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Where it all began
Founded as The Home for Starving and Deserted Cats, Mayhew began with a simple belief: cats deserve care, dignity, and compassion. Soon expanding to help dogs, it became a vital refuge for London’s most vulnerable dogs and cats.
Helping dogs, cats and the people who love them, every day.
In 1886, Mayhew was founded to protect cats in London, at a time when many were overlooked and injured.
Today, we support dogs, cats and people alike, in London and beyond.
While much has changed in 140 years, the need for compassion hasn’t. So we continue to adapt, reaching those who need us most.
As we celebrate 140 years, we want to hear from the people who’ve been part of that journey.
Whether you’ve welcomed a pet into your home, received support, volunteered your time, or simply followed our work - your story matters to us. However big or small, we’d love to hear what Mayhew means to you.
We’ve been here for 140 years, and we’re still here because of people like you. Scroll on to see a few key moments that have shaped Mayhew:
Founded as The Home for Starving and Deserted Cats, Mayhew began with a simple belief: cats deserve care, dignity, and compassion. Soon expanding to help dogs, it became a vital refuge for London’s most vulnerable dogs and cats.
Renamed The Mayhew Animal Home, the charity continued to grow, adding veterinary care and emergency services. During World War II, it remained open, supporting animals and owners through one of London’s darkest periods.
Despite financial challenges and even temporary closure, Mayhew endured. By the 1980s, it reopened with a renewed focus on animal welfare and humane education.
Mayhew began tackling the root causes of animal welfare issues – launching community outreach, neutering programmes, and support for pet owners in crisis.
From London to Moscow, India, Afghanistan and beyond, Mayhew helped shift animal welfare practices worldwide – training vets, supporting communities, and promoting humane solutions.
A new veterinary clinic, updated facilities, and a refreshed identity as Mayhew marked a new chapter. With high-profile support and growing reach, the organisation strengthened its role in both local and global communities.
During a time of real change, Mayhew kept on caring for dogs and cats every day – staying open throughout the pandemic. As costs rose and more people and their pets needed help, we stepped up. We focused on those who needed us most, with support such as Collect & Care and working with food banks, using data to guide our work.
Today, Mayhew supports dogs, cats and the people who care for them – through rescue, veterinary care, and community support. As new challenges come our way, our work remains as vital as ever, and we’re committed to being there for years to come.
When Charlotte went missing, her owner Viv never gave up hope. Fourteen years later, she was found living as a stray and brought back home. Although their reunion was brief, Charlotte was able to spend her final days where she belonged. Safe, loved, and back with her family.
When a single mum needed urgent surgery, she faced an impossible choice: her health or her pet. Through Mayhew’s Pet Refuge service, her dog Major was cared for while she recovered. When she came home, they were reunited... together, where they belong.