Pet owners in Withywood, Hartcliffe and surrounding areas are invited to a special community event on Wednesday 18 June, where they can enjoy free refreshments and pet food in exchange for completing a short survey about their experiences and challenges of owning a pet.
The event will run from 2 – 4pm at the University of Bristol’s Hartcliffe Microcampus, located in the Gatehouse Centre, Withywood.
This monthly Welcome Drop-in session is hosted by Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) in partnership with Bristol Vet School, Langford Vets, and The Paws Project. The goal is to hear directly from pet owners about what support and information would be most helpful to them, from general pet care to managing costs and housing challenges.
Visitors will have the chance to:
- Meet the team behind the project
- Ask general pet care questions to veterinary students
- Share their opinions on topics like pet nutrition on a budget, grooming, choosing the right pet and tenancy issues related to pet ownership
“This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and shape future support for pet owners in the local community,” says Amber Baylis, Community Pet Support Coordinator at Bristol A.R.C. “We want to know what really matters to you when it comes to caring for your pets.”
Following the June and July advice sessions, these information drop-ins will feature themed discussions from August 2025 onwards. Upcoming dates include:
- Wednesday 16 July
- Wednesday 13 August
- Wednesday 17 September
- Wednesday 15 October
- Wednesday 12 November
- Wednesday 10 December
These community sessions aim to connect local pet owners with useful resources and practical advice, while creating an open space to discuss common issues and solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive support, meet fellow pet lovers and help shape the future of pet care in your community. 
