Calling all animal lovers, The Shelter: Animal SOS returns for a sixth season

Friday 8 May on RT One and RT Player

Meet the NSPCA team caring for and protecting animals in need in this six-part series

Fly on the wall, six-part series The Shelter: Animal SOS is back on screens on Friday 8 May at 8pm on RT One and RT Player for a sixth season. The show documents the incredible work of Ireland's largest animal charity the NSPCA.

The NSPCA is Ireland's only animal charity with a team of full-time vets. Animals of all shapes, sizes and conditions come to their headquarters in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains in need of care, rest and recuperation.

Filmed over a year, the series takes viewers on a journey with some of Ireland's animals in need, from rescue through to rehabilitation and rehoming. The series showcases the incredible efforts made by the dedicated staff and volunteers along the way.

NSPCA CEO, Patt Watt said: The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is incredibly proud to open its doors once again for RT 's The Shelter: Animal SOS. The series allows people to see the vital work happening every day to protect and rehome animals across Ireland. By taking viewers behind the scenes, it's a brilliant way of showing the dedicated staff and volunteers at work and, most importantly, the resilience of the animals themselves. We hope viewers will be inspired not only to follow the stories highlighted in the series, but to learn about ways that they can help support animal welfare, including through adoption and responsible pet ownership.

Senior Animal Welfare Inspector at NSPCA Fiona Conlon said: I'm delighted the show is back on our screens. It gives the public a unique window into each animal's journey: rescue, rehabilitation, and ultimately, a forever home. You truly see the dedication, expertise, and love behind every rescue. RT 's support for our animal welfare charity is commendable. By highlighting the challenges animals face, you're helping drive a national conversation. Improving welfare standards is a shared effort, and we're grateful to have you with us.

Episode one:

In the first episode of the season, Senior Animal Welfare Inspector Fiona Conlon brings in Lurcher, Chenzi, and her pups who are all in poor condition and are cared for by the vet team. Care assistant Ingrid takes them into her rehabilitation department where they get the attention they need. Later in the programme we meet Pip, a feisty chihuahua, who steals the heart of volunteer Deirdre. We also meet a cat named Afrikaans who was named by South African NSPCA worker Elaine. The unusual name captures the attention of her potential new owner Tendai who also hails from South Africa.

-ENDS-

Jade Carpenter, RT Communications Lead

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/05/06/calling-all-animal-lovers-the-shelter-...
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