Will You Help Save Kittens Lives?

They need heating and shelter to survive - your donation will go a long way to helping them!

  • £3

    Buys Them A Meal

  • £5

    Provides A Safe Night Of Care

  • £10

    Keeps Their Heater On

Find out more about this cause

Animals In Crisis

Poor Leo has spent more than half of his life homeless and scared, without much hope at all!

Buy food, toys and gifts from our Wishlist to benefit the animals in our care, or shop for yourself and your pets.

Latest News From Rain Rescue

Latest News From Rain Rescue

“For the last 22 years, Rain Rescue has grown into an amazing charity saving lives in and around South Yorkshire, one of the top 10 cruelty hotspots in the UK, where around 400 cats and dogs are helped to find a new safe place and home.
Rain began with Steve and I helping dogs in stray kennels, destined to be put to sleep when they had done no wrong. We couldn’t bare to see this needless destruction so we started to help where we could. Driving hundreds of them up and down the country into safe rescue places. Then back ‘up north’, to save more.
We raised funds using social media and through the 3 shops that we had. Where YOU, our supporters, funders, and donors have loyally stayed with us through many tough years. We still can’t believe the many messages we receive, from people who have shared our journey, it’s truly uplifting.
You’ve seen thousands of photos of the dogs and cats passing through Rain’s gates, and watched as we opened our vet room (with the help of #PetsFoundation ) and started helping to neuter so many homeless cats.
In 2023, we were lucky enough to secure a grant from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. They wanted to ensure Rain Rescue survived, long into the future. Part of this grant, was to allow myself and Steve, to retire, and to recruit someone who would be able to lead Rain Rescue forward, taking on the many challenges being faced in dog and cat welfare today as many owners experience financial hardships. Times are so hard in the sector, that donations have dropped dramatically whilst requests for help increased as have the neglectful conditions for the pets coming into care. The cost to help them has spiralled.
As I start to retire, I would like to thank all of those who have shared our journey over the years – no matter what part you played – if you helped pets, pet owners or our team, you are our kind of people. THANK YOU to all who have ever been part of our Rain Rescue Team and volunteers, who have been such a nice group of people to work alongside, to our Corporate Sponsors who always help when needed, and with a special THANK YOU to Rain’s amazing Trustees who have helped to make all of this possible and have been so supportive.
I can’t finish without saying a big THANK YOU to the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (#ADCH), I have met the most kind and wonderful people who will always help anyone. Sharing their knowledge that many may have spent hours to collate, but knowing that we are ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ gives it away freely. Just being there as the shoulder to cry through tough times.
Finally, I cannot leave without saying an extra special THANK YOU to the Management and Board of #Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, for seeing and believing in the work that small charities do. It’s an amazing foresight of them. For recognising just how needed these smaller teams are as each one of them, helps many pets and their owners and so many, like Rain Rescue, are struggling under the many heavy pressures of today’s crisis. I truly hope the partnership between Rain Rescue and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will continue for many years to come.
For now, I would like to say to everyone, THANK YOU for being kind and supportive. Steve and I will always be around somewhere as a part of Rain Rescue and are so proud of the work we have all achieved together. We can watch from a distance, as it continues to grow and be a lifeline to homeless animals.
I’m very excited to give a BIG WELCOME and introduce you to our new Chief Exec, Trisha Spargo. Trisha is eager to start this next journey with Rain Rescue, bringing to Rain so much experience from within the sector, having managed other large animal centres, and sharing Rain Rescue’s passion for helping vulnerable animals find their new homes. I hope you will all join me in giving Trisha the support that she needs to help pets in crisis and carry on the wonderful legacy that is RAIN – forever Rescuing Animals In Need.
Thank you for everything, for your continued support to help pets. We will always need YOU.”
Jacquie & Steve Neilson

Our Founder Jacquie Neilson was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list this year. Earlier this month, Jacquie was presented with her medal at Windsor Castle, by her favourite, The Princess Royal. Jacquie, her husband Steve, daughter Annie and her partner Jack, had an unforgettable day.

Princess Anne and Jacquie chatted about the state of dogs and cats in rescue today, and chuckled over a breed they both love – the English Bull Terrier.

The Neilson’s have always loved and tried to help animals, so much so that 22 years ago, Jacquie started “RAIN RESCUE” and over the years, Rain has helped thousands of animals. Sadly, rescue is still a very tough environment, with too many broken hearts left without homes. The charity is still struggling to forever help more.

2024 looks to be a very eventful year for both Rain Rescue and the Neilson’s – so watch this space for even more announcements but for now – we thought you would like to see this very proud moment in the history of animal welfare and Yorkshire.

A very proud moment indeed.

Your support is essential for giving cats like Peanut and her eight kittens a fighting chance. Peanut, a soon-to-be mother cat, was rescued from the cold streets just in time to safely give birth under our care. Not only did she welcome her four kittens into a warm and loving environment, but she also extended her remarkable maternal care to four additional orphaned kittens, all of whom are now thriving thanks to her maternal instincts.

This heart warming story of survival and compassion highlights the difference we can make with your help. Your generosity enables us to continue our mission of rescue and care for animals in need, ensuring our doors remain open to those without a home.

Discover more about Peanut’s incredible journey and how you can help them at https://rainrescue.co.uk/appeal/cat-appeal/.

