Supporting Animals Who Need Us Most

As a non-profit rescue organisation, we rely solely on donations and grants to continue providing essential welfare support to vulnerable animals. The funding from the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust will help us offer vital care to animals who have experienced neglect, abandonment, ill health, or unsafe living conditions.

With this grant, we can continue providing:

• Emergency veterinary treatment
• Vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering
• Nutritional support and species-specific diets
• Safe transport from dangerous or unsuitable environments
• Rehabilitation and behavioural support
• Secure foster placements or temporary safe spaces
• Rehoming services for cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, and more

This donation directly impacts the welfare and safety of animals who often have nowhere else to turn.

A Valued Partner in Animal Welfare

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust is widely recognised for supporting organisations dedicated to improving animal welfare across the UK and beyond. Their charitable focus on helping animals of all species aligns perfectly with the mission of Saving Strays, making this funding especially meaningful to our team and volunteers.

We are deeply grateful for their support and recognition of the work we do every day.

How the £5,000 Grant Will Make a Difference

This generous donation allows us to:

• Provide urgent veterinary care for sick or injured animals
• Support rehabilitation for animals recovering from trauma
• Improve transport facilities and safe handling equipment
• Purchase feed, bedding, enrichment, and essential supplies
• Increase our outreach and rehoming capacity
• Enhance the welfare of animals in long-term care

Every pound will directly improve the quality of life for animals across species.

Thank You to the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust for their continued commitment to animal welfare and for choosing to support Saving Strays. This funding is crucial in enabling us to rescue and care for animals who urgently need help.

Help Us Continue Our Mission

To support our rescue efforts, you can get involved by donating, fostering, adopting, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, we can continue making a positive difference to the lives of animals who deserve safety, kindness, and a second chance.

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We are incredibly proud to announce that Saving Strays Animal Rescue has been selected as a FINALIST in the 2026 Women in Business Awards.

This official confirmation means our acceptance as a finalist is complete, and we will now progress to the judges’ panel.

This achievement shines a spotlight not only on our charity, but on the extraordinary woman behind it: founder Hayley Egan.

About Hayley: The Woman Who Built Saving Strays Animal Rescue

Saving Strays exists today because of the vision, compassion, and determination of Hayley Egan, who has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating animals’ others had given up on.

Hayley’s journey truly began in 2019 when she and her partner rescued Milo, a Greek hare hound facing death in a kill shelter. Witnessing Milo’s transformation from terrified and malnourished to safe and confident changed everything. Shortly afterwards, she adopted Lola, a puppy found in a bin on the island of Zakynthos with life-threatening injuries.

These early rescues opened Hayley’s eyes to the scale of animal suffering — and ignited the fire that would eventually become Saving Strays.

From Solo Rescuer to Registered UK Charity

What started as one woman stepping in whenever an animal needed help soon grew into something far bigger.

Hayley began fostering animals in her own home, often paying for emergency veterinary bills herself when no funding was available. She took on complex cases without hesitation, including eight severely neglected cats needing urgent help. One of those cats, Henry, had lifelong medical issues — and Hayley adopted him, knowing he would struggle to find a home.

These experiences became the foundation of Saving Strays Animal Rescue, founded in 2016 and officially registered in 2022.

A Lifeline Built Through Sheer Dedication

Today, Hayley leads a team of around 40 volunteers, all trained, coordinated, and supported by her.

She oversees:

• Home checks
• Foster placements
• Adopter support
• Emergency veterinary care
• Transport and logistics
• Administration and paperwork
• Daily welfare and rehabilitation

Every system and process in the charity exists because Hayley built it — piece by piece — to ensure every animal receives the care, attention, and safety they deserve.

Trusted Partnerships Across Animal Welfare

Under Hayley’s leadership, Saving Strays has formed strong partnerships with respected organisations, including:

• Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter
• Dogs Trust
• The Endeavour Project
• Healing Paws
• RJM Horse Rescue
• Starlight Barking Rescue

These partnerships strengthen our ability to respond quickly, provide high welfare standards, and support fellow rescuers across the UK.

Frank’s Story — One of Hayley’s Most Heartbreaking Feline Cases

Despite the rescue’s growth, Hayley still personally fosters some of the most difficult and traumatised animals — including Frank, a cat whose story represents the very core of Saving Strays.

