Case studies
Explore real stories of transformation and impact. From life-changing rescues to successful fundraising campaigns and community initiatives, discover how support from people like you is helping pets receive the care, love and second chances they deserve.
Dogs For Autism
In July 2021 we gave the charity Dogs For Autism £41,600 to fund the training costs of eight puppies. These awesome pups will spend two years in training before they go home with a child or adult with autism. The special bond between dog and owner helps improve communication skills, encourages social engagement, increases independence, and enhances emotional and physical wellbeing. Luna (pictured) is a dog in training, being socialised at her local Pets at Home store.
Bristol DAWG
Bristol DAWG (Dog Action Welfare Group) take sighthounds from all over the UK, including strays, rescuing and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers to happy forever homes. In May 2021 we awarded the charity £21,500 to purchase a new van, essential for collecting dogs, transporting them to/from the vets, and to their forever homes.
Canine Partners
Canine Partners transform the lives of people with physical disabilities by providing assistance dogs who have been trained with the specialist skills needed to support their new owner. These amazing animals can help with everyday tasks such as loading a washing machine, dressing and undressing, helping with the shopping, opening and closing doors, and finding help in an emergency. This bond increases independence, confidence and self-esteem. In July 2021 we donated £50,000 to Canine Partners so they can continue to help transform many more lives to come.
The Racehorse Sanctuary
In June 2020 Pets Foundation awarded The Racehorse Sanctuary £7,500. The Racehorse Sanctuary, based in West Sussex, provides a lifeline for horses and has rehomed hundreds of horses since being established. The grant helped the rescue to continue their rehoming programme during the coronavirus crisis, once DEFRA allowed horse movement. The grant has directly benefited all the animals that have been rehomed since it was awarded.
Rabbit Rescue and Friends
Rabbit Rescue and Friends is a small rescue based in Worcestershire, rescuing and rehoming small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. In June 2020 Pets Foundation granted the rescue £3,000 towards vet bills, food and utilities and consumables. The grant helped the rescue keep its doors open and continue taking in animals in need.
Pendle Dogs in Need
Rolo arrived at Pendle Dogs in Need just as lockdown started. When he arrived he was quite underweight and had very sore red skin and what appeared to be an ear infection. Pets Foundation awarded Pendle Dogs in Need a grant of £5,000 towards vet bills. This made a massive difference to dogs like Rolo, as he made a total of 5 visits to the vets as well as 5 telephone appointments which resulted in him receiving treatment for his skin, ears, anal glands. Thankfully a trial home has been found for this boy and he is very happy and settled in his new home.
Stray Aid
Stray Aid is based in Durham and has evolved by necessity, growing from taking in 2 dogs a week to hundreds of cats and dogs a year. Pets Foundation granted Stray Aid £5,000 towards staff salaries which helped them to continue to pay their dedicated staff, giving them time to spend with their precious animals – such as 12 year old terrier Mabel
RSPCA Manchester and Salford
RSPCA Manchester and Salford is an independent branch of the RSPCA, rescuing and rehoming cats, rabbits and other small animals across the North West. The branch moved into its very own premises in Spring 2019, and applied to Pets Foundation for help with vet bills and equipment to complete their new centre. A grant of £18,036 helped to buy washing machines, a vet table, a pharmacy fridge, cat hides and wire baskets, and also contributed towards the cost of veterinary care for the animals.
RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch
Poor Tiny arrived at RSPCA Northamptonshire after his owner went to hospital. With a heart murmur and epilepsy, Tiny was a poorly boy. With careful attention and medication, Tiny got a new ‘leash’ of life and he has now been happily rehomed. Pets Foundation gave the branch £12,000 to help with their vet bills. As an independently funded charity operating separate from the National RSPCA, RSPCA Northamptonshire found the grant essential in helping dogs like Tiny.
The Society for Abandoned Animals
The Society for Abandoned Animals is based in Stretford, near Manchester. The rescue cares for cats and rabbits, rehoming over 180 animals every year. Many of the pets are elderly or have untreated medical conditions, so a grant of £10,000 from Pets Foundation will be a massive help towards the charity’s vet bills. The money will help animals like Antonia, who is currently being treated for respiratory problems.
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is based near Ramsbottom, and since the 1950s has been caring for homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, and many other animals. The charity rehomes over 450 dogs every year – and all those dogs need a lot of exercise! Sadly Bleakholt’s dog runs were badly in need of a facelift; crumbling concrete, rusting metal and rotting wood created an unpleasant and unsafe environment for dogs and their carers.
Staffie Smiles Rescue
The volunteers at Staffie Smiles Rescue collect stray dogs from local authority pounds across the UK, caring for them in Scottish foster homes before finding them new families and happy ever afters. The rescue’s biggest expense is vet bills, so a grant of £7,000 from Pets Foundation has made a big difference. This has helped dogs like Bronson. A lump under his eye was diagnosed as a Mast Cell Tumour, but after surgery he was given an excellent prognosis, and has now been given a permanent home by his foster family.