A New Chapter Begins After Over a Century of Care at the Heart of the City.

After nearly 125 years of rescuing and rehoming animals from its site on Albert Road, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) is preparing for a monumental change: they are planning to move.

The historic Albert Road site has been home to the stray and unwanted pets of Bristol since 1901, a place where thousands of animals have found the comfort, care, and the second chance they deserve. But as the city grows and construction booms in the St Philip’s Marsh area, their surroundings have changed dramatically. Bristol A.R.C. are now enveloped by building works, heavy traffic, dust, and near-constant noise from the regeneration.

“While our mission hasn’t changed, the environment around us has,” says Mike Coe, Interim CEO for Bristol A.R.C. “The area was in need of regeneration but it’s no longer the calm refuge our animals need. It’s time to look forward, and try to find a space that allows our animals, our staff, and our community to breathe again and allow other communities to develop this space.”

The Need for Change

The decision to move has not been taken lightly. The historic site holds deep meaning for generations of Bristolians who have supported the rescue. But the current environment, with ongoing development is making it harder for animals to recover, and highlights the need for change.

  • There is no green space nearby so dogs must be transported off-site just to stretch their legs in secure fields.
  • Cats and small animals are affected by dust, noise and vibrations, leading to heightened stress levels.
  • The rescue centre’s ageing infrastructure is under increasing strain and is no longer fit for the future.

“We are actively looking for a new location with good transport links, green spaces and minimal impact on our new neighbours. It’s time for us to branch out  and increase our ability to support more animals and pet owners in Bristol.

In the meantime we need to do all we can to mitigate the impact of local construction on the animals within our care”

A Fundraiser for a Better Future

Bristol A.R.C. is launching a major fundraising campaign to help support the current care of their animals to make sure their stay is as calm as possible. Every donation will help ensure that we can continue our life-saving work in a setting that matches the standard of care our animals deserve.

The charity is committed to supporting the emotional and physical wellbeing of every animal it cares for but this comes at a cost. With the help of expert behaviourists and a very experienced care team, animals are carefully monitored and guided toward successful rehoming. Comfortable raised beds are used to minimise the vibrations caused by nearby construction, but more needs to be done.

Bristol A.R.C. are looking to raise essential funds towards:

  • Ongoing enrichment supplies for cats and dogs
  • Off-site exercise trips to green spaces
  • Soundproofing and calm zones within the centre
  • Behavioural therapy support to help animals cope with stress
  • Improvements to sleeping areas to reduce noise and vibration impacts

“Our rescue centre should be a place of calm where animals can heal and recover,” Bee Lawson, Dog Behaviour Specialist. “But right now, it’s a very challenging environment. With your help, we can create spaces of tranquility amidst the construction chaos and give these animals the comfort and support they so deserve on their journey to forever homes.”