About Us

​Rehoming Animal Telephone Service

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The Rehoming Animal Telephone Service (RATS) began as a Registered Charity in 1984 - when a small group of dedicated animal lovers in the Bedford area got together and began a service putting those who needed to rehome an animal in touch with those who wished to adopt an animal.

 

This was all done via the telephone - hence our name 'Rehoming Animal Telephone Service'!

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Eventually dogs, cats and small mammals began to be fostered by volunteers in their own homes until permanent, vetted homes were found - and fundraising activities were organised to pay for urgent vet bills and neutering.

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Over the years we have been fortunate to receive income from legacies and this has enabled us to achieve our dream of purchasing our own kennels.

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The kennels are located near Buntingford in Hertfordshire and here our dogs now reside. The cats and small mammals continue to be fostered in the Bedford area by volunteers.

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Our policy is to never put a healthy animal to sleep, simply because no home has been found, and our ultimate aim is to ensure that our animals are rehomed into suitable, loving and secure homes where they may live out the rest of their lives happily. 

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We still rely upon donations, and fundraising efforts and any support you could give us in this area is very welcome.

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Read our constitution here.

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​Fosterers, dog walkers and volunteers

 

We have a wonderful band of fosterers, dog walkers and volunteers - without whom we would not be able to continue with our vital work rehoming animals. Too many to mention all by name - but each and every one of these fantastic people help us to ensure that our animals, whilst waiting for their fur-ever homes, are cared for, loved and supported.

 

Our volunteers' roles are diverse, and range from fostering cats and small mammals, walking and taking care of our dogs, working in our charity shop, to catering or 'manning' a stall at our events.

 

We are, of course, always looking for more help. If you would like to find out more please send an email to info@rats-animalrescue.co.uk. However weird and whacky your skills might be, we're guaranteed to find a home for them here!

 

We would love to hear from you! 

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