The RSPCA’s newest ‘Networking Project’ van features the work of Kitty Wright from Derby, who was the youngest winner of the RSPCA’a national school competition.

Kitty with her competition-winning design

The new van is a Volkswagen Crafter that’s been wrapped in a Kitty’s colourful winning design. It’s one of six Crafters the RSPCA will use to transport animals around the country as part of the charity’s rehoming programme. By moving animals around the UK to even out supply and demand, the RSPCA should be able to rehome more animals, more quickly.

The converted short wheelbase CR30 2.0-litre TDI 136 PS BlueMotion Crafter vans feature a bespoke load-carrying area that allows the charity to transport the animals and equipment safely between shelters in England and Wales. Each van has been fully lined with a waterproof material to aid with cleaning and hygiene, and fitted with a ‘Flettner Ventilator to ensure constant fresh air for the animals as well as nine bespoke cages that can be adapted in size, depending on the animals being transported.

A number of the vehicles will be on display at this year’s RSPCA ‘Big Walkies’ event in Hyde Park in London on 26 May, offering visitors a chance to see the winning designs up close. Between now and then the RSPCA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are encouraging people to take and share pictures of the vans on social media (@Volkswagen_CV) when they see them out and about on the roads.