Frank was rescued from a property associated with drug misuse, where he had spent years confined to a crate. Prolonged exposure to drug fumes severely affected his neurological condition. He arrived with:

• Bare patches where his fur had fallen out
• Almost no muscle tone
• Burns and painful skin injuries from long-term exposure to urine
• Fear, confusion, and shutdown behaviour

Under Hayley’s ongoing care, Frank is now receiving veterinary treatment, nutritious food, enrichment, and a stable, loving environment. Slowly but surely, he is rebuilding his strength — and his trust in humanity.

His progress is a powerful reminder of what patience, compassion, and specialist rehabilitation can achieve.

Why Becoming a FINALIST Matters

Being named a Women in Business Awards 2026 FINALIST is more than a recognition — it is validation of:

• Hayley’s leadership
• Her resilience and personal sacrifices
• The professionalism and credibility of Saving Strays
• The thousands of animals rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed
• The impact one determined woman can have on animal welfare

This finalist announcement celebrates the strength, heart, and grit behind our charity.

A Charity Built on Heart and Purpose

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is not simply an organisation — it is the result of Hayley’s unwavering belief that every animal deserves a second chance.

From neglected cats and abandoned dogs to abused animals and emergency intake cases, Hayley has created a lifeline where hope is restored and lives are transformed.

We are honoured to celebrate this milestone with our volunteers, adopters, partners, and supporters. Well done Hayley!

The post Saving Strays Animal Rescue Named FINALIST in the Women in Business Awards 2026 appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Assess the Cat’s Situation

Before taking action, observe the cat to determine its condition:

• Friendly or feral? Friendly cats are likely lost pets or abandoned strays, while feral cats are typically unsocialised and prefer to avoid human contact.
• Health condition: Check for visible injuries, signs of illness (such as lethargy, sneezing, or limping), or extreme malnourishment. If the cat appears injured or sick, contact a vet or local animal control for advice.

2. Provide Food, Water, and Shelter

• Food: Offer high-quality cat food. If you don’t have cat food, plain cooked chicken or tuna can suffice temporarily. Avoid feeding cow’s milk as it can upset a cat’s stomach.
• Water: Ensure the cat has access to clean, fresh water.
• Shelter: Create a safe space for the cat, especially in harsh weather. A simple shelter can be made using a sturdy cardboard box lined with blankets or straw, or a plastic storage bin with a small entrance cut out. Place it in a quiet, secure area.

3. Check for Identification

• Collar and tags: Look for a collar with contact information.
• Microchip: Take the cat to a local vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. This is a quick and free service that might reunite the cat with its owner.

4. Spread the Word

If you suspect the cat is lost, help it find its way back home:

• Post on social media: Use platforms like Facebook, Nextdoor, and local community groups to share photos and details of the cat.
• Flyers: Put up flyers in your neighbourhood with the cat’s picture and your contact information.
• Lost pet databases: Register the cat on lost-and-found pet websites like Pets Located or PawBoost.

5. Consider Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

If the cat is feral and unadoptable, TNR is one of the most effective ways to care for it:

• What is TNR? Trap-Neuter-Return involves humanely trapping the cat, having it spayed or neutered, and returning it to its territory.
• Why it helps: TNR reduces overpopulation and improves the cat’s quality of life by preventing future litters.
• How to start: Reach out to local TNR programmes or borrow a humane trap from a rescue group or shelter. Many organisations offer low-cost or free spay/neuter services for community cats.

6. Provide Long-Term Support

If the cat remains in your area, consider becoming its caretaker:

• Feeding: Establish a regular feeding routine to ensure the cat stays healthy.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on its health and behaviour. If issues arise, consult a vet or seek guidance from local rescues.
• Socialisation: With time and patience, some shy or semi-feral cats may become friendly enough for adoption. Gradual interactions and gentle handling can help.

7. Seek Community Help

Caring for a stray doesn’t have to be a solo effort:

• Neighbours: Team up with others in your area to share feeding or TNR responsibilities.
• Businesses: Local businesses may be willing to help sponsor food or contribute to spay/neuter costs.
• Fundraising: Use platforms like GoFundMe or social media to raise funds for vet bills or supplies.

