5 UK Animal Sanctuaries You Can Support

Across the UK, dedicated animal advocates commit their lives to working in and running animal sanctuaries. These safe havens for rescued animals in need are literally a lifeline for those without voices of their own, but it takes a gargantuan number of resources–including time, money, and more– to keep them safe. 

Animal sanctuaries are as varied as the menagerie of vulnerable creatures they specialise in supporting. That’s why you’ll find every kind of rescue centre from those that have an equine leaning all the way through to the smallest mammals and sea life. Today, we’re spotlighting five incredible locations, each being unique in its mission, the animals it cares for, and how you can pledge your support.

1. Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norfolk

Nestled in the heart of sleepy Norfolk, Hillside provides refuge for animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and donkeys. Enjoying patronage from TV’s Martin Shaw, this sanctuary is a champion for farmed animal welfare and prioritises spacious enclosures, life-enriching activities, and a loving approach to rehabilitation. But it’s not only farm animals that get a second chance at a blissful life. 

Hillside also has a locally renowned dog rescue service that carefully vets all prospective new owners and charges a very reasonable rehoming fee, to ensure all of its furry stewards are going to the right people. It has a fantastic track record for rehoming successfully and seems to be a haven for any bull breed fans.  

Support Hillside

You can support Hillside in a number of ways. Volunteers are always needed, but if you can’t manage a physical donation of time, money and animal feed donations are very welcome. You can also sponsor an animal, which ensures that it has enough food and treats for a fantastic life, buy seasonal goods such as Christmas cards, and you can even visit on one of the sanctuary’s open days. 

2. Raystede Animal Welfare, East Sussex

Raystede specialises in caring for neglected and abused companion animals. These sadly include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. With smaller farm animals, such as sheep, goats, and birds gaining popularity as household additions, many have since fallen victim to people not truly understanding how to care for them and as a result, Raystede is home to many of these innocent animals as well. 

The dedicated team provides a full roster of medical care and rehabilitation before seeking to find forever homes for its residents. However, the centre recognises that not everyone is able to permanently welcome a new member of the family but may have capacity to help those struggling in a sanctuary setting. As such, fostering applications are currently open

Raystede also aims to prevent further animal neglect by investing heavily in education programmes and activities, thereby helping the next generation of animal lovers to home with consciousness.

Support Raystede

Adopting or fostering a pet is a fantastic way to ease the burden but if this isn’t a possibility, donating towards vital (and often very expensive) care is highly appreciated. You can also leave a gift in your will or offer corporate sponsorship. There are so many ways to help.

3. The Donkey Sanctuary, Devon

This amazing sanctuary is the largest in the UK dedicated solely to donkey welfare and it has a number of sister sanctuaries dotted throughout the country as well. With over thousands of rescued residents (more than 4,300 in total!), it provides a safe haven for donkeys that have suffered from neglect and abandonment, as well as those with impactful injuries. The charity’s ultimate aim is for donkeys everywhere to be able to enjoy a peaceful, happy and stimulating life, while also being recognised as the intelligent, gentle and emotional animals that they are.

The Donkey Sanctuary doesn’t just focus on the UK. If you support this ground-breaking charity, you will be directly contributing to the betterment of donkeys’ lives everywhere.

Support The Donkey Sanctuary

There’s no beating around the bush and the sanctuary admits that it is entirely dependent on donations and legacy gifts to continue its work. You can also adopt or rehome (if appropriate) a furry-eared companion or sign up to a weekly lottery that raises vital funds.

4. Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Somerset

Secret World is a special sanctuary that seeks to “rescue, rehabilitate, and release” wildlife, including orphaned badgers, foxes, owls, and reptiles. The expert team provides specialist care with the hope of reintegrating every animal into its natural habitat, however if this is not possible, long-term residents are cared for.

The rescue centre is entirely focussed on the welfare of its animal residents and as such, is not promoted as an attraction, though it does host some activity days on site. To this end, it is heavily dependent on the generosity of people who are similarly moved by and fond of native wildlife.

Support Secret World

Volunteering is key for Secret World, as so many people are needed to tackle the swathe of animal care, driving and maintenance duties that run around the clock. Alongside regular donations, will gifts, lotteries and more, Secret World has a number of charity shops, including one in Glastonbury. Dropping in good quality donations or picking up some new bargains are both fantastic ways to contribute.

5. Springwood Sanctuary, Wales

Springwood is a fully vegan sanctuary that provides a forever home for more than 25 horses, donkeys, and ponies. They are left to live in natural harmony, within their bonded herds, on a vast and beautiful site that is a biodiversity haven. It is the ethos of the sanctuary to not ever try to rehome the equine residents, nor to ‘use’ them in any way, including riding. As a result, the animals and their human guardians have exceptionally strong bonds. To protect these relationships, trust is maintained by never being open to the public. 

Support Springwood

Founder Jacqui Howe is an incredibly inspiring animal advocate and a practicing ‘mindfulness with animals’ coach who welcomes volunteering offers to maintain the landscape. She also asks similarly minded people to consider making a regular monthly donation of £10 or more, to meet food costs for the herds. No gimmicks, just honest monetary collections that all reach the animals in need.

These are just a few of the many incredible animal sanctuaries across the UK. Each one plays a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting animals that have suffered at the hands of humans. By supporting these selfless organisations you can make a tangible impact on the lives of the voiceless.