Hope Rescue is a bit different to most rescue charities because it's primarily a 'co-ordinating'…read morerescue rather than housing the dogs themselves. Its main role is in getting dogs out of emergency situations, such as if they are going to be put to sleep unnecessarily, and Hope then works to find a suitable rescue space for them with other reputable rescue centres such as Dogs Trust and the RSPCA, as well as smaller local rescues and breed-specific rescues. Hope Rescue then also covers transportation to the dog's new rescue centre. Most of the dogs they deal with are strays from Local Authority pounds which would otherwise be put to sleep after the 7 statutory days they must be kept for. On average they move around 10 dogs a week, but at some times this can peak to as high as 25. They use boarding kennels in Llantrisant and Caerphilly to hold dogs if there is any delay in their rescue space becoming available. And although they're mainly a co-ordinating rescue, they do sometimes end up taking in dogs for rehoming themselves, if they can't secure rescue spaces - for example if the dog has a medical problem, or is very old. Obviously they have kennelling expenses as well as transportation costs to cover, so you can donate to help fund their rescue missions.

All the poor little dogs here will break your heart. I still can't believe how some people can just…read moreabandon their animals but I know its not always that simple either. At least if the dogs end up here they have the chance of finding a nice new home. I went with my friend to visit the dog she was intending on re-homing and its a really good place. The staff to their very best to make sure you are right for the dog. You might just want the cutest one by they will match you up with the most suitable dogs for you. They had quite a few bull-dogs and staffy types so you may not instantly find the right one for you. Tedi the new dog has been a really good pet to my friend. He's had all his injections and medical check-ups so she didn't have to worry about the expense of that, and he's really lovely. I want one.

It's tough visiting a rescue centre like this. Each pair of puppy-dog eyes staring out at you from…read morebehind the bars seems to be begging you to take them away from the noise and chaos of kennels. These dogs desperately need homes. The RSPCA is severely struggling to find kennel space because there is so much demand for it - and this puts huge pressure on their resources. The staff at this rescue centre are very helpful if you have questions about particular dogs, and are keen to find suitable, well-matched homes so that the dogs are not returned to the rescue centre. I've never actually rehomed from this centre, but I have visited a couple of times hoping to find the right dog (she came along from elsewhere, in the end!). They keep the kennels clean and exercise the dogs as regularly as is possible with the numbers they're dealing with - and take on dog walking volunteers if you have any time to spare. If you do decide to rehome a dog from this centre, you will be asked to pay between about £95 and £120, depending on the age and breed of the dog.

'We help all members of the community - cat lovers and haters, but especially cats.' Mean cat…read morehaters, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Basically SHUA exists because not every pet owner is responsible enough/ financially able to have their animal neutered which can lead to unwanted kittens and an ever-increasing number of stray cats. Feral colonies can cause overcrowding, inbreeding, and ill health to other strays, and domestic cats in the neighbourhood as well as threatening wild bird populations. SHUA can help. They actively neuter, spay and microchip all adult cats that come through their doors and The Cats' Protection provide SHUA with financial assistance for neutering and spaying. They have a careful selection process for finding each cat or kitten a new home and in several cases they've been successful in reuniting lost owners with missing loved ones. On average, SHUA rehome approximately 250 kittens and cats per year.

spoke to Christine initially about adopting a cat. Have had cats all my life. Christine recommended…read moreone particular cat who on the website sounded perfectly fine and was very handsome. I went to meet the cat and was told by several volunteers there that I was very brave! alarm bells started to go off but I met the cat in question and he seemed good, came up to me allowed me to per him. I said to Christine that I will come back and see him again but she was very insistent I took him that day. I ended up agreeing and paying a lot more than the suggested donation. Once I got the cat home it quickly became clear why I was warned. He was hostile from day one and hissed and growled upon approach. this is normal initially but despite trying everything in my power to bond with the cat for several weeks the situation stayed the same. I contacted the Moggery only to told to try tuna... I stuck things out for almost five months before deciding to take him back for everyone's sake. I took him back and emailed the Moggery about meeting any other cats and they just stopped replying. Be cautious.