8. Adoption Options

If the cat is friendly and socialised but no owner is found, consider adopting it or finding it a home:

• Screen adopters: If rehoming, ensure the adopter can provide a safe, loving environment.
• Vet care first: Before adoption, make sure the cat is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and free of fleas or parasites.

Final Thoughts

While you may not be able to save every stray cat, small actions can make a big difference. By providing food, shelter, and medical care—or simply helping the cat find its way home—you’re giving it a second chance at life. Remember, kindness to animals enriches not only their lives but also our own. Your efforts, no matter how small, are a step towards creating a safer and more compassionate world for stray cats.

The post How to Care for Stray Cats When Rescues Are Full appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Supporting Animal Welfare Through Vital Funding

Providing high-quality care for rescued animals comes with substantial costs, particularly when it comes to veterinary treatment. Whether it’s emergency surgeries, routine vaccinations, medications, or ongoing medical care, these expenses quickly add up. Thanks to this funding, we can continue to give animals the best possible support, ensuring they are healthy and well-cared for before finding their forever homes.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Animal Friends Insurance

We are incredibly grateful to Animal Friends Insurance for their generosity and dedication to animal welfare. Their commitment to supporting charities like ours helps organisations across the UK provide vital care to animals in need. This grant allows us to focus on what matters most—rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals—without the constant worry of meeting medical costs.

How You Can Help

While this grant is a huge help, our work is ongoing, and there are always more animals in need of care. If you would like to support us, there are many ways to get involved:

    •         Make a donation – Every contribution helps us continue providing essential care.

    •         Sponsor an animal – Help cover ongoing costs for an animal in our care.

    •         Volunteer your time – From fostering to fundraising, every effort makes a difference.

We truly appreciate every bit of support, whether big or small. With the help of kind donors, volunteers, and organisations like Animal Friends Insurance, we can continue our mission to provide the best possible care for animals in need.

Thank you once again to Animal Friends Insurance for their invaluable support!

The post We’re Grateful for a £5,000 Grant from Animal Friends Insurance appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Supporting the Wellbeing of Rescued Animals

Caring for animals in need is a responsibility we take seriously, but it comes with significant costs. From veterinary treatment and medications to food, bedding, and enrichment, every aspect of their care is essential to ensuring they are happy and healthy. Thanks to this funding, we can continue to offer the highest level of support to the animals in our care while they wait to find their forever homes.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are incredibly grateful to the Mrs DM France-Hayhurst Foundation for their generosity and commitment to animal welfare. Their support enables us to continue our vital work, ensuring that every animal that comes through our doors receives the love and care they deserve.

How You Can Help

While grants like this are invaluable, the costs of running our rescue are ongoing. If you’d like to support our work, there are many ways to get involved:

    •         Donate – Every contribution helps us provide essential care.

    •         Sponsor an animal – Help cover the costs of caring for an animal in need.

    •         Volunteer – Your time and skills can make a real difference.

Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, helps us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need.

Thank you once again to the Mrs DM France-Hayhurst Foundation for your generous support—we couldn’t do this without you!

The post Grateful for a £4,000 Grant from the Mrs DM France-Hayhurst Foundation appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Create a safe spot

Designate a secure space within your home where your pet can seek refuge during a storm. Ideally, choose a room with no or minimal windows to reduce the impact of loud noises and flashing lights. Make the space comfortable by adding your pet’s favorite bed, toys, and a few comforting items. Familiarity will help alleviate stress during the storm.

Emergency Supplies

Prepare a pet-specific emergency kit to have on hand in case of severe weather. This kit should include essentials such as:

• Food and water
• Medications and any necessary medical records
• Comfort items (blankets, toys, etc.)
• First aid supplies
• Identification tags and a recent photo of your pet
• Contact information for your veterinarian and local animal shelters

Having this kit ready will ensure that you can quickly grab everything you need if you have to evacuate or seek shelter.

Microchip and Identification

In the unlikely event that you and your pet become separated during a storm, proper identification is crucial. Ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag containing your current contact information. Additionally, consider microchipping your pet, as this provides a permanent form of identification that can be invaluable in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Comforting Environment

Help ease your pet’s anxiety by creating a calming environment. Consider using soothing music and lots of cuddles to create a peaceful atmosphere. Providing a safe and reassuring presence by staying close to your pet can also offer comfort during the storm.

