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! 

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

Bell joined the rescue in June 2025 and is based in St Neots. Bell has 4 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.

Dee is based in Swindon and began fostering after having adopted from India's previously. Dee has been ethically keeping hamsters for a while and wanted to give back to the community and help those in need after seeing how many are being neglected and given away. 

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 an oldie 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 West 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.

Lily joined the rescue in early 2026 after having adopted from IHR before. Lily has previously worked at PAH and has first hand experience of seeing where the hamsters come from and how they are cared for. Based on this, Lily decided she would like to give back to the hamster community by fostering and helping so many find loving homes. 

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.

Niamh joined the team as part of our Yorkshire foster crew! Niamh has been wanting to foster for a while, when a hamster in need popped up very close to her, so she decided to take the plunge and become a fosterer. Niamh has a huge passion for helping animals and loves welcoming new fosters to her home.