St Francis Animal Welfare was set up in 1953 by five supporters of the RSPCA, who felt there was a need for a more local animal welfare support group. They started by finding homes for unwanted pets and, when necessary, paying the veterinary fees.
From our humble beginnings, and after many years of hard work and fundraising, we now have a shelter at Fair Oak, which has the capacity to house approximately 15 dogs, 50 cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and 30 resident cats. Also permanent residents at the shelter are a horse, a pony, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, deer, parrots and geese. Our Manageress, Ann Hillman, who has been with us since 1980, lives on-site with her family, and is on-call 24 hours a day. To read more about our history, please click HERE.
As well as taking in unwanted domestic pets from members of the public, and stray dogs from the local council, we are regularly called out to rescue injured or orphaned wildlife, including deer and foxes. We release any wildlife after a period of treatment and rehabilitation, where possible.
A typical day for a member of staff or volunteer at the shelter includes:-
- cleaning the animals' accomodation - including cleaning out litter trays, changing bedding and mopping floors.
- preparing each animal's feed - ranging from chopping up carrots for the rabbits, to mashing up cat food for the older resident cats.
- serving the food to the animals. Quite a task in itself at times - for example, our cats will hide in various places, and their food has to be placed in front of them, in case another cat eats up his share!
- administering any medicines or treatment required. Scratches and bites sometimes come with the job!
- grooming. Whether it be our horse, pony, dogs or cats (especially our long-haired mogs).
- walking and exercising the dogs.
These are just a few of the tasks undertaken by staff, inbetween attending visitors to the shelter, which is open to the public from 10am 'til 2pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 'til 12pm on Sunday.
St Francis is popular with pupils from local schools who wish to carry out their work experience here. Some even continue with us as weekend volunteers. However, we welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Our working committee have the task of organising fund-raising events, including jumble sales, street collections, bazaars, open day and raffles.
It would not be possible to keep the shelter operating without our volunteers, fundraising events and the generosity of support from legacies, donations and membership or sponsorship fees.
Volunteers and fundraisers are always needed to continue the good work, and ensure that St Francis is around to care for unwanted and abandoned animals for many years to come.
Please visit the shelter, or contact Ann Hillman on 02380 693282, if you would like to help out as a volunteer at the shelter.
If you are interested in assisting us as a fundraiser or a volunteer at any of our fundraising events, then please contact us via email at fundraising@sfaw.co.uk
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday - 10am to 2pm
Sunday - 10am to 12 noon
St Francis Animal Welfare
Sunnyside Cottage
Mortimer's Lane • Fair Oak
Hampshire SO50 7EA
Tel: 02380 693282
Click for detailed map and directions
Featured Pet of the Month
2008 Events
- • Bank Holiday Fun Day - Mon 25 Aug
- • Autumn Open Day - Sun 7 Sep
- • St Francis Art Exhibition - 30 Sep to 4 Nov
News
• Happy Endings
• 55th Anniversary Events
• How your business can help our animals
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