Lovely people, great facilities, doing a wonderful jobread more

I am a proud owner of one very sweet, very pampered greyhound - he's currently called Dave but…read moreprior to that he used to race at Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium, under the moniker 'Magical Climate'. He was actually quite good - although this is a bit of a surprise to me and my Mom, as he now spends his retirement loafing about on the sofa, begging for tripe sticks and being tickled under the chin. We got Dave from Daybreaks Kennels which is home to the Perry Barr Retired Greyhound Trust and which is run by an amazing woman called Ruth Boswell. Dave was a bit of a state when we first laid eyes on him - without wanting to lay on the schmaltz too much years of racing had rendered him threadbare of tail, gammy of tooth and with what one could only describe as a 'lean and hungry look'. However, with Ruth's care - and lashings of tripe sticks, Dave made really good progress and although I'm obviously biased I think its fair to say he is a really handsome, jolly dog now. As for Daybreaks itself - the kennels are open daily and you can arrange a viewing by phoning ahead. If you're feeling particularly soppy you can also check out their website where you will be greeted by photos of dogs who need a home. This is a brilliant place run by a dedicated, extremely lovely team - they are always happy to offer advice on homing procedure, guidance on the right sort of dog for you and will happily talk to you after you've taken your dog home. As well as the kennels there's a shop that sells collars, leads, beds, food, toys and well...all sorts really.

The RSPCA on Barnes Hill shelter homes for many different types of pets for such a small rescue…read moreshelter. You can adopt and care for pets from dogs, cats to ferrets. It's really sad to see animals locked away in cages but the cages seem spacious enough for the animals as they each have their own cubicle with large spaces to move about if they ever need a stretch. The RSPCA supply a very informative booklet on what animals they are holding within their shelter and display at least a paragraph about these animals personally in order for you to have knowledge about their background, what breed they are and their age all for your reassurance. They have selected viewing times if ever you wish or think of adopting any of these animals so that you can bond with them.

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.

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

We got our dog Guinness from them, couldn't say enough, the dog world would be a happier place if…read morepeople got dogs from here, instead of buying poor inbred dogs that have so many inherited issues they bark all the time because their so unhappy.The best place for a family pet.

This place is so amazing. They rescue dogs and cats from all over the region and house them here,…read moretrying to find new owners that will take care of the poor little blighters. I went up here a few times to check out the likelihood of being able to find a border collie, and was surprised to find out that I could go for a walk with any of the dogs to see if it was for me. Of course, the staff are overrun, so the dogs only get to go out quite occasionally. However, with the small army of folk that pop up here on a Sunday for dog walking, the critters are given a good run around at least once a week. What's more, the surrounding countryside is perfect for these activities.

I would give this 3 star considering I worked here 4 years ago was an alright place. Got my dog…read morespot from here he was very thin and had kennel flue when we got him. Now four years on he is doing great and loves spending time with our other dog Molly. Pricing on animals wasn't too bad then. I wouldn't know about now.

Highly Recommended! Super people who really care about the dogs they accept. Homeless dogs through…read moreno fault of their own. This Rescue doesn't cherry pick the cutest or youngest dogs to help - they step up to help those who are on death row or exisiting in appalling conditions. The premises are clean and basic and the dogs are well fed and given the chance of life. Please consider helping with either walking these lovely homeless dogs or helping with a small donation. Without donations this Rescue would not be able to continue.

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.

They look after dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, farm animals and numerous varieties of small domestic…read moreanimals at any one time we could be caring for over 200 animals. We have re-homed a cat that they rescued and the care and attention they take is very good. They also have dogs and a variety of small animals for adoption, along with some basic pet supplies at surprisingly reasonable prices.