The Cinnamon Trust

The Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity supporting older people and the terminally ill with their pets. We provide practical help to pet owners across the country when any aspect of the day-to-day care of their pets poses a problem. We also find lifelong care for pets who outlive their owners who have already made prior arrangements with The Trust.

How The Trust Began
The Trust was founded in 1985 by Mrs. Averil Jarvis MBE, who was inspired by the heartache she witnessed when older and terminally ill pet owners were forced to part with their beloved companions because of frailty and illness. The Trust came to life as Mrs Jarvis said goodbye to her cherished Corgi, Cinnamon, who passed away at 17 years old. It seemed appropriate to name the charity in her memory.

Ways we support
With the help of thousands of volunteers nationwide, we offer hands-on assistance whenever pet care becomes a struggle. Every day in communities around the country, thousands of dogs are walked, cats have their litter changed, and pets are taken to the vets for owners that are housebound. This is all done by our volunteers. In Cornwall, our home county, we are currently helping over a thousand owners.

Our dedicated volunteers also offer their homes to pets whose owners are facing a short-term spell in hospital, ensuring the pets always have a home-like environment to be comforted, loved, and kept safe until they can be reunited with their owners.

Lifelong care when you're not there...
Besides the day-to-day practical support, The Cinnamon Trust also offers a Pet Profiling service, allowing all pet owners to plan for their pet’s future.

During the Profiling process, owners share important information about their pet’s routine, medical needs, and the little things such as nick names. This allows us to understand the true character of every companion pet as deeply as their owner does. It means that in the event of an owner's passing or their move into permanent nursing care, we know exactly what to do to make this transition as easy and as stress-free as possible for their beloved pet. 

These arrangements give owners immense peace of mind, knowing that their pets are in safe hands and will always be looked after to the highest standard.
For all pets entrusted to us, we ensure that they’re cared for with the utmost dedication, either by carefully choosing a new forever foster home that suits their needs or, if more appropriate, by welcoming them into one of our two home-from-home sanctuaries in Devon or Cornwall. 

Our sanctuary pets have live-in staff to tend to their every need, home-cooked meals, love and fuss at every turn, and the ultimate comfort of a natural home environment, as they were used to. We welcome all pets including sheep, ducks, cows etc. We have a saying- “You love them, so will we!” We promise to keep families together, which is so important in a time of change.

Our Cinnamon Pets have all costs relating to vet bills and specialist dietary requirements covered, ensuring that every pet receives the love and care they deserve in their new forever home.

What sets us apart
We understand the special bond between people and their pets—the joy, comfort, and companionship they bring to each day; and everything we do honours that. 
Our philosophy is built on love, care, and safety. That’s why we never use kennels or catteries, ensuring every pet has a warm, home-from-home environment. 

Our registration process captures essential details about pet owners and their companions, allowing us to carefully match each pet with suitable volunteers and fosterers, creating a nurturing environment for all. 

The Cinnamon Trust has a simple yet profound mission: to make sure no one would ever have to say goodbye to a beloved companion due to the challenges of terminal illness or ageing. This year, The Trust celebrates 40 years—four decades of kindness, dedication, and a vision that has flourished into a nationwide network of love and support.

Whilst our services are offered at no charge, they are not without expense. Our continued success over the past 40 years is made possible by our generous circle of giving, primarily relying on legacies and donations. Each contribution helps us honour and celebrate this relationship, extending it beyond physical years and providing an invaluable safety net to the people and the pets who need us.
 
If you'd like to find out more about our work, please visit our website: https://cinnamon.org.uk/