We understand that pet owners can face many different challenging situations when it comes to caring for your pet. This could be for numerous reasons, but giving them up should always be a last resort.

Unfortunately at the moment we are seeing a huge demand for our services, with an increase in the number of animals with severe welfare concerns who need our help. This means we don’t always have capacity to take in pets who already have a home at present.

On this page, we’ll outline some other ways you can access support to avoid having to rehome your pet, and explain what to do if you have no other option but to find your pet a loving new home.

You can find more advice on where to seek support with pets you are struggling to care for on the RSPCA website here.

What’s the issue?

I can't afford to feed my pet

If you are experiencing problems around food insecurity, or want to help someone else who is, the best place to start is with your local advice centre. Some centres offer support for people who are struggling to feed their pets.

I'm struggling to pay for vet bills

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre runs two weekly drop-in Clinics in the local community for pet owners on lower incomes or benefits who may have difficulty accessing veterinary care. This is available for pet owners who meet the criteria in Lawrence Weston and Filwood. You can find find full details of our Outreach Clinics here. At the moment we’re unable to support pet owners outside of these areas, but we are working hard with a view to expanding the service in the future.

In the meantime, if you’re not eligible for support from our Outreach Clinic, our local PDSA may be able to point you in the right direction.

My pet's behaviour is difficult to handle

If you’re worried about your pet’s behaviour, you can seek advice from an animal behaviourist. The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians can offer some guidance on finding a reputable one.

My situation is urgent, I really can't keep my pet

If your situation is urgent and you’re unable to find support, please give us a call on 0117 677 6043 to discuss it (opening hours are Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm).

If your pet is ill/in distress, please contact your local vet. Outside of usual working hours all vets will provide access to an emergency veterinary service on their answer phone – please listen to the information provided carefully.