Please Note!

Due to the current Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, our Aviaries and fowl areas remain closed to the public. Good news - the terrapin sanctuary and dog walk have now reopened. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still very much open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

All About Animal Days

Full days dedicated to specific species at Raystede.

Whether you're an experienced pet owner, thinking about adopting or simply curious to learn more, come along to Raystede for our exciting All About Animal Days and get the support you need!

What to expect on All About Animal days

  • Talk to Raystede's experts about your pet’s care, diet, health, enrichment and housing
  • Join expert talks and masterclasses
  • Get adoption and fostering information and advice
  • Grab great deals on toys, treats and bedding in our pet shop

Plus: Family trail, activities and films!

  • Talk to Raystede's experts about your pet’s care, diet, health, enrichment and housing
  • Join expert talks and masterclasses
  • Get adoption and fostering information and advice
  • Grab great deals on toys, treats and bedding in our pet shop

Plus: Family trail, activities and films!

All About Tortoises & Terrapins Day

Saturday 6 June


What’s happening on the day

  • Ask the Expert
  • Experts talks for tortoise or terrapin owners
  • Helpful Resources
  • Meet our special guests from Turtle Tally
  • Family trail and activities


Book your visit Find out more

Upcoming All About Animal days

All About Tortoises and Terrapins
Saturday 6 June


All About Rabbits
Saturday 4 July


All About Dogs
Saturday 20 September


All About Guinea Pigs
Saturday 17 October


All About Cats
Returning in 2027

Frequently asked questions

Who is this event for?

This event is aimed at pet owners, potential pet owners or anyone curious to learn more about the animals and how to care for them.

What is there to do?

There’s plenty to enjoy at the event. You can chat with experts about your pet’s care, diet, health, enrichment, and housing; join specialist talks and masterclasses; get helpful advice on adoption and fostering; and browse our pet shop for great deals on toys, treats, and bedding.

Families can take part in fun activities, explore our learning trail and enjoy some Raystede films.

How much does it cost?

Entry is FREE, but we welcome donations to support our work caring for animals.

How do I book?

All About Animal Days are FREE, but online booking is essential. Tickets become available one month in advance and events fill up quickly. Don’t miss out!

What animals will we see?

We care for a wide range of animals at Raystede, all of whom are encouraged to behave naturally. Depending on the season and weather, they may choose to be outside or retreat indoors. No day is the same, so we cannot guarantee which animals you will see.

Will we get to pet the animals?

At Raystede, we always put the animals’ welfare first. Many of the animals in our care are recovering, nervous, or simply need calm, low stress environments, so we don’t offer petting or hands on contact. As a working animal welfare charity, our priority is ensuring every animal feels safe and comfortable.

You’re very welcome to enjoy watching them from a distance and learning about their stories.

Will I be able to meet the animal I wish to adopt?

We’re not able to offer meet and greets with specific animals you may wish to adopt on the day of the event. These appointments are arranged in advance, and the relevant Animal Care team will invite you to a meet and greet only after they’ve found a suitable match based on your application form.

Please visit our “Adopt an Animal” pages on our website to learn more about the process and how to apply.

What else is onsite?

Our café offers a varied menu with many vegan and vegetarian options. Our shops provide goodies for you and your animals, and there’s a lovely play area where children can burn off some energy.

Testimonials

All About Dogs day was an amazing event! The advice I received on enrichment and creating “Sniffaris” for our dogs was brilliant. The Behavioural Session was also incredibly interesting. Thank you to the entire team at Raystede for your time, knowledge, kindness, and care toward our canine family members who mean the world to us.

It was great fun, and any guinea pig owner or future owner should attend—you can never have too much information. The masterclass was hugely helpful for guinea pig owners!

All About Rabbits was a great event. As we’re planning to adopt, it was really useful to chat about the available pairs. The lady in Smalls who was at the table in the morning was so friendly and helpful.

Talk has given me ideas what help I might offer my cats when they need it as they get older and how to spot the issues with joints. Since my cats are 9 and 11 they are slowly but steadily approaching their senior years.

Brilliant advice, has really helped us understand our cat a bit better and we are already looking into things to help! Fabulous staff and volunteers.

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

Donate