Animal Rescue Cumbria (the Wainwright Shelter) CIO

About Us

From humble beginnings in 1972 Animal Rescue Cumbria has grown and these days is a well-established rescue which takes in and rehomes over 100 dogs and 180 cats and kittens every year.

The animals we take in are unwanted or lost and homeless. We provide a secure and caring environment and help all our animals adapt and find permanent, loving new homes. We also provide support and guidance for pet owners and do educational work to increase awareness of the responsibility we all have towards animals and their welfare.

Alfred Wainwright and Our Background

A group of ladies took action in 1972 after reading about the number of homeless pets being put to sleep by the local RSPCA. They began taking in and boarding animals until permanent homes could be found. The group raised funds to provide food and veterinary care.

In 1974 Alfred & Betty Wainwright joined. Alfred, a notable guidebook author and illustrator, became Chairman; registering Animal Rescue Cumbria as a charity. Some years later he generously funded the acquisition of the picturesque site near to Kendal from which we still operate as a shelter today.