Monthly Donations
Welcome to
Pawz For Thought
Pawz for Thought is a small but very active animal charity operating throughout the North East of England. It was formed as a positive response to the distressingly high number of animal welfare issues in the region and to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife ready for release. There were very few options available for wildlife previously which meant animals were euthanised due to lack of recovery spaces .
The Charity always has many cats and sometimes dogs for adoption. We spend many weeks with each animal getting to know them testing their behaviour to ensure their next home is a ‘forever home’. All our cats and dogs are fully vaccinated, microchipped and neutered which is covered within the adoption fee.
Rabbits and Guinea pigs available for adoption are always plentiful, either as singles or in pairs. Help can be given bonding a new rabbit with your existing bunnies. Again these are microchipped, vaccinated and some are even neutered before they come home with you.
Not being a traditional cat and dog shelter with large capacities we are limited in the number of rescue cats, dogs and rabbits that can be taken in. We also work in the rescue and rehoming of smaller animals.
Our work is mainly in Newcastle, Sunderland and the North East Counties of Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and Wear, however, distance is never a barrier if the home is right.
We are a UK-based animal rescue charity dedicated to saving and caring for animals in need. We do not receive any government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of donations from people like you. Your support makes our work possible, and we are deeply grateful for every contribution. Thank you for helping us give animals the love and care they deserve!
Monthly Donations
We’d love you to find a new companion
We’d Love to Find You a New Companion
We care passionately about the animals in our care and we are looking for the right homes for them. We find that the homing process will work best if we work together to get to know you, we can then help you choose the right companion for your individual lifestyle and needs. We believe that choosing a pet should be a considered choice thus ensuring that your home is the last home they will go to. We do however guarantee that if the unimaginable should happen and your circumstances change, we will be here for your pet.
We prioritise finding the perfect homes for our animals, ensuring each match aligns with your lifestyle and needs through a supportive and collaborative homing process.
Many animals are available beyond those on our site, so contact us to explore options and find your perfect match. Your inquiry could help us home the right companion sooner!
Are you looking to volunteer?
Are you looking to volunteer?
Volunteering at Pawz for Thought offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of animals in need. Based in Sunderland, our dedicated team welcomes volunteers who share our passion for animal welfare. Whether you help care for the animals, assist with fundraising, or support administrative tasks, your contribution is invaluable. Volunteers play a key role in ensuring our furry friends are happy, healthy, and ready for their forever homes. Join us and become a vital part of our mission to change lives—both animal and human.
Make a difference in animal welfare by volunteering with Pawz for Thought. From care to admin, every effort helps provide better lives for animals in Sunderland.
Join a passionate team, support fundraising, and ensure animals receive the love they deserve. Volunteering transforms both the lives of animals and those who help them!
Advice on animal care
Advice on Animal Care
At Pawz for Thought, we’re committed to providing expert advice to ensure the well-being of all animals. Our team in Sunderland offers guidance on pet care, training, and health to help owners create happy, fulfilling environments for their companions. Whether you’re adopting, need advice on behavior, or want to improve your pet’s quality of life, we’re here to support you. We believe that informed care is key to strong, lasting bonds between owners and their animals. Let us help you give your pet the best life possible.
Receive expert advice on pet care, behavior, and health at Pawz for Thought. Our team in Sunderland helps you create a happy, fulfilling environment for your animals.
From training tips to health advice, we’re here to support owners in giving their pets the best life possible. Empower your animal care with trusted guidance!
Contact us, any time
Contact us, any time
Get in touch with Pawz for Thought to discuss adopting, volunteering, or seeking advice about animal care. Based in Sunderland, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you in supporting our mission to help animals in need. Use our contact form or reach out directly to learn more about our available pets or how you can make a difference. Every inquiry helps us provide better care and find loving homes for animals. Contact us today—we’re excited to hear from you!
Contact Pawz for Thought in Sunderland for adoption details, volunteering opportunities, or animal advice. We’re here to answer your questions and connect you with our mission.
Use our contact form to learn about available pets or ways to help. Every inquiry supports our work to improve animal lives and find them loving homes!
What should you do if you find an injured animal?
Encountering an injured animal can be distressing, but prompt and appropriate action is crucial for its well-being. First, ensure your safety and that of the animal by minimising direct contact; use gloves if handling is necessary. Gently place the animal in a secure, ventilated container to reduce stress. Immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal rescue center for guidance on the next steps. Avoid offering food or water, as this may cause harm. Remember, swift and careful intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery for injured wildlife.
Our animal center is open to all animals, offering care and support whenever you need it. Our 24/7 helpline is always available. We’re here for you and your furry (or feathered!) friends.
24/7 Phone line: 0191 580 8880
Email: info@pawzforthought.org
How we are doing so far this year?
Domestic Companions
Pawz for Thought has successfully rehomed hundreds of domestic animals, giving them loving forever homes and transforming their lives with your support!
Wildlife Rescues
Pawz for Thought has rescued and rehomed countless wild animals and birds, including hedgehogs, giving them a second chance at life!
Volunteers
Pawz for Thought is supported by 120 dedicated volunteers, whose time and compassion make a huge impact on animals’ lives every day.
How did we do last year?
From tiny snails to majestic birds of prey, 2025 was a remarkable year for Pawz for Thought
In 2025, we helped 8,000+ animals in need. From 5,562 wild birds to 1,493 mammals—including hedgehogs, bats, badgers, foxes, rodents, and even a deer—we also cared for 666 domestic pets, from cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, small furry friends, reptiles, and even invertebrates. Every single animal represents compassion, teamwork, and community spirit, and together we’ve made a life-changing difference—one rescue at a time. “At Pawz every life matters”
Donations that mean the world to us
Blankets
Your donation of blankets helps keep our animals warm and comfortable. You can speak with our friendly staff to arrange a drop-off or collection of your donation. Thank you for supporting Pawz for Thought with your kindness!
Pawz For Thought, Howbridge House, Ferryboat Lane, Sunderland, SR5 3HW
FOOD
Donating food to Pawz for Thought ensures our animals stay nourished and healthy. Your kindness directly supports their well-being and care!
Items
Donating toys and gifts to Pawz for Thought brings joy and enrichment to our animals, helping them thrive while waiting for their forever homes! You can speak with our friendly staff to arrange a drop-off or collection of your donation. Thank you for supporting Pawz for Thought with your kindness!
Pawz For Thought, Howbridge House, Ferryboat Lane, Sunderland, SR5 3HW
Contact us, we‘re always ready to help
Centre Address
Howbridge House
Ferryboat Lane
Sunderland
SR5 3HW
Centre Telephone
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Charity Shop Address
170 Fulwell Road
Roker
Sunderland
SR6 9QT
Charity Shop Telephone
your donations mean the world
We are a UK animal rescue charity relying solely on donations to save and care for animals in need. Your support brings them love and care - thank you!
Working to help animals throughout
the North East. Reg Charity No: 1103331
Contact
Call: 0191 580 8880
Press 1 for our 24/7 Emergency Line
Press 2 for General Enquiries
Press 3 for our Charity Shop
You can also contact us on our
Social Media accounts.
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