Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

We are a small, volunteer-led charity run by dedicated trustees and supported by our incredible foster carers and volunteers. While we primarily rescue cats and dogs, we also assist other small animals and species during emergencies.
HART is a fully foster-based rescue. We do not have a physical centre you can visit. All animals live with foster families with our volunteers across Powys and Herefordshire. This allows us to give every animal the closest thing to a real home while they wait for their forever one.
We’re based near Hay-on-Wye and primarily operate across the border of Mid-Wales and England, serving the Powys and Herefordshire areas.
Because we don’t have a centre that you can visit or drop into, all meet‑and‑greets are arranged by appointment once an application has been approved, ensuring the comfort and safety of both the animals and our volunteer foster families.
If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch by emailing us:
info@hayanimalrescueteam.co.uk
Because we’re a volunteer‑run rescue, we don’t have a phone line that’s manned 24/7. The quickest way to reach us is through Facebook Messenger. This allows our team to respond in between work, home life, and animal care.

While we primarily help dogs and cats in need of new homes, we’ve also taken in small animals and other species during emergencies.
If you’re interested in adopting one of our animals, please take a moment to carefully review our adoption process.
Find more here
Before moving to their forever homes, every animal is vaccinated, microchipped, neutered (when age-appropriate), and treated for fleas and worms.
As a volunteer-led charity, we always need support! You can help by becoming a foster carer, joining our volunteer team, or making a donation to help cover food, shelter and veterinary care for our animals in need.
Yes, here at HART, we understand how difficult it is to make the decision to rehome a beloved pet. We offer non-judgemental support and advice to get you and your dog the support you need.
We do our best to help every animal in need, but sometimes we may not be able to help directly. In the event we cannot take on your pet, we will do our best to provide advice, support and other resources that can help you.

We are always looking for loving foster homes! To apply, fill out the Foster Application Form on our website here. Once received, a member of our team will be in touch. Please be patient with our volunteers, we will respond as soon as we can.
As a fosterer, you provide a safe, loving temporary home and basic care (feeding, socialising, and monitoring health). HART covers all essential veterinary expenses and provides support/guidance throughout the process. You simply provide the time and the love.
Yes! Children, other pets, work schedules — none of these are barriers. We work with you to find the right fit.

It varies from animal to animal. Some need a few days of rest; others need a few weeks or months. But we’ll be there to support you, and you can take breaks whenever you need to.
Without your support, we simply couldn’t continue our work. Every donation helps ensure our animals have a safe, supported future. Thank you. You can donate via Paypal, BACs, GiveWheel or our Amazon Wishlist. Click here for more information.
We are in need of: Towels & Blankets, Coats, Food, Litter, Pet Carriers (good condition). Find a list of our donation drop off points here.
Please note, do not currently need duvets, pillows, sleeping bags, mattresses or plastic dog beds.

Go slow. Really slow. Let your new pet decompress before meeting resident animals. For dogs, supervised meetings on neutral territory work best.
All our animals are microchipped before adoption. It’s the new owner’s responsibility to update the chip details online via the chip company. You’ll find the chip number on your adoption paperwork.
This link will tell you the company the chip is registered with: https://www.pettrac.co.uk/pet-owners/update-pet-microchip/
To avoid tummy upsets, transition slowly to your preferred food over 7–10 days. Please note that stress and travel can also cause temporary tummy issues - it’s normal in the early days.
Your vet can request history directly from our veterinary practice. Our vet's contact details are located in your adoption contract.

Always supervise interactions. Teach children to respect the animal’s space and never force an interaction- let the pet approach in their own time.
All animals are treated for fleas and worms before adoption. We’ll let you know the last treatment date and product used. Please continue regular treatments as advised by your vet and be aware of the dangers surrounding over the counter medication.
Kittens receive two starter vaccines (3–4 weeks apart). After that they’ll need a yearly booster. We use the Purevax brand; ensure your vet stocks this to avoid having to restart the course. Your vet can guide you on timing and coverage - it’s a simple but vital part of keeping them safe.
If you’re unsure about anything or need support settling your new companion, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you and them - every step of the way.