Run for Rescue: Help Bristol's Vulnerable Animals! 🏃‍♂️

Every year, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) provides care, medical treatment, and shelter for thousands of animals in need. But we can’t do it alone. This year, our amazing supporters are taking on the Great Bristol Run to raise vital funds - and you can help!

Why Your Support Matters🐾

At Bristol A.R.C., we see heartbreaking cases every day. Abandoned kittens, injured wildlife, neglected dogs - they all deserve a second chance. Although we are affiliated with the RSPCA, we receive no automatic funding from them and rely entirely on the kindness of people like you.

Your donation will help provide:

✅ Emergency vet treatment for sick and injured animals

✅ Safe shelter, food, and warmth for strays and rescues

✅ Rehabilitation and rehoming for pets in need

✅Community outreach programmes helping pets stay with their owners

Kevin's Story

Kevin is a young Rottweiler who came into our care as a stray. He arrived anxious and frightened and would defend himself by growling and barking whenever anyone approaches. With daily desensitisation sessions from our experienced staff, he gradually began to trust his carers and learned he could interact with them safely, and come out of his kennel for exercise and training.

Over time, the team began teaching him cooperative care techniques, so that he could voluntarily take part in force-free handling. He learned to lie on his side, to put his nose into a muzzle, and to stand still whilst a stethoscope is used to listen to his heart. When he was ready, this allowed the vets to perform his health check without any restraint or discomfort.

Thanks to many months of dedicated daily work with him, Kevin is now a cuddly and affectionate dog who enjoys meeting new people!

A Life Transformed: Meet Babe 🐶

From a frightened stray to a confident, loving dog, Babe’s journey was one of patience, care, and dedication. She spent eight months at Bristol A.R.C., learning to trust, enjoy life, and take small but powerful steps toward happiness.

With expert guidance, she overcame her fears - learning to wear a harness, exploring the sensory garden, and feeling safe around people. Then, her perfect family came along. With their kindness and the gentle support of their dog, Baloo, Babe finally found her forever home.

Outreach Clinics

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre runs weekly veterinary outreach clinics in Knowle West and Lawrence Weston, offering free access for pet owners on lower incomes/benefits who may have difficulty accessing veterinary care.

In October 2021-2024, our Outreach Team have held an annual vaccination event for cats and dogs at Ambition Lawrence Weston Centre, in partnership with Bristol PAWs Project, offering free vaccinations for pets whose owners were on low incomes or receiving benefits.

Become a foster carer!

Another wonderful way to make a difference and support the animals in our care is to become a foster carer. This means providing invaluable support for animals who may struggle in a shelter environment or benefit from personalised care. You will play a crucial role in these animals’ journey to a new home.

To foster, we ask that you live within a 30-minute drive of Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

Bristol A.R.C. will cover the costs of caring for the animals and provide all necessary supplies, including food, bedding, toys, and vet care. Your role is to provide love and care, following any guidance provided, to give these animals the best chance of finding a home.

If you're interested in becoming a foster carer please head to this page.

Be a Hero for Animals🌟

Every step we take in the Great Bristol Run is for them—the abandoned, the injured, the forgotten. Will you join us in making a difference?

You can learn more about the help we provide by visiting our website.