Animals in distress was formed in 1981 by Mrs Georgina Lang, Mrs Eileen Hunt and Mrs Muriel Sellick, who looked after dogs for people who were going into hospital. Their rescue work increased and a small office and shop were opened in a garage in Ellacombe, Torquay.

The ANIMALS IN DISTRESS RESCUE CENTRE cares for and re-homes unwanted domestic animals.  The Centre was opened in 1994 and over one thousand animals have been re-homed each year.  A major redevelopment of the site has been completed and the numbers of dogs and cats that can be accommodated has doubled.  The new amenities include a 28-kennel block (including a preparation area and treatment room) with heated, spacious accommodation, a double storey cattery with comfortable pens and heated beds and also new a large rodent room.  The rabbit enclosure has also undergone refurbishment and provides shelter for up to 35 rabbits and guinea pigs.

Animals come to the Rescue Centre for a variety of reasons including bereavement, illness, relationship breakdown, financial reasons and sadly, cruelty and neglect.  The policy of the Charity is never to turn away an animal in distress and never to have an animal put to sleep unless, on veterinary advice, it is too ill or dangerous to be re-homed.

Every effort is taken to ensure that prospective owners find the right pet for them.
Normally home checks are carried out by volunteer home visitors before any animal leaves the Centre followed by a further check weeks later to ensure all is well.  Most animals are checked by our veterinary surgeon before they leave and all cats and dogs are microchipped and vaccinated.  Cats and kittens are neutered before re-homing and 25% discount is given towards dog neutering.

We at Animals in Distress undertake to care for and nurture any unwanted domestic pet that is brought to us, providing it is suitable for re-homing and there is accommodation available at the Rescue Centre.
We will always provide shelter, food, exercise and veterinary care for the animals in our charge.

We will never put an animal to sleep unless on the advice of our Veterinary Surgeon.
We will endeavour to find suitable homes for our animals on the basis of a responsible home check or such similar precaution as is deemed necessary.

We will at all times show respect, understanding and courtesy to our user groups together with an inherent sense of duty and helpfulness.

We will always uphold the principles and objectives of our Charity and share with others the joy of helping ANIMALS IN DISTRESS.