The Moggery is a cat sanctuary that is always looking for volunteers to clean up after the cats,…read morefeed them, and give them lots of love and attention. They also get a lot of kittens. The woman who runs it is absolutely lovely, and has a lot of rules for who are and who aren't allowed to adopt a cat or kitten, so that they go to the best homes. I've volunteered here myself, and the people I worked with were all lovely, so I recommend it for all cat lovers.

Holly Hedge is a lovely little animal sanctuary just outside Bristol in the village of Barrow…read moreGurney. As you'd expect, it's full of gorgeous dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, desperate to find their forever homes after being abandoned, neglected or given up for one reason or another. I visited when I was considered rehoming a sighthound, and although I didn't end up rehoming one from this centre, I did think the place had a great atmosphere with really dedicated staff. I find it incredibly tough visiting any rescue centres - seeing all those pleading eyes stare out at me from behind bars, then walking away - but at Holly Hedge at least you really get the feeling the animals are given plenty of one-on-one attention from the staff and team of volunteers. Seems like a pretty decent place for them to spend their time until new owners come along! There are outdoor runs for the dogs, and plenty of space around the centre for on-lead walks, so the dogs get plenty of exercise. If you can't rehome one of the dogs or cats, you can help in other ways: by sponsoring an animal, dropping off a donation, or handing over some much-needed tinned dog or cat food. If you have any spare time, they often need help with fundraising or home checking, too, so it's worth getting in touch to see how you can help.

Very professional, very helpful, very friendly. Recently got our new dog Dorillo from them. A…read morepleasant experience indeed. Highly recommend. Peter and Jeannette Sutton

I have rarely felt worse in my life than when I once popped in here. My cat needed to go to the…read morevet's and I went over to pick up a suitable carrier to take him in, which they sorted no problems. However, as I was leaving, I spotted a leaflet on offer about coping with bereavement. Now, I'm not a cold-hearted person and as you know by now, I own a cat so am not immune to the charms of our furry friends. Despite this, I still found myself scoffing internally at the thought that some poor souls would actually need this type of guidance. Literally as I was considering this, God decided to deliver a massive kick up the arse as the door literally next to the leaflet stand flew open and a woman emerged crying her eyes out. Remaining behind the door as it was shut was a gorgeous golden retriever being held by a lead by the vet. I walked out immediately feeling: a) like I might break down in tears; b) amazingly guilty; and c) full of admiration for the work done here by the staff. (I'd just like to clarify, though, that I definitely didn't start crying in the end.)

Bristol Dogs & Cats Home do an amazing job. I came here looking to rescue a cat. I was especially…read moreheartbroken passing all the dogs, I'm a softie when it comes to animals, so it brought tears to my eyes seeing all the poor dogs desperate to be loved or owned, they sounded so sad :-( We attempted to rescue a cat from here, unfortunately she was not happy when she came to us and was doing us and herself harm, so we brought her back, she instantly behaved herself for the staff! Clearly they have a better touch with animals than me. My sister got a kitten from a rescue centre in Ireland and the poor mite arrived to her full of worms. Cats at Bristol Dogs and Cats home are given a thorough check-up, spayed and micro-chipped. There is also a mandatory home visit to ensure you can provide a good home.

This registered charity is based at the Fforest Uchaf Horse and Pony Rehabilitation Centre on the…read moremountainside above Treforest, very near the University of Glamorgan campus (separated from it by just a thin strip of woodlands). The Centre is home to a whole array of ponies, many of them rescued from a life of neglect or mistreatment. Visitors are taken on a guided walk through meadows with far-reaching views over the Taff Valley - and on a clear day over to the Brecon Beacons. Along the way, you meet various ponies and hear their stories, and perhaps spot some of the other resident wildlife, and visit the ponds and woodland. The centre also houses some of the last few surviving Welsh pit ponies, and provides information about their role in mining, and the relationship between the Rhondda valley and coal mining. It's only open fully over the summer (in 2010 it was open from 1 May until 30 September), but you can usually visit by appointment at other times of the year if you get in touch.

From the owner: The last few Welsh Pit Ponies are retired here together with many other needy Horses & Ponies.read more

Great work is carried out by the RSPCA, but this little place is tucked away and most people don't…read moreknow it exists!