Is the sanctuary open to the public?

We’re not open for general public visits. The only times we can welcome visitors are during our bookable guided tours or event days, both of which are announced on our social media pages and available to book through our online shop.

With a small volunteer team and structured routines for the residents, we don’t offer drop‑ins or weekday visits.

When do your guided tours take place?

Our private guided tours run on weekends during the spring and summer months. Dates are released in advance and usually sell out quickly due to limited group sizes and the needs of our residents.

Why do your tours sell out so quickly, and will you be releasing more dates?

We keep tour groups small to ensure the animals remain comfortable and to give visitors a meaningful, safe experience. Because of this, spaces are limited and tend to fill up fast once released.
If additional tour dates or event days become available, we’ll announce them on social media and list them in our online shop.

Can children visit the sanctuary?

While we truly appreciate the importance of children meeting rescued animals in a safe, compassionate space away from exploitation, our tours are strictly 18+ only. This is due to insurance requirements and because some of our residents can become reactive or stressed around children. Their wellbeing always comes first, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

Is the sanctuary fully vegan?

Yes - Surge Sanctuary is a fully vegan sanctuary. All of our care, practices, events and any food provided on event days follow vegan principles to ensure the wellbeing and respect of every resident.

Do you have a café or gift shop on site?

We don’t have a café or a physical gift shop at the sanctuary. Any food provided on event days is always 100% vegan, in line with our principles as a vegan animal sanctuary.
We also don’t have a permanent gift shop on site, but merchandise is available to purchase during tours and event days, and our full range is always available through our online shop.

I have a question about my tour booking

If you have a query about a tour or event booking, please use the contact form further down the page. Please include your order number and the email address used on the booking.

Do you take in animals for rehoming?

We can only take in a very small number of animals each year, depending on space, resources, and whether we can safely integrate them into our existing groups. As a fully volunteer‑run sanctuary, our capacity is limited and our priority is always the long‑term wellbeing of the residents already in our care.

If we’re unable to help, we can sometimes signpost to other reputable sanctuaries - though please be mindful that many are also at capacity.

What animals can you take?

We primarily care for farmed animals such as pigs, cows, sheep, goats, and poultry.
We’re not able to take domestic pets or wildlife.

Even within the species we care for, we can only help if we have the right facilities, space, and social groupings to meet their needs.

Why can’t you take in every animal you’re contacted about?

There are far more animals needing safe homes than there are sanctuary spaces available - from farmed animals and unwanted pets to cases caused by changes in personal circumstances. As a fully volunteer‑run sanctuary, we have to prioritise the long‑term wellbeing of the residents already in our care.

Every animal here receives lifelong support, including veterinary treatment, specialist diets, safe housing, and appropriate social companionship. Taking in an animal we don’t have capacity for would compromise the welfare of both them and the animals already here, so we can only help when we genuinely have the right space and resources.
We never want to promise help we can’t safely provide.

What information do you need if I’m asking you to take an animal?

To understand whether we may be able to help, we’ll need:

• Species and number of animals

• Age (if known)

• Any health or behavioural concerns

• Current location

This helps us assess whether we have the right facilities and whether the animal can be safely integrated.

I’ve found an animal in need — what should I do?

If you’ve found an injured, abandoned, or at‑risk animal, please contact your local animal rescue, RSPCA, or police if there is an immediate welfare concern. They can respond quickly and have legal authority to intervene.

In urgent situations it’s important to reach out to local authorities so the animal can receive prompt help.

Do you rehome animals to the public?

Every animal who comes to Surge Sanctuary is given a lifelong home here, where they can live safely and peacefully.
However, in rare cases we may consider rehoming a resident to another reputable sanctuary or to a carefully home‑checked individual if it is genuinely in the animal’s best interest — for example:

• they cannot integrate safely into our existing groups

• they are a social species and would benefit from companionship elsewhere

• we do not have the right facilities to meet their long‑term needs

Any rehoming decision is made solely with the animal’s welfare in mind.

Can I adopt a hen from you?

We offer adoptions for our rescued ex‑factory hens. Rehoming hens helps us create space to take in more, so if you can offer a safe, loving home, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that there are important requirements around care, space, biosecurity (including Avian Influenza zones), and collection from the sanctuary.
You can find full details and the adoption form on our Adoption Forms page

How is the sanctuary funded?

Surge Sanctuary is a volunteer‑run, fully donation‑funded charity. We don’t receive government support, so every part of the animals’ care - from feed and bedding to vet bills and specialist equipment - is made possible by our supporters.

How can I support the sanctuary?

There are several ways to support our work, and every option makes a real difference:

• Monthly donations - our most impactful form of support, as they help us plan ahead and provide stable, reliable care for the animals.

• One‑off donations - perfect if you’d like to contribute whenever you’re able.

• Purchasing from our online shop - all profits go directly back into the sanctuary.

• Sponsoring a resident - a lovely way to support an individual animal’s ongoing care.

