Petplan’s pet rescue centres in the UK

Many rescued animals have had a tough start and are looking for someone who will give them the love and attention they need to have a long and happy life.

Pet centres take in many abandoned, ill, or lost animals every year. They provide them with all the food, care and shelter, and help prospective pet owners find their perfect companion.

Petplan takes a look at some of the pet rescue centres in the UK and their inspirational work…

Battersea has been operating since 1860 – and works tirelessly to look after, and rehome vulnerable dogs and cats.

Their fantastic team of over 1,000 volunteers organise events, raise funds, and take care of the dogs and cats in the shelter on a day-to-day basis.

Battersea aims to never turn away an animal in need, and will look after them until they find a new home – no matter how long it takes.

With three centres in London Battersea, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch, this pet rescue also campaigns for animal welfare to protect and improve the lives of animals across the UK.

No. 10 Downing Street has even rehomed two Battersea cats – Larry and Palmerston!

Cats Protection was founded in 1927, at a time when cats were seen as pests rather than pets. A group of people formed The Cats Protection League, aiming to protect the rights of cats and encourage people to view them as companions.

Now, Cats Protection is the largest feline welfare charity in the UK, and has rehomed more than 1.5 million cats and kittens.

Cats Protection’s mission today is to speak up for cats, encouraging the neutering of cats, finding new homes for cats, and improving understanding of cats and their care.

Their Paws Protect project has created a network of cat fosterers to help those fleeing from domestic abuse. Cats can stay in a safe shelter while their owner finds a new place to live, before being reunited with their families.

Owners who have lost their beloved cats can even post a photo and story about them on the Cats Protection website’s memory wall.

Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, with 20 rehoming centres all over the country.

Formerly known as the NCDL, Dogs Trust have had their say in every single piece of legislation affecting dogs over the past 126 years.

The Trust is currently running two projects: The Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project and the Hope Project, which help those fleeing domestic abuse who are worried about their pets, and homeless people with dogs respectively.

Dogs Trust also offer a variety of dog training classes and dog fun days!

Blue Cross’ mission is to help unwanted, ill, or injured cats, dogs, rabbits and horses in the UK.

Blue Cross was founded in 1897 and help thousands of pets in need every month, providing veterinary care, expert behaviour help and advice, education for pet owners, and even pet bereavement support.

More than 40,000 pets receive care from Blue Cross every year, and they aim to increase that number to 70,000 by 2020.

Even celebrities have got involved - TV presenter Chris Packham joined forces with Blue Cross to teach school children, teachers, and parents about how to keep pets healthy and happy!

Wood Green, The Animals Charity, was started in 1924 by Louisa Snow, who was worried about the large number of animals on the streets following the First World War. The organisation has since grown to become one of the leading animal welfare organisations in the UK.

Wood Green finds new homes for a wide variety of animals, from cats and dogs to chickens, mice, goats, sheep and even ferrets!

Wood Green also works with other organisations, including Cats Protection, Assissi Animals Sanctuary, and the Dog Action Welfare Group.

There are lots of fun activities offered by Wood Green, including raffles, crafting toys for pets, and exciting competitions!