The festive season is the time for everyone to get together and to share in the festive cheer. Whether it is spending time with family, taking part in social events or unwinding down ahead of the New Year, the final week of the year is usually filled with joy.

But for the animals at the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (BARC), they remain without a home over the festive period. The pets at the centre, near Temple Meads, are being supported by the team at BARC, but are sadly without the love and support of a forever home.

The BARC is the longest-running and largest local animal shelter charity, caring for animals since 1887. They help, heal and home thousands of vulnerable animals every year, however receive no automatic funding from being affiliated with the RSPCA.

Around 40 rescue dogs, cats and small animals are waiting to find their forever home. The team at BARC are working hard in order to find these pets a new home, but some will remain without a home entering into the New Year.

Jodie Hayward, the Animal Home Manager at BARC, said: “Whilst we certainly don’t encourage welcoming a new animal into your home at Christmas time, we still actively seek applications for animals in our care, as we would any other time of the year. All applications get reviewed by our experts to find the perfect matches for our pets, it’s a very considered process that happens all year round.”

Here are some of the rescue dogs that are in care at BARC over the festive season. To see other pets in BARC’s care, click here.

Meela

Meela is an energetic Lurcher who is looking for a home wanting to try dog sports and activities.
Meela is an energetic Lurcher who is looking for a home wanting to try dog sports and activities. (Image: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre)

Age: Three years

Breed: Lurcher

About Meela: Meela is a ball of energy and would work well in a home that wanted to try dog sports, agility, scent work and higher level obedience. She is really switched on, clever and loves to work. She has been at BARC since August and remains without a home.

Igor

Igor is a five-year-old German Shepherd looking for a rural or semi-rural home.
Igor is a five-year-old German Shepherd looking for a rural or semi-rural home. (Image: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre)

Age: Five years

Breed: German Shepherd

About Igor: Igor is looking for a rural or semi rural home. He was found in Dundry almost three months ago and has spent his time at BARC enjoying treats and throwing toys around. BARC suggests that Igor could be placed with a similar sized dog to give your pet a new friend.

Dennis

Dennis has been at the BARC for six months and is described as a "gentle giant".
Dennis has been at the BARC for six months and is described as a “gentle giant”. (Image: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre)

Age: Three years

Breed: Mastiff

About Dennis: Dennis has been at BARC since June. Whilst waiting for a home, Dennis has been working very hard on building a calm confidence and to be trained up in preparation for being adopted.

Sandy

Sandy is a French Bulldog that has gone under the operating table to help her breathing whilst at the BARC.
Sandy is a French Bulldog that has gone under the operating table to help her breathing whilst at the BARC. (Image: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre)

Age: Four years

Breed: French Bulldog

About Sandy: Sandy has been at BARC for five months and while in care, Sandy has undergone face and soft palate surgery to help with breathing issues that French Bulldogs can commonly struggle with. She is now fully recovered and enjoying a new lease of life while she waits for her forever home. Sandy is looking for a comfy sofa to relax and cuddle.

Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first?Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.