Chelsea founded IHR in 2022 after rescuing India during lockdown. India really opened Chelsea’s eyes to the unethical treatment of hamsters and from there, IHR was born. Chelsea oversees and manages the rescue and fosterers and also manages the rescue’s social media.

Amy has been with the rescue from the very start and has been such a huge support. Amy looks after the financial controls, supports with transporting hamsters and setting up cages. Amy is also a huge part of the spray business.

Steph joined the rescue in October 2024 and has played a big role in helping the growth of the rescue. Steph looks after the tracking of our fosters and supports in the running of the rescue. Steph usually has up to 8 hamsters in her care at any one time! 

Arabel joined the rescue in June 2025 and is based in St Neots. Arabel has 6 personal hamsters and has a great following on Tik Tok where she promotes ethical care.

Dani joined the team in April 2024 after enquiring about adopting. Dani decided that she would like to help instead and has since welcomed many fosters to her home. Dani’s personal hamster is called Mayo, after her deep love for Mayonaise.

Evie joined the team in August 2024. Evie is based in Wantage, Oxfordshire and is a vet assistant, which means she supports us with the knowledge she has from her workplace. Evie has a special place in her heart for the old hams and has two oldies of her own.

Fran was one of the first to join the team and has rescued LOADS of little rodents over the years. Fran has four personal hams, including Mr Nubs who requires adaptive care due to his missing foot. Fran is based in Newport, Wales and frequently drives to Essex, which is great for transporting hamsters!

Holly joined our crew in late 2025 after having adopted from the rescue twice. Based in South Oxfordshire, Holly has decided to foster to help the many hamsters in need and provide support in a region that currently doesn't get much love!

Katie joined the team at the start of 2026, as she wanted to help more little hammies have a second chance of life. She adores both dwarf and syrian hamsters and couldn't possible choose a favourite! Katie is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 

We can’t leave out Karla, Chelsea’s mum who has been a huge support since day one. Karla actually drove Chelsea four hours to rescue India, so really is a big reason why the rescue even exists. Karla often takes any retirement hamsters who cannot be rehomed and is a huge lover of robos.

Lo joined officially in May 2025, after rescuing 5 hamsters. Based in Guildford, Lo has a hamster den called Hamsterdam and has three gorgeous personal hams, Elvis, Morgs and Effie.

Lou joined the team in September 2025 and had already previously for another hamster rescue, so she was a great fit  for our team! Lou is currently based in Wakefield but has plans to move in the near future. 

Lucy joined us in July 2025 and covers the Cornwall region! Based in Newquay, Lucy does an amazing job of supporting the little hamsters in an area that doesn’t get much attention. We’re lucky to have her on the team.

Mae joined the team in 2026 and is also in South London alongside Chelsea. Mae has always had hamsters and has experience with Syrians, Dwarf and Robos! Mae currently has a Robo called Princess.