Distractions

During a storm, pets may become anxious or frightened. Offering distractions, such as interactive toys or treats, can help redirect their focus and provide comfort. Positively engaging with your pet can also strengthen the bond between you and alleviate stress.

Stay Informed

Stay updated on weather forecasts to anticipate any potential storms in your area, this can be done using websites such as BBC Weather. Being aware of the timing and severity of the weather allows you to make informed decisions about when to bring your pet inside or take additional precautions. Many weather apps and services offer notifications for severe weather alerts, helping you stay one step ahead.

Keeping your pet safe during a storm involves careful planning, preparation, and attention to their unique needs. By creating a haven, building an emergency kit, ensuring proper identification, staying informed, providing distractions, and creating a comforting environment, you can help your pet weather the storm with confidence and care. Remember, your proactive efforts will go a long way in ensuring the safety and well-being of your beloved furry friend. Contact us if you have any other questions or queries about how to look after your beloved pet.

The post Weathering the Storm – A Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Create a comfortable area

Establishing a designated workspace within your home is essential for both productivity and your pet’s comfort. Whether it’s a corner in the living room or a separate home office, this area should be pet-friendly. Ensure your pet has their own cozy space nearby with their bed, toys, and water bowl. This not only encourages them to settle but also minimizes interruptions during your work hours.

Establish a routine

Routine is beneficial for both humans and pets. Establish a work schedule that aligns with your pet’s needs, including feeding times, walks, and playtime. Creating a routine helps your pet anticipate your availability and can reduce their desire to interrupt you while you work.

Minimise distractions and provide planned enrichment

While having a furry companion around can be heartwarming, it’s important to minimize distractions during work hours. Engage your pet in activities before your workday begins to exhaust excess energy. Additionally, interactive toys or treats that can keep them occupied while you work can be incredibly helpful.

Synchronised breaks

One of the perks of working from home with a pet is the ability to take breaks and spend quality time together. Schedule short breaks to engage in brief play sessions or take a walk outside. These moments not only rejuvenate you but also strengthen your bond with your pet.

Inform your co-workers

Communication is key, especially when your pet might make an unexpected cameo during a video conference. Let your colleagues know about your furry companion and set the tone for a relaxed and understanding environment. Most people appreciate the adorable interruptions and understand the joy pets bring to our lives.

Hire a Pet-sitter

Occasionally it may be too stressful to look after your animal and work from home, so why not hire a pet sitter to lighten the load? The ALM group, created by our very own founder, can look after your furry friend or even take them for a walk to provide a break for you and your dog.

Enjoy the benefits

The presence of a pet while working from home offers numerous benefits. From reducing stress and providing companionship to increasing productivity, the joy and comfort they bring can significantly enhance your work-life balance.

In conclusion, embracing the joys of working from home alongside your animal companion requires a delicate balance of structure, patience, and adaptability. Establishing routines, boundaries, and communication, along with addressing challenges, can help create a harmonious environment for both work and pet coexistence. With a little effort and flexibility, the blend of professional commitments and furry friendships can indeed be a recipe for a fulfilling and delightful work-from-home experience.

The post How to Work From Home With an Animal Companion appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Teddy Bear

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… Teddy bear dogs! Dogs are one of the cutest animals in the world, how could they become even cuter? by dressing them up as lovable teddy bears. This costume is sure to double the cuteness this Halloween.

Spider

This costume is a classic Halloween outfit, after all, what’s scarier than a dog-sized spider? Watch your loved one scurry around your house (note: please do not squish this insect, they are friendlier than your common household spider).

Where’s Wally

Dress your dog up as the lovable children’s character, Wally (or the American version, Waldo). You could dress up as the wizard and match your dog for the ultimate couples costume. Just make sure not to lose them as they are difficult to spot.

Ghostbusters!

When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Your dog! Help your dog fight off the evil spirits this Halloween with the Ghostbusting kit, they are sure to look like an action star in this outfit, and you and your family could get a matching costume to fight the ghosts together and cosplay as the famous group.

