A guest blog by Millie O’Neill…
In November–December 2025, I travelled to China to volunteer with a charity very close to my heart: Slaughterhouse Survivors (Harbin SHS Rescue). SHS rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals – predominantly from the meat trade, but also any animal in need.
I first discovered the charity around 2018–2019 on Instagram. I’ve always been an animal lover and was aware of festivals like Yulin, but seeing the reality of animal welfare in China year-round truly opened my eyes.
I reached out to volunteer back then, but I was too young. As time went on, my determination to help grew stronger, but I knew I wanted to bring more than just good intentions. That’s when I decided to train as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
I left my job in 2020, started university that September, and qualified in 2024. After gaining experience in both first opinion and hospital settings, I found myself with a three-week gap between jobs. Initially, I planned to rest, but then it hit me: I was finally in a position to do something I’d dreamed about for years. I could go to China!
With only 4–5 weeks to prepare, I had to organise everything quickly… and raise money too.
In 2019, my dad passed away from cancer when I was 20. Before he became unwell, we had talked about doing a skydive together for charity, but when it came to my 18th birthday, he was too sick. That never happened, but the idea stayed with me.
So, in November 2025, I finally did it – raising money for SHS in the process.
It was terrifying, but incredible. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression since my teens, jumping out of a plane, and then travelling across the world, felt like two things I needed to do for myself. I remember thinking, if I can do this, I can get on a plane to China!
Preparing for China
The weeks leading up to the trip were intense. I had to organise my visa, travel, accommodation, and essentials like a VPN – without one, you can’t access most Western apps in China. I also learned (slightly too late) how important an international eSIM is.
Harbin’s winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, so I had to invest in proper gear, thermals, boots, gloves, which, I won’t lie, I enjoyed shopping for.
The entire trip cost around £4,000, including flights, visa trips to London, accommodation, and spending money. A large portion of this was due to my return journey, where I volunteered as a flight escort for rescue dogs – travelling from Harbin to Shanghai, then Paris, before returning to the UK.
I funded the trip using inheritance from my dad, which felt like a meaningful way to honour him.
Life at the Safehouse
I arrived in China on 8th November. My plan was simply to help wherever I could, but very quickly I became involved with the on-site veterinary team.
The scale of the rescue is overwhelming – around 1,400 dogs, with just one vet and two nurses. I spent most of my time supporting them clinically, helping train staff, running a CPR course, and creating a detailed document of standard operating procedures for them to use going forward.
It became clear how understaffed they were, so I began sharing my experience on social media to encourage more volunteers, especially veterinary professionals. I’m proud to say it led to a significant increase in volunteer interest.
Meeting Bee
During my time there, I met Bee.
She was a small poodle rescued in 2023 from a breeding facility, where she had also been used as a blood dog. When I first saw her, she was cowering in the corner, unable to make eye contact, terrified of any human interaction. She was severely matted and clearly traumatised.
I knew instantly I wanted to help her.
Every day, I spent hours sitting quietly with her in a room at the clinic, using food to gently build trust. At first, she would hide in a crate, only creeping out slightly. But little by little, she grew braver.
By the end of my two weeks, she had learned her name and would wag her tail when she saw me. She was still scared, but there was progress. That’s when I made the decision to adopt her.
Bringing Bee Home
Bee arrived in the UK at the end of January, and her journey has been far from easy.
Shortly after arriving, she became unwell and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. There were moments where we weren’t sure she would pull through. She required intensive treatment, including a feeding tube, and it was incredibly difficult, especially knowing her past and how easily she associated humans with pain.
She bit me several times during this period, and I worried constantly that the experience would undo all her progress.
But she pulled through.
Where We Are Now
After two months, the transformation in Bee has been incredible.
She can now walk on a lead, wags her tail constantly, loves cuddles, and is beginning to approach strangers, something that would have been unthinkable before. Even small things, like every day noises, no longer send her into panic.
She’s slowly learning what it means to feel safe.
Why This Matters
Without Slaughterhouse Survivors, I wouldn’t have become an RVN – or found Bee.
The reality for many of these animals is heart-breaking. The stories I heard while in China were difficult to process – dogs that had been abused, mutilated, or pushed to the point of trying to harm themselves. It’s easy to look away, but this is their reality.
People often asked why I would travel to China instead of helping in the UK. My answer was always the same: in the UK, there is support, volunteers, donations, awareness. In China, these rescues are desperately under-supported.
Despite what people may think, China felt incredibly safe to me. What didn’t feel right was knowing animals there are living in fear while we choose not to see it.
Looking Ahead
I hope to return to China in the future. Until then, I’ll continue supporting Slaughterhouse Survivors and raising awareness.
I’m also proud to support a UK-based charity, Broken Biscuits, which helps disabled dogs, including many rescued from China. They’re doing incredible work, and more dogs will be arriving in the coming months to begin new lives.
Bee and I have set up a fundraiser to support them. Any donation will go towards medical care, equipment, and giving these dogs the lives they deserve. I’ve put the link to my fundraiser below and the links to Broken Biscuits so you can follow them and see what amazing work they do.
Visit my fundraiser here – www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emelia-oneill-2
www.brokenbiscuits.org
www.instagram.com/brokenbiscuitscharity
www.facebook.com/BrokenBiscuits.org
WOOFABILITY 