Mrs Murray's Big Build

Honouring our Past. Building their Future.

History

Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats was founded by Mrs Susan Murray as a place of refuge and shelter for stray and abandoned dogs and cats, it was officially opened by Lord Provost Henderson on the 18th September 1889.

The original modest shelter was built on land just off King Street before moving to the Home’s current location at Brickfield, East Seaton in 1935. The new premises were again opened by the then Lord Provost, Lady Margaret Alexander, reflecting the uniqueness and importance of such a charity for the city of Aberdeen.

Mission and Purpose

For 136 years, including two world wars, the Great Depression, numerous recessions and two global pandemics the ‘institution’ of Mrs Murray’s has had the primary mission to provide care and rehoming services for stray, abandoned or unwanted animals in Aberdeen City and the surrounding area.

Over the decades Mrs Murray’s has expanded and adapted the care and rehoming facilities to cater for a wide variety of small animals and currently rehomes up to 500 animals per year.

The Home also now offers animal boarding facilities to help sustain its charitable activities and last year alone boarded over 2,000 animals ranging from hamsters to Great Danes.

The Home also offers a foodbank to help support local vulnerable pet owners who may have to chose between feeding themselves and feeding their pet.

Mrs Murray's does not receive any Government or Lottery funding and relies on legacies, donations, local fundraising and the above-mentioned boarding income to support all the work that it does.

Recognition

Over the years the team at Mrs Murray’s have have never gone looking for praise or recognition but the dedication and commitment they demonstrate when looking after the animals was formally recognised last year when Mrs Murray’s was awarded the “Animal Charity of the Year 2025” by Pet Awards Scotland.

The Future

There was an era when Mrs Murray’s was the only animal charity in town. It is now a very competitive market for all charities and we recognise that we need to work very hard to ensure that Mrs Murray’s are always at the forefront of peoples minds when they are considering donations and legacies.

Exhibiting at local shows and events, an active social media presence, fund-raising balls, press coverage when we can get it and improving the customer experience when they visit the home are all vitally important to the future of Mrs Murray’s.

2022 saw the redevelopment of the Reception and Administration block which not only greatly enhanced the front of house environment but also provided up to date facilities, including a dedicated Vet treatment room, a grooming room and self-contained staff accommodation for night cover.

Phase Two is the total redevelopment of the Dog Rehoming Block aimed at greatly improving the facilities both for the dogs and the public looking to adopt.

The current facilities are outdated and cramped, and do not offer a suitable environment for the, often traumatised, dogs while they wait their forever home. The New Block will incorporate the latest recommendations and guidance regarding animal welfare and safety standards.

It will create 21 modern kennel units, including a specific ‘Maternity Unit’. All units will comprise of a heated sleeping area and a dedicated outdoor run. In addition to creating a spacious and comfortable environment for the dogs the new facilities will also create an ideal viewing space for members of the public wishing to find a new family member.

We firmly believes this project will be transformational for both the dogs looking to be rehomed and for the staff looking after them.

Our Fundraising Target

We have set a target of £500,000!!

As you can imagine its a huge amount to aim for.

You can help by holding your own fundraiser to help our Max raise the funds towards this amazing project!

Or if you wish you can make a donation via our just giving page:

Mrs Murray's Big Build

Mrs Murray's: Because every Paw Deserves a Better Tomorrow