Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has launched a Christmas appeal to highlight the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pets. As ARC receives no external funding, the appeal raises funds to help it continue to offer free and affordable access to vet care for those on low incomes, as well as caring for pets given up by their owners.
ARC, which rehomes and cares for over 14,000 vulnerable animals in the Bristol area each year, says that this year it has seen demand for its outreach services grow by 54 per cent compared to last year. While at the same time, its own overheads have soared with rising inflation. The charity’s energy bill alone is set to rise by £17,000.
The charity is reliant upon the more than 120 volunteers who regularly help out at the centre with animal care, cleaning kennels and helping with events, as well as contributions from the public and local businesses. Recently city-based housebuilder Bellway South West donated £500 to ARC, which will be used to sponsor a cat cabin for a year, to provide much-needed accommodation for cats who are cared for at the charity’s rehoming centre and clinic in Albert Road.
Read More: Dogs at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre looking for a new home this Christmas
Gina Jones, the centre’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Although the centre is affiliated with the RSPCA, we do not receive automatic funding from it, so instead, we rely heavily on donations and sponsors from the local community to fund the vital work we do with animals. For this reason, we are thrilled to have the support of Bellway. This donation is so kind and will make such a difference to the organisation.”
To help draw attention to the work it is undertaking in increasingly difficult circumstances, ARC is sharing stories of some of the animals it has helped over the past year that are currently looking for their forever home, as well as tips for pet owners to keep them calm over Christmas. ARC cares for a wide range of animals, large and small, so scroll down to meet some of the cats, rabbits and ferrets hoping to find a loving owner.
Daphne
Daphne was found in a hedge with her two sisters before being brought to ARC. She is a very sweet cat but can be quite timid in strange situations. However, once she feels familiar with people, she absolutely loves a lot of fuss and attention. Daphne would love to find a family this Christmas that loves and accepts
Minnie
Minnie had a rough start to life after being removed from her previous home by the RSPCA. Despite this, she’s a sweetheart with a sociable disposition and plenty of love to give. She is friendly and cuddly and an all-around top cat. Unfortunately, Minnie has an eye condition which is ongoing, and any potential adopters will need to be aware of her condition and be prepared to provide any treatment she requires in the future. But she hopes to find the loving home that she deserves as soon as possible.
Penelope
Penelope can be quite timid when she finds herself in unknown places or with unfamiliar people, but once she feels comfortable, she will accept fuss and attention on her own terms. Penelope will need a family that understands her shy nature and respect that she may want to be on her own and do her own thing sometimes. She’s a curious cat, and would benefit from lots of opportunities to explore and play and keep busy as much as possible. Penelope is an independent lady, and she hopes to find a family that loves and accepts her just as she is.
Lychee
Lychee is a young female rabbit who is hoping to be rehomed with a neutered male rabbit who he can be gradually bonded with. She is curious and sociable and loves sniffing out treats. Ideally, this sun worshiper would benefit from spending at least some of her time in a secure outdoor run, so she can soak up some rays.
Truffles
Truffles is a friendly male rabbit who is looking for a neutered female bunny to be bonded with. Active and engaged, Truffles likes to stay busy at all times, playing with his cardboard enrichment and all of his toys. He is sociable and always eager to come and say hello to any visitors. ARC thinks Truffles would benefit from having a lady in his life, and he hopes to find a spacious home with lots of room where they can play and live together comfortably.
Maggie May and Porsha
When Maggie and Porsha first arrived at ARC, they were very thin and desperately needed to gain some weight. After a lot of much-needed care, they are now ready to find a new home. They both like to cuddle, and Maggie especially loves to fall asleep on her carers once she has tired herself out.
Although they have been introduced to another docile male ferret, these two ladies are actually happier remaining as a dynamic duo. They enjoy exploring and having play time outside of their pen, so this will be essential in their new home. Although they are more suited to living indoors, ARC may consider adopters with a purpose-built, secure and well-insulated outdoor accommodation.
Brodie and Bessie
Brodie is a friendly young ferret who came to ARC in bad shape, extremely underweight and covered in ticks. After several weeks of intensive care and rest, he was strong enough to be neutered and is now ready to find a new home with his best friend Bessie.
Bessie is a sweet female ferret who can be a little shy at first. She has built up her confidence a lot since being introduced to other ferrets and loves nestling up with Brodie. Both ferrets enjoy human company and also get along well with other ferrets. They will need a large cage or enclosure with some access to play and explore.
Keeping pets calm over Christmas
We all know Christmas can be stressful, and this year may be particularly so. But animal experts at Bristol ARC suggest taking paws for a moment to consider how the upheaval of the season may be affecting your pets. From changes in routine to unusual visitors, loud noises and decorations, it can all get a bit much for our four-legged friends, who may become more anxious than usual or start to display unusual behaviours.
“Pets thrive on stability and routine. They like being around people they know and trust, and the predictability of knowing when they’ll be fed, go for walks or have company. Christmas time can bring disruption to all of that, and so a lot of pet owners might find themselves dealing with worried or scared animals,” said Zita Polgar, Senior Behaviourist at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.
To help pet owners navigate this tricky time of year, ARC suggests these five tips:
1. Routine: make sure their feeding, exercise, toileting and sleep routines stay consistent.
2. Visitors: if you have guests over, introduce them carefully and allow your pet to take things at their own pace. They may not want to be petted by new people, and that’s ok.
3. Space: make sure they have a quiet place away from all the action where they can relax and won’t be disturbed.
4. Company: if you’re going out over the festive season, make sure your pet isn’t left alone for too long. Arrange for them to have someone they trust around to keep them company.
5. Familiarity: if you’re taking your dog to visit family or friends, take things that smell familiar, like their own bed and their favourite toys and chews to help them feel secure and entertained while away.
“By being mindful of your pet's needs this holiday season, you can help them stay their merry and bright selves,” added Zita.
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