• Sharing our posts on social media - completely free and helps us reach more people.

Where do donations go?

Every donation goes directly toward the care of our residents. This includes:

• feed, hay and bedding

• routine and emergency veterinary treatment

• medications and supplements

• safe housing, fencing and enrichment

• transport and rescue costs

• essential running costs that keep the sanctuary operating safely

We’re committed to using funds responsibly and always prioritise the animals’ welfare.

I’d like to make a change to my current donation — how do I do that?

All of our donations are handled securely through Donorbox. You can log into your Donorbox account to update your email address, card details, donation amount, or the frequency of your donation.

If you need help, Donorbox has a FAQ section and their support team is always happy to assist with queries.

Can I fundraise for the sanctuary?

Yes - and we’re incredibly grateful to anyone who chooses to support us this way. Whether it’s a sponsored challenge, a birthday fundraiser, or a community event, your efforts help us continue rescuing and caring for animals.
If you’re planning a fundraiser, feel free to get in touch so we can support you with information or share your efforts on our social media.

Do you accept corporate donations or partnerships?

Yes - we’re happy to discuss ethical corporate support, workplace fundraising, or matched‑giving schemes. Please contact us if your organisation would like to get involved.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a UK government scheme that allows charities to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated, at no additional cost to you.

If you are a UK taxpayer and complete a Gift Aid declaration, Surge Sanctuary can claim this extra support from HMRC, helping your donation go even further for the animals.

Why does Gift Aid matter so much to charities?

Gift Aid makes a significant difference to charities because it increases the value of every eligible donation.

For example, a £20 donation becomes £25 through Gift Aid. Across many supporters, this additional funding helps cover essential costs such as animal feed, veterinary care and essential medicines, as well as sanctuary maintenance, repairs and our rescue work.

Am I eligible for Gift Aid?

You can add Gift Aid to your donation if you are a UK taxpayer, and you pay at least as much Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax as the charity will claim on your donations in that tax year.

How do I add Gift Aid to my donation?

When making a donation, simply tick the Gift Aid option and complete the declaration form.

Once you have done this, we can claim the additional 25% from HMRC, increasing the impact of your support without costing you anything extra.

Does Gift Aid cost me anything?

No. Gift Aid does not cost you anything. It simply allows charities to reclaim the tax you have already paid on your donation.

Can Gift Aid be applied to past donations?

If you have made donations to the Surge Sanctuary from 25th July 2025 and are a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid by completing a declaration that covers both your future donations and those made in the previous four years. Please contact us and we will be send you a simple form to complete.

Can I leave a gift to Surge Sanctuary in my will?

Yes, and it is an incredibly meaningful way to help animals long into the future.

By leaving a gift in your will, you can help ensure that rescued animals always have a safe place to live, receive care, and grow old in peace. Legacy gifts help sanctuaries like ours plan ahead and continue rescuing animals who need somewhere safe to go.

How would a legacy gift help the sanctuary?

Legacy gifts can make a lasting difference for the animals who call Surge Sanctuary home.

These types of vital gifts help us fund not only animal feed, veterinary care and medicines, but also sanctuary improvements, land maintenance, new sheds and barns and future rescues of farm animals in need. Because we are entirely supported by public donations, gifts in wills help protect the sanctuary’s future and the lives of the animals who depend on us.

How do I leave a gift in my will?

The simplest way is to ask your solicitor to include Surge Sanctuary when writing or updating your will. We are a registered UK charity, number: 1214267

You can choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after other gifts have been distributed.

Do legacy gifts have to be large?

Not at all. Many gifts left to charities are modest amounts, but they still make a meaningful difference. Whatever size the gift, it helps us continue caring for the animals and planning for the future of the sanctuary.

Should I let you know if I have included Surge Sanctuary in my will?

You are not required to tell us, but would love to hear form you if you do. Letting us know helps us thank you properly and understand the future support that may help the sanctuary continue its work. If you prefer to keep your plans private, that is completely fine too. Either way, we are deeply grateful for your kindness.

What delivery options do you offer?

Delivery options are shown at checkout and are automatically calculated based on the items in your order. This ensures postage is accurate for different weights, sizes and packaging needs.

Do you offer international delivery?

Yes - we ship internationally.
Please note that delivery times vary depending on the destination and local postal services, so we’re unable to guarantee exact timeframes for overseas orders.

I’ve entered the wrong delivery address or sponsorship pack details — what should I do?

If you’ve entered incorrect information, please contact us using the form below.
To help us update your order, include:

• your order number

• the correct details you’d like us to amend

For data protection reasons, the request must come from the same email address used to place the order.

Can I amend a tour or event booking?

If you need to make a change to an existing booking, please contact us using the form below with your order number and details of your request.
We’ll do our best to help, but amendments depend on availability and the type of ticket purchased.

My order hasn’t arrived — what should I do?

Delivery times vary depending on the shipping method and destination. If your order is taking longer than expected, please contact us using the form below with your order number so we can look into it for you.