Hopefully, you canine lovers now have some inspiration for some creativity this year, please do not leave your dog out of this fun holiday. The costumes shown in this article can be found linked below, please reach out to us on our social media to show us your canine companions’ costumes or if you have any other ideas this Halloween. Saving Strays Animal Rescue would also like to reiterate that you should not force your dog to wear an outfit, if they seem distressed and uncomfortable, please take the costume off as this would be an unnecessary distress for your animal. We would also like to wish you a spooktacular time!

Happy Halloween!

Teddy bear

Spider

Where’s Wally

Ghostbusters

The post Halloween Costumes For Your Dog appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Hogwarts student cat

The first option is for all you Harry Potter fans, dress your cat in a stylish gown and send them off for their first year at Hogwarts. For a cheaper alternative, make your own with a simple bit of black fabric and some skillful drawing.

Count Catula

Why not try a classic outfit and dress your cat up in this blood-sucking outfit? similar to the previous option a simple bit of fabric could make an at-home DIY cloak to dress your vampire kitty to perfection this Halloween.

Magic Hat

If you are looking for a small outfit that’s on the cute side, this hat is the perfect choice. Some cats may not like an outfit that they have to wear, but this hat is good for them to ease them into the world of fashion. For all you knitting fanatics, this can also be made at home.

The lion, the cat, and the scratching post

This outfit is perfect as it lets your cat embrace its heritage and become a wild big cat. This outfit is perfect for cats as it is only a small accessory, but uses your cat’s natural look to complement the costume.

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for how to have fun with your feline friend this Halloween. All of these outfits can be found linked below, and have all been found on Etsy, we chose this as it helps support smaller companies and creators. Saving Strays Animal Rescue would like to remind you that although cats in costumes are adorable, if your feline friend seems uncomfortable in these outfits please do not force them to wear them as this could cause stress for the animal. If you choose any of these outfits for your cat please send pictures to us on social media and also let us know if you have any other amazing costume ideas.

Happy Halloween!

Hogwarts Student Cat

Count Catula

Magic Hat

Lion

The post Halloween Costumes For Your Cat appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Benefits of hosting a Pet-friendly event

Inclusivity: Pet-friendly events promote inclusivity by providing a platform where people from all walks of life can come together to share their love for animals. These events are open to everyone, regardless of whether they own a pet or not, making them an excellent opportunity for diverse interactions.

Socialization: Pets are natural conversation starters, breaking down barriers and making it easier for people to engage in conversations. Pet-friendly events encourage people to mingle, share stories about their pets, and form new connections.

Community Bonding: When pet owners gather, a strong sense of community forms as people exchange advice, stories, and tips on pet care. This shared interest creates a foundation for lasting relationships beyond the event.

Health and Wellness: Pet-friendly events often involve physical activities like walks or runs for pets. These activities promote both human and animal fitness, contributing to overall health and well-being

Education: These events can also be educational, offering seminars on responsible pet ownership, training techniques, and pet health. This not only benefits pet owners but also raises awareness about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

Planning a Pet-friendly event

Choose the Right Venue: Consider the size of the venue, its accessibility, and whether it has adequate facilities for both humans and pets. Parks, open spaces, and community centers are popular choices.

Legal and Safety Considerations: Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits for hosting a pet-friendly event. Ensure that the venue is safe for all pets, taking into account potential hazards.

Activities for Pets: Plan activities that cater to pets, such as obstacle courses, games, or pet-friendly competitions. Consider including a designated off-leash area for dogs to socialize and play freely.

Human-Friendly Activities: While pets are the stars of the show, don’t forget about the human attendees. Organize food stalls, live music, or art exhibitions to keep everyone entertained.

Pet Services: Collaborate with local pet businesses, such as groomers, trainers, and veterinarians, to offer their services or information to attendees.

Promotion and Outreach: Spread the word about the event through social media, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and pet-related organizations. Engage with pet influencers or bloggers who can help promote the event to a wider audience.

Rules and Etiquette: Clearly communicate event rules and etiquette to attendees. This may include requirements like up-to-date vaccinations, leashing policies, and waste disposal regulations.

With this advice, you are one step closer to bringing your community together and creating an enriching experience for the local animals. These events can also be a great opportunity to raise money for charities such as Saving Strays Animal Rescue which rely purely on the generous donations of the local community. Check out our Ways to Help page to learn how you can contribute. If you are planning an event and would like to help raise money for Saving Strays Animal Rescue please feel free to Contact Us as any help is greatly appreciated.

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