Friends of the Animals is a small independent rescue based in Wales and was started by Eileen Jones when her tagged, microchiped and unspayed Yorkshire Terrier, Sophie, disappeared without trace on August 1st 2003.
Despite extensive searching, poster campaigns, leafleting, offering a reward etc., Sophie had gone.

Whilst searching for Sophie, Eileen became aware of the appalling plight of homeless and abandoned dogs and was determined to do something to help. The situation of puppy farmed dogs in Wales also made a huge impact on Eileen and thus Friends of the Animal Shelter was born.

 Later shortened to Friends of the Animals due; to confusion with people thinking the rescue ran an actual shelter, Eileen ran things mostly single handed for the first couple of years. The last two years has seen more committed and dedicated people come on board. People with the same beliefs and aims. This has enabled the group to help many more dogs and other animals.

Now the rescue has become Friends of the Animals RCT, with several volunteers based arround the country helping. Friends of the Animals aims to; Help as many dogs as possible and that all dogs are neutered, vaccinated wormed and flea treated prior to finding a suitable, vetted home.
All dogs receive any veterinary attention they need as advised by a veterinary surgeon. No ex breeding dog is ever turned away regardless of breed or issues. No dog is turned away due to age or health issues. Elderly dogs and those with life time health issues are placed in long term foster homes where the rescue meets their veterinary costs for the life of the dog.
Dogs are accepted into rescue regardless of where, geographically, they come from. That a lifetime commitment is made to all rehomed animals.
The rescue is run completely by volunteers has helpers who are responsible for homevisiting, transporting, fostering, adoption, fund raising and many other tasks. The group has a wonderful group of foster carers who take the dogs into their homes and rehabilitate them whilst a suitable forever home is found.

Plans for the future include;

Apply for Registered Charity status and continue to do whatever it can for animals in need.

Increase the number of foster carers to enable the recue to help as many dogs as possible.