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.

I love cats, back at my parents we have 8 of them at the moment. I don't get how anyone can not…read morelike cats or want to them any harm. Anyway the cats protection league are brilliant in my eyes. My granny's cat died and when she wanted another one she decided to rehome one instead if getting a kitten. They did lots of checks to make sure the location of the house was suitable and that my granny was capable of looking after her. The cat she ended up with just seemed so grateful to have someone to look after her and has been good company for my gran. The cat she had came from an elderly lady who had to go into a home so its reassuring to know there is someone there to take over in the worst situations. I also know that they help with the cost of having your cats neutered to avoid getting lots of abandon kittens. Good work, worth supporting.

Here Kitty Kitty!…read more The Cardiff Branch of Cats Protection rescues and rehomes unwanted, abandoned stray cats in the Cardiff and surrounding areas. The poor dabs. They also help with neutering costs to owners who are on benefit and cannot afford to have their cats neutered so give them a call on 029203691238 if you need help. Do you want to foster a kitkat? If you have spare time and would like to help to look after some of the cats while they are waiting to be rehomed, this branch is currently looking for fosterers to care for their cats both indoors and outdoors (garden cattery pen available). They supply the food and everything needed for the Cats Protection cat. They also pay fosterers any out of pocket expenses for taking the cat to the vet. If you are interested in being considered for Fostering call the Helpline 20369138 and leave your name and contact telephone number. Miaow for now.

The Secret World is first and foremost an animal rescue sanctuary, not a visitors' centre or a zoo,…read morewhich you should definitely bear in mind if you're thinking of taking children there. They run about half-a-dozen major Open Days each year- see their web site http://www.secretworld.org for more information- and those are the best days on which to go, as you'll be able to see the widest variety of all their different animals and meet several experts who can answer any questions. The main building itself is quite small but somehow they manage to pack quite a lot of different animals in there- also, the sanctuary includes a fairly large area of open grassland behind, which is a good old walk. Definitely worth a visit.

This is animal rescue centre which has open days for the public. On the open days they have events…read moresuch as 'doggy dancing' and ferrit racing which are good fun and they also do talks and bring the animals round for you to meet. It has a nice play area for children and sometimes a bouncy castle.

'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.

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

Set in outstanding countryside Exmoor Falconry Centre offers the visitor a chance to see birds of…read moreprey and small farm animals up close and personal. Pre-book a hawk walk for a chance to fly a hawk with handler, a really unusual gift if stuck for a birthday or Christmas present. You could just enjoy a luscious cream tea and watch the handlers fly the birds of prey during the demonstrations. The farm also offers bed and breakfast to visitors wishing to enjoy the peace and quiet the surroundings offer.