Every year on 4th October, World Animal Day is celebrated by charities, pet owners and animal lovers alike, promoting animal welfare across the globe. At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, every day is an opportunity to protect, care for and honour the animals who need us most; this special day gives us a moment to reflect, to raise awareness and to invite others to support our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need.
Founded in 1939, Ferne Animal Sanctuary was established to care for the pets of servicemen and women going off to war. What began as a temporary solution has grown into a permanent sanctuary for animals in need, set in 72 acres of peaceful Somerset countryside.
Today, we care for approximately 300 animals on site, many of whom have experienced neglect, abuse or abandonment. Some will stay with us for life due to complex health or behavioural needs. Others are lovingly rehabilitated and matched with new homes through our rehoming programme. Following a successful rehoming, we provide lifelong support for every animal adopted, from staying in regular contact to a lifetime promise to provide a home at Ferne for the animal, guaranteeing that they will never be homeless again.
Our mission is simple yet vital: to provide care and refuge for animals in need and support owners in our community and beyond, to educate the public about responsible ownership and ensure every animal receives the love, dignity and compassion they deserve.
We believe that every animal’s life matters – and on World Animal Day, what better way to celebrate than help support the animals that need it the most!
A national rise of animals in need
Sanctuaries like Ferne are often a last line of defence for animals with nowhere else to go. From abandoned cats and ponies to dogs needing specialised behavioural support, we welcome animals who need time, space and patience to heal.
Here’s why our work – and the work of sanctuaries across the country – is more important than ever:
- A rising demand for rescue: With increasing financial pressures on households, more animals will be surrendered or abandoned.
- Complex care needs: Some animals require round-the-clock medical attention or behavioural rehabilitation.
- Animal welfare education: Through educational experiences at the sanctuary, community conversations and on-site events, we help children and adults alike understand the joy and responsibility of caring for animals.
- Lifelong refuge: For animals who cannot be rehomed safely, Ferne becomes their forever home. We ensure they receive the very best quality of life, for as long as they need it.
But we can’t do this alone.
How you can help
World Animal Day isn’t just a moment to celebrate animals – it’s a chance to take action and advocate for them. Here are some ways you can support the animals we care for here at Ferne and make a lasting difference:
- Donate
Every donation – big or small – helps provide food, shelter, medical care and enrichment for our animals. Consider becoming a Friend of Ferne to support us year-round.
Become a Friend of Ferne →
- Adopt, don’t shop
If you’re thinking about welcoming a new pet into your life, please consider adopting. We carefully match animals to homes to ensure the best outcome for everyone.
View animals for adoption →
- Sponsor an animal
Can’t adopt? You can still make a difference by sponsoring one of our permanent residents.
Sponsor today from as little as £3 a month →
- Volunteer your time
Whether you help with animal care, fundraising, maintenance or events, your time is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Giving time to animals in need →
- Visit us
A visit to the sanctuary supports our work and helps you connect with our mission. Bring the family, meet the animals and enjoy our new café Perdida – offering delicious, plant-based meals.
Plan your visit →
At Ferne, we see firsthand the difference love and care can make to a pet. Animals who arrive frightened, unwell or unwanted slowly regain confidence, health and joy. Some find new homes. Some stay with us. All are safe and cared for.
This World Animal Day, we invite you to join us in supporting animal welfare – whether through a visit, a donation, or simply by sharing our story.
Thank you for helping us give animals the second chances they deserve.
With gratitude,
The Ferne Animal Sanctuary Team
