Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is the best known animal charity and home for stray cats and dogs in England. It is also the oldest such institution and is supported entirely by donations. Mary Tealby established it in 1860 in Holloway, and it relocated to Battersea in 1871.

In 1885 Queen Victoria became patron and it has remained under Royal Patronage since - today Queen Elizabeth is patron and Prince Michael of Kent is the President.

As a charity it takes in around 12,000 homeless dogs and cats each year and tries to reunite them with their owner. It is a huge task requiring many volunteers and staff. They care for the animals, find new homes for them and also educate the public about responsible ownership of pets.