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See What Our Supporters Have to Say

  • From our first contact with Rain rescue, our adoption process has been very smooth and orderly. We collected the kittens directly from their foster home nearly 4 weeks ago now and everything has gone so well since. Bertie and Betty have completed our family and bring more joy and love to our home. They are brilliant with the kids and provide us all with the best cuddles. We could not be happier. Thank you

    Ciara Lambert Avatar Ciara Lambert
    March 20, 2024

    Adopting Dora has been such an easy process, the team at Rain Rescue are so friendly and helpful. When we went to meet Dora for the first time she was in a spacious catio and was really well looked after. She has become a great addition to our family and would definitely adopt from Rain Rescue again. Thank you!

    Lucy Roberts Avatar Lucy Roberts
    March 11, 2024
  • I thought I’d pop in to say a big thank you for changing our lives recently with Frank, he’s a loving, caring & intelligent dog that just loves lots of company and plenty of belly rubs, he would not have been the dog he is if it was not for all your input, time and love you showed him. Since Frank has become part of the family we have shared some wonderful times already, whether that be enjoying Xmas, sun bathing or going for wonderful walks in the countryside or on the beech. Thank you to all of yourselves and we look forward visiting yourselves throughout the up and coming years xxx

    Barry Disley Avatar Barry Disley
    March 6, 2024

    Milly has really settled into her new home. I had a great experience at Rain. They really listened and helped me find the type of cat I was looking for. They were very welcoming and made the whole experience great.

    Lauren Clifford Avatar Lauren Clifford
    March 6, 2024
  • Our experience with the adoption of our beautiful girl Willow was a very good one, the staff were very knowledgeable, supportive, friendly and helpful during our visit and gave us as much time as we needed with each cat to make sure we were the right match for each other. I have emailed Rain Rescue on a couple of occasions to ask questions about Willow and they have been answered in the same day, they always have time for you. I would recommend Rain Rescue to anyone wishing to adopt a cat.

    Sharon Avatar Sharon
    February 14, 2024

    Visited with my Mum who had recently lost a feline friend and wanted another companion. Staff were very helpful and polite. Very welcoming and knowledgeable. Couldn't have given s better service start to finish

    Andy Ramsden Avatar Andy Ramsden
    January 8, 2024
  • I’ve been so impressed by Rain Rescue from start to finish of the adoption process. We were aware that kittens are very popular but they got in touch with us really promptly after our enquiry and arranged a visit straight away. Their communication was clear and quick throughout and all the staff we interacted with were super helpful. At the shelter itself, the cats have lots of space (including an amazing play catio!) and we had a great time meeting our kitten to make sure she was right for us. The reservation and collection process went really smoothly and it was clear how much the staff enjoy their work and care for the animals. Our kitten came to us fully vaccinated, spayed and with a month of pet insurance so we had nothing to worry about. She was already well litter trained and well socialised. She adapted really well to living with us and is such a bundle of joy to live with! Rain Rescue have since followed up with us a couple of times to check in on how she’s doing and offering support and advice if we needed it — we haven’t, but it’s amazing to know it’s there. I’d recommend adopting via Rain Rescue to anyone looking for a new pet. They’re brilliant!

    Daisy Hughes Avatar Daisy Hughes
    January 8, 2024

    What a great experience for adopting a cat ..staff were awesome facilities exceptional and great work they are doing

    Jason Buerman Avatar Jason Buerman
    January 8, 2024
  • Lovely rescue centre. Very enthusiastic staff. Rescued to ex racing greyhounds from here earlier in the year.

    Lorraine Cottingham Avatar Lorraine Cottingham
    January 8, 2024

    Absolutely wonderful re-homing centre. Very friendly and helpful people who really care. Strongly recommended

    Simon Leaf Avatar Simon Leaf
    January 8, 2024
  • A lovely place run by friendly people who really care about less fortunate pets and animals in general who are alone and need a helping hand in life and need a forever home .

    Andy Carr Avatar Andy Carr
    January 8, 2024

    Toady I had to sadly say goodbye to my Mums dog, the staff at Rain were so amazing and I know he will find his for ever home, I cannot thank you all enough for what you’ve done for my family ❤️❤️❤️

    Richard Wyatt Avatar Richard Wyatt
    September 22, 2022
  • For all the hard work they do to help animals,amazing people

    Sonia Davis Avatar Sonia Davis
    January 18, 2022

    We fostered Ripley for a couple of weeks and her new brother’s and sister enjoyed playing with her that much, she decided to stay. The adoption process was so easy,as the staff are truly wonderful,all the animals are so well looked after, So if your looking to adopt I would definitely recommend you get in touch .

    Julie Scotthorne Avatar Julie Scotthorne
    January 13, 2022
  • Amazing place, I got my kitten from here and she was described as feisty, but since becoming part of our family she has become a very loving cat.

    Shameem Akhter Avatar Shameem Akhter
    November 10, 2021

    they are awesome end of x

    Jemma Kate Markinson Avatar Jemma Kate Markinson
    May 31, 2020
  • Amazing charity, very professional and extremely caring and loving to the dogs and cats x

    Lisa Stacey Avatar Lisa Stacey
    May 19, 2020

    They do wonderful work with love.

    Leslie Watson Avatar Leslie Watson
    December 26, 2019
  • Amazing work by this small charity xxx

    Dawn Shaw Avatar Dawn Shaw
    December 11, 2019

    Amazing charity , animals are there main priority, very well kept kennels and fantastic staff who always do there very best for animals in need. ❤️

    Stephanie L Burrow Avatar Stephanie L Burrow
    December 10, 2019