Reptile Rescue
TAG go to great lengths to find suitable environments for its rescued animals and even went as far as Wales! A 24 hour round trip found the perfect environment for our 4 rescued Iguanas.

Rabbits Galore
TAG started the new year by finding a group of rabbits abandoned in unsuitable housing outside the offices whilst they were closed overnight. Many of the rabbits were too small to be away from their mother and had to be hand reared by one of the volunteers. Although the bunnies were all in good condition, we had to call the emergency out of hours vet to check their health. We were shocked at the callous way of dumping them one cold January morning. Rabbits need lots of care, love and plenty of room to run around in. You will need to have a lovely run for them to play in and suitable housing environment to sleep and take shelter. The minimum dimensions required for a rabbit run are 8ft x 8ft and this should be a permanent fixture with a very large hutch on top or inside with access to the run. Care must be taken that all rabbit housing is made fox and rodent proof. TAG will always give advice on exactly what accommodation would b esuitable for bunnies and all other animals.

The end of 2006 saw the opening of "Bunny Bungalows" and "Woodland Walk" facilities enabling more rescued rabbits to come to TAG. This happened just in time as this year we have received an enormous influx of unwanted rabbits. It would seem that a majority of these bunnies are the result of unwanted litters due to incorrect sexing of rabbits. Please ensure that you are aware of the sex of your bunny before mixing it with others. TAG is overflowing with rabbits at the moment and are looking for good homes for them. If you are interested in giving a bunny a home then TAG will send one of their home checkers to view your rabbit accommodation before you come to the sanctuary to collect your Bunny. We are strict with our rabbit re-homing policy as we like to pro-mote "Better Than Basic Pet Care".

Rabbits enjoy living in small groups and it is therefore essential that they are neutered to ensure unnecessary breeding. Spaying a female rabbit gives protection from extremely common womb problems later in life. As for the females temperament, the operation may help smooth out aggression previously caused by PMT. Both sexes of rabbit are often seen mounting each other prior to neutering. This will dissipate over time following the procedure and leave much more contented bunnies. It is therefore wise to ensure that your bunnies are neutered and it is TAG's policy to ensure this is done prior to rabbits going to their new homes. TAG also protects their rabbits against killer diseases such as myxamatosis, hemorrhagic viral disease and the real killer, fly strike. Fly strike can be prevented by using a rearguard product.
 

Chinchillas
Chinchillas are caviomorph rodents which once roamed the Andes of South America. The long tailed species has been listed as endangered and thought to have been driven out from its original range in the foothills of the Andes mountains in Chile. They are crepuscular animals (most active at dawn and dusk). Chinchillas can live for up to 20 years although 10 is usual. They are very active and despite popular belief chinchillas should NEVER be kept in small cages. TAG are very proud of their Chinchilla housing facilities which give them plenty of room to live in a natural environment. As TAG promote "Better Than Basic Pet Care" we are saddened to think of the many pet Chinchillas living in inadequate cages in people's homes. We would welcome anyone to come and view our Chinchillas and would be happy to give advise on suitable environments to keep your Chinchilla. We have people come from as far as London to bring their much loved pet to live with us here at the sanctuary.

Chipmunks
Chipmunks are small squirrels native to North America. In the wild, chipmunks spend most of their time underground where they build complex underground burrow systems with nesting and large food storage chambers sometimes containing several litres of food! Only 40% of chipmunks hibernate during the winter. They are substantial food hoarders who are diurnal (active by day - sleep at night). Chipmunks live for 7 - 10 years. Their natural range is over 700 square feet and they are very active and therefore chipmunks should NEVER be kept in small cages. TAG are also very proud of their Chipmunk housing in which we endeavour to give them the best environment available. Please come along and see for yourself how happy they are living in a natural environment and not in a cramped cage in someone's living room.
 

Charlie had no choice but to spend the first 5 years of his life all alone in this tiny prison (pictured below). Unable to fly, hardly move or do anything at all. Charlie was in fact a live ornament in someone's smoke filled front room.

When Charlie arrived at TAG he was given time to readjust to his new surroundings until it was time to release him into our aviary (pictured right) where at last he was able to make friends and fly around freely almost as nature had intended. Charlie is now a favourite with all our volunteers as he will happily fly down and land on your shoulder and have his chin scratched. TAG Pet Rescue believes that every creature should have the opportunity to live as freely as possible and will continue to promote "Better Than Basic Pet Care... Because We Care"

Critter's Cabin
TAG is often the last hope for many small critters such as Rats, Mice, Hamsters, Gerbils and Degus. Calls are received on a regular basis from members of the public who are no longer able to care for their once loved pet. It is often the case that a young member of the family leaves home to go to college or university and they are unable to take their pet with them. Mum or Dad are left to look after Jerry Mouse or Ro­land Rat and they are not everyone's cup of tea so TAG step in and help. Once here with us the critters are made to feel warm and safe in "Critters Cabin". It is not always easy to find homes for rodents as people don't think to visit the sanctuary for small pets. As with all our animals here at TAG we like to ensure that all animals are re-homed to "Better Than Basic" homes. We are happy to give you advise on suitable environment for your chosen pet. Rodents need to be men­tally stimulated and should have a large cage that they can roam around in with things to play with and chew. Wheels are a good idea for exercise, but please make sure they are of a solid construction as the wire type can lead to animals injur­ing their tails and delicate limbs. There is lots to think about when choosing a small pet as each species have differing needs. Gerbils are lots of fun and like to live in groups, they become very lonely when they are made to live alone and this can often lead to ill health and self mutilation. Hamsters on the other hand are solitary creatures and like to live alone.

They can become very tame when handled from a very young age but be aware they are nocturnal creatures who are asleep most of the day. Rats are very intelligent creatures and have been known to recognise the call of their own name. They are very clean creatures who reflect this with their living accommodation which is contrary to the popular image of rats. Whatever small pet you choose, TAG are happy to give you advise on which will best suit your lifestyle.