity to accommodate the increasing numbers of dogs and cats being brought in.
A third Centre is bought: Godmanchester
The demands on the Charity continue to grow and 52 acres of Cambridgeshire farmland is purchased in order to further expand our work. The Godmanchester Centre was officailly opened in 1987 and is the Charity's headquarters. The site has become one of the largest animal rehoming centres in Europe and boasts modern facilities for the care of dogs, cats, small and field animals.
The Charity today
The Charity continues to care for and rehome over 5,500 animals including the introduction of rehoming ex-battery chickens in 2008. This year also saw the launch of the Charity's 'Hands On' project, which aims to teach responsible pet ownership and to support pet owners in the community.
The London and Heydon Centres have both been refurbished to promote the health and wellbeing of the animals in our care which also aids their chance of finding a new home. The Godmanchester Centre is currently rebuilding its surgery facilities which is due to be completed in 2012.
In June 2011, the Charity also changed its name from Wood Green Animals Shelters to Wood Green, The Animals Charity to reflect its progressive, modern nature. A new logo, brand identity and website were launched to reflect this change.
Looking to the future...
Wood Green continues to work with other organisations with similar aims. In partnership with Cats Protection a joint neutering scheme in London and Cambridgeshire called 'Snip and Chip' continues. It also continues its vital work supporting Assissi Animals Sanctuary in Bangor, Northern Ireland and the Dog Action Welfare Group in Cork in the Republic of Ireland by offering training and expert guidance from experienced staff.
The Charity plans to continue improving its ‘green’ credentials through the construction of a new, more efficient wind turbine at its Headquarters amongst other planned projects.