Why we exist
Everyday animals are mistreated, neglected and left to suffer. All animals deserve kindness and love. The Pet Samaritan’s vision is to be there for them. To protect, rescue and care for the animals who need help most.
We are here for the animals
The Pet Samaritans Animal Sanctuary is located in Chesterfield. Over the years we have cared for thousands of animals from dogs, cats, horses, farm animals and so much more. We are one of Derbyshires busiest centres and operate 365 days a year.
Our Mission
Pet Samaritans animal sanctuary was formed to help animals with nowhere else to go. We help animals that are abandoned, injured, mistreated, orphaned or neglected and give them a safe place they can call home.
The animal sanctuary provides food, shelter and treatments for pets brought into the centre before finding them a new forever home. Our Lifetime care program ensures pets and animals that can’t be re-homed, stay with us for the rest of their lives.
Where did it all start?
The roots to the animal sanctuary were planted just after the second world war by a Sheffield man called Colin Bentley. He’d been in the Medical Corp in North Africa and Italy. While he was horrified by human suffering, he was also haunted by the plight of the animals, especially the horses and mules who were killed in their thousands. After being badly injured in battle, he was sent home from the war and went on to help and save many animals during the rest of his life.
His daughter Joan shared her father’s passion and love of animals and devoted her life to rescuing and campaigning for them too. She founded the Pet Samaritans and St Bernards Animal Sanctuary. In 2013 she was awarded the Peak FM local heroes award for her work with the local community and animal welfare.
Joan was prolific writer all her life and wrote a number of published books, articles and poetry, often about animals.
Today, the Pet Samaritans continue Joan’s good work and adopt her motto “Safe at Last” for the animals that need us.
Education for the next generation
We encourage, engage and teach the next generation about animals and how to give them a better life. We provide placements for work experience, Duke of Edinburgh and young people who have a passion for working with animals. Our education program aims to engage with schools, home education and community groups to promote wildlife awareness and animal care.
Wildlife Hospital
Our wildlife hospital provides vital care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the aim of rehabilitating and returning each animal back into the wild. Every day we take in wildlife that needs our help. You can join our community of wildlife lovers and become a member of the Wildlife Angels.
Find out more
Pet Adoptions
Our pet adoption service matches pets to people. We believe the perfect match makes all the difference. Over the years we have helped thousands of pets find new homes. From the smallest mouse to the largest horse, we have helped them all. Join our adoption heroes and help a pet find a loving home.
Adopt a pet
Our community
We couldn’t do any of this without you. Our supporters make all this possible. A small group of like minded people who believe in the power to make a difference to the lives of animals. We are humbled to have you as part of our community dedicated to helping animals everyday.
Thank you!
See more of the amazing animals and people who have been part of Sanctuary Life in our galleries.