Two sisters began by collecting stray cats
Gables traces its beginnings to 1907, when Mrs E B Guard and Miss Agnes Grant cycled around Plymouth collecting stray cats before extending their help to dogs. A volunteer-run city-centre shelter followed, formally named in 1908. Those early rescues grew into a continuing local responsibility for dogs and cats needing somewhere safe to stay.
Protecting pets during wartime
The home survived the First World War and was damaged during the Second World War without animals being injured, according to its history. Mrs Guard also created an air-raid shelter in her flat’s basement for families unable to bring pets into communal shelters. This episode connects the charity’s story with the practical problems faced by Plymouth residents and their animals.
A larger home opened at Gables Farm in 1999
Repeated moves reflected the need for more space, culminating in the purpose-built eleven-acre site opened in 1999. The name changed to Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home in 2000, partly because the earlier city-based name led people to assume council funding. The present facilities bring the charity’s long history into a setting designed for daily animal care.
Dogs have paddocks as well as kennels
Each kennel block has access to an outdoor paddock with shelter and toys. The facilities account describes paddling pools for warm weather and walks around the site in addition to time outside the kennel. These are concrete parts of the dogs’ routine, providing different spaces and activities during their stay while staff and volunteers work toward suitable next homes.
Cats have indoor warmth and outdoor runs
The cattery combines indoor pens with a separate outdoor run for each cat, and the indoor accommodation is heated in winter. Gables also describes enrichment for its animals. Adoption and boarding enquiries go through the reception and rehoming team, while sponsorship can support an animal or a pen. Official pages explain the current animals, services and ways to contribute. Official programme information · AnimalProtech map.
Frequently asked questions
- Does AnimalProtech verify Gables Dogs & Cats Home?
- AnimalProtech organizes public information and helps review community corrections, but each donation, adoption, or contact should be verified directly through the animal rescuer's or organization's official channels.
- How can I contact Gables Dogs & Cats Home?
- Use the public channels saved on this page and confirm that the opened profile matches Gables Dogs & Cats Home, the location Plymouth - England - United Kingdom, and the displayed identifiers.
- Is it safe to donate or adopt using only this page?
- No. Use this page as a starting point, then confirm identity, need, accountability, and public history before donating, sending documents, or adopting.
- How can I correct incomplete or outdated information?
- Use the contribution form at the end of the page and send verifiable public links. Do not send personal documents, private addresses, or sensitive third-party data.