COVID-19 Update...

*** LAST UPDATED 07/01/2021 ***

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Following the Government Guidance, we are doing everything we can to protect our staff during these unprecedented times as their safety, along with the welfare of the animals in our care, remain our priority. Therefore, things will be done slightly different and will be virtual where possible. We regret to have to close to general visitors and for most adoptions, and we are sad not to be able to see all of our fantastic friends and supporters, but it is important for everyone to stay safe.

Please Note: 

• We will always be open to emergencies and urgent cases. Please get in touch ASAP if you feel an animal is suffering.

• We will be closing the comings and goings of our ferret department for the time being due to the vulnerability of ferrets to COVID-19.

• We are relying on essential staff only so please be patient when awaiting a response.

Due to the current inability to hold fundraising events, we are more dependent on donations than ever before. All donations are very much appreciated.

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I would like to surrender an animal - can I still do this?

Yes, we are still open to take in animals. We are, however, prioritising urgent cases where an animal's welfare is at risk. If you need to surrender an animal, please visit www.furlockholmes.co.uk/surrender and complete our Surrender Application Form. We regret that we can not allow you to enter the barn when you drop off your pet, but will ask you to leave your pet in a suitable carrier outside the barn. We will then come out and take your pet into their new housing and return your carrier to your car outside. As you cannot see our facilities in person, we are happy to send photos where possible.

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Are you still open to the public?

Unfortunately, we are currently closed to the public and we are not accepting visitors. For the dropping off and collection of animals, we ask that you make an appointment and stick to that time to ensure only one family is here at a time. You can still keep up with our news via our Facebook page and blog.

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I'd like to adopt an animal - can I still do this?

Following the latest guidance, you are not currently able to come and view the animals. We will, however, be doing things slightly differently. We ask that you first complete our Adoption Application Form and await our response. We will then ask a few further questions to complete the homecheck. We will probably also ask for a video or photos of your accommodation for the animal. We may alternatively do this via a live Zoom call. Once you have completed the homecheck, we will invite you to join us on a Zoom call to meet the animals virtually. You are then able to reserve the animal(s), but CANNOT COLLECT until lockdown has been lifted. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are looking to bond your rabbit/guinea pig, this can continue to go ahead if there is a welfare need. We will, however, only be able to do the bonding here and will require you to drop your pet off with us (socially-distanced) and leave them with us for a short period.

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Are you still selling hay, bedding, litter, etc?

Yes, we are continuing to sell our normal products. Please place an order and let us know a good collection time. We will then prepare the items and leave them in a sheltered space outside for you to collect.

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I am struggling to get hold of you - what is the best way to get in touch?

Due to only essential staff and volunteers being able to work at the moment, the care of the animals is our utmost priority and replies to emails, phone calls and social media will be delayed. We are working on a way of getting some admin volunteers to work from home, but this is currently a work in progress! We are rarely in the office with the phone during the day, so please email where possible. 

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What is happening regarding the Private Tour Experiences?

Due to Tier 4 restrictions, our Private Tour Experiences are currently unable to go ahead. If you had a tour booked for January and have not yet heard from us, please get in touch. We are offering a choice of a refund or to reschedule for later in the year.

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Are you still looking for volunteers?

Yes, we are always looking for volunteers. We are, however, only accepting adult volunteers at the moment and no more than two volunteers may be at the rescue at a time. We are keen to find volunteers willing to do various admin tasks from home to minimise the need for people at the rescue. We regret that, due to the number of adults required on site, we cannot accept any more volunteers under 18 until lockdown eases when our minimum age will return to 11 years.

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Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during these unprecedented times, and we hope to be welcoming you all back soon. In the meantime, keep safe and enjoy the extra time with your furries.

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From all at Furlock Holmes

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