Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary

Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary was established in 1992, and provides a lifeline for around 800 pets every year. Serving the population of Bristol, they take care of unwanted cats and dogs and help to rescue animals who are at risk of being euthanized in pounds throughout the UK. They have an open-door policy, meaning they don’t discriminate against age, health or behavioural issues, and often, the charity is a last chance for many animals.

About Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary

At any one time, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary has 150 dogs, cats, kittens and puppies in their care, with no time limit on an animal’s stay. The charity’s mission is to give each animal in their care a second chance at happiness and their forever home, ultimately turning every sad story into a positive one.

The charity is always there to help animals and they promise to never spare any cat or dog the treatment or rehabilitation they need at any cost. In addition to the hundreds of animals they rescue every year, Holly Hedge has also helped at least 1,600 people. While they regularly see cases of abuse and neglect, many of the animals in their care are beloved pets who have been surrendered by desperate owners faced with an impossible choice.

The Impact of Covid-19

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary have helped people struggling to cope with the situation. The charity believes that people and animals can work together through difficult times, and know that for every animal they rescue, a person’s life is changed for the better. This is why they launched The Combating Loneliness Project, which aims to help those in hardship who can no longer care for their pets, while matching people experiencing loneliness with suitable companions.

Millions of us have experienced feelings of loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic. Our efforts to stay safe and to save lives have meant that our usual ways of seeing family, friends, or even just familiar faces, has been put on pause. Each week, the charity takes calls from people in desperate situations, often with nowhere else to turn. Some are shielding and desperately lonely, feeling as though they have no reason to wake up anymore. Some have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have no one to take care of their beloved pets, while others are needing to move into care homes or with family as they are struggling to take care of themselves. Some may have mental health issues, or be offered spaces in shelters to escape domestic violence, unable to take their precious pets with them.

With companies announcing they are reducing their staff every week, and people who have never been concerned for their livelihoods being faced with grim realities they haven’t planned for, they turn to Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary. The charity supports vulnerable people, giving priority to those affected by Covid-19, guaranteeing a safe space for their pet, allowing owners to focus on their health.

If you want to find out more about Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, or to make a donation, you can visit their website: http://www.hollyhedge.org.uk/.