Thousands of dogs are abandoned in UK every year. Fortunately, many dedicated dog rescue organisations are working day and night to provide shelter to these helpless dogs. These organisations are putting a lot of efforts and need helper to grow the noble cause. If you are looking for a dog to adopt, be a volunteer, or offer a generous support, then this guide is for you.
We are going to highlight top 10 dog recue charities in UK, how trustworthy they are and how they work. The blog is divided into 2 simple sections:
1. Dog-only rescues (focusing entirely on dogs)
2. Multi animal charities (with exceptional dog rescue services)
Lets discover!
Top 5 Dog-Only Rescues in UK
1. Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity. It was established by Lady Gertrude Stock in 1891 and originally named as National Canine Defence League. They come up with the dedication so that all dogs can enjoy a happy life. They are working hard to provide all dogs life free from the threat of destruction. This organisation provides rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming services, along with education to secure the dog future. On average, they care for over 15,000 dogs each year.
Founded: 1891
Headquarters: London
Rehoming Centres: 23 across UK and Ireland
Mission of Dogs Trust
The main mission of Dogs Trust is presented in their slogan: "A dog is for life". They have a non-destruction policy to ensure no mentally or physically healthy dog ever goes through euthanasia.
Services and Projects of Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust UK offers several special services to help dogs and their care takers.
Rehoming Services:
Dogs Trust operates 23 rehoming centres, providing care and shelter for dogs until they find their forever homes.
Hope Project:
One of the special service is the Hope Project, which supports homeless people by helping them care for their dogs. It provides free vet treatment and helps find dog-friendly hostels where both the person and their pet can stay together safely.
Freedom Project:
The Freedom Project offers temporary foster homes for dogs, that belong to domestic abuse survivors. This gives them time to find a safe place without worrying about their dogs.
Dog School:
Dogs Trust also runs Dog School for behavioural trainings of dogs. These training classes help dogs learn good behavior using kind, reward-based methods. These classes are fun, easy to follow, and run by professional dog trainers.
Support for Pet Loss:
For those who are grieving the loss of a pet, Dogs Trust provides emotional support through a pet loss service. Their well-trained staff are available to listen and help during difficult times.
Canine Care Card:
The Canine Care Card is a free service that ensures Dogs Trust will look after your dog and find them a loving new home if you pass away before them. This brings peace of mind to many dog owners, especially those who are elderly or ill.
Education:
Dogs Trust provides education for children and communities, helping people learn how to treat dogs kindly and stay safe around them.
Global Help:
Not only UK, Dogs Trust works internationally in places like India, Bosnia, and Romania to care for street dogs. They provide food, vet treatment, and help reduce the number of stray dogs.
Microchipping and Neutering:
They offer free or low-cost microchipping and neutering in some areas.
2. Jerry Green Dog Rescue
Established in 1961, Jerry Green Dog Rescue is a UK-based charity dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming needy dogs. Operating across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire, the organisation provides a number of unique services to raise the quality of dog’s life.
Founded: 1961
Headquarters: Broughton, North Lincolnshire
Rehoming Centres: 5 locations across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire
Mission of Jerry Green
The charity comes up with the mission of providing helpless and unwanted dogs with the love and care they deserve.
Special Services of Jerry Green Dog Rescue
Meet & Match Services:
Jerry Green Dog Rescue has named their rehoming service as Meet&Match® process. Just like a fellow or a friend for life ahould mingle with the family. The rescue ensures that each dog is paired with the most suitable adopter to create a wonderful companionship.
Dog Boarding Services:
Jerry Green Dog Rescue offers boarding facilities for dogs that provide a safe and caring environment while owners are away. This service helps support the charity's mission and ensures dogs receive quality care during their stay.
Paddock Hire:
If you want a specific area for your dog, Jerry Green provides secure paddock hire. The service is available at various locations, including Broughton, Algarkirk, and Blidworth. These spaces are ideal for dog training, exercise, or simply letting your dog enjoy a safe, sheltered area.
Charity Shops
Jerry Green Dog Rescue operates five charity shops across Lincolnshire, including locations in Ashby, Brigg, Gainsborough, Retford, and Scunthorpe. These shops sell a variety of preloved items such as clothing, homeware, books, and toys.
eBay Store:
Supporters can also shop online through Jerry Green Dog Rescue's eBay store. Where visitors can buy a variety of items and help the dogs.
3. Hope Rescue
Hope Rescue is a UK registered charity that saves stray and abandoned dogs in South Wales. The organisation provides care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services to dogs in need. They also work with other rescues, including Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, to support them with their stray dogs and dogs seized from low welfare or illegal breeders. This charity helps around 800 dogs a year.
Founded: 2005
Rehoming Centre: Llanharan, South Wales
Local Authorities: Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and the western half of the Vale of Glamorgan
Mission of Hope Rescue
Just like their name the charity has a clear mission ensuring:
“For every dog, there’s hope”
Special Services of Hope Rescue
Dog Rescue and Rehoming:
Hope Rescue takes in stray, abandoned, and unwanted dogs from local council pounds, particularly in South Wales. They give these dogs the care they need and help them find safe and loving forever homes. Every dog receives a full health check, vaccinations, and behavioral assessment before considering perfect for adoption.
Support for Struggling Owners:
Hope Rescue understands that sometimes life changes suddenly, and people may no longer be able to care for their pets. They offer support for owners who need to surrender their dogs due to illness, housing problems, or financial issues. Their team handles these situations with care and respect.
Lifeline for Emergency Cases:
The charity provides urgent help for dogs in crisis. Such as those rescued from puppy farms, cruelty cases, or emergency situations. They work closely with other animal welfare organizations and authorities to take in dogs that need immediate shelter and veterinary care.
Pet Food Bank:
Hope Rescue supports pet owners in need through community projects like their Pet Food Bank. This service offers free pet food and supplies to struggling families, helping them keep their pets at home during tough times.
Dog Welfare and Rehabilitation:
Some dogs come into Hope Rescue with serious health or behavior issues. The team works closely with vets, trainers, and behaviourists to rehabilitate these dogs. They give each dog the time, patience, and support needed to recover the trauma and learn to trust again.
Charity Shops:
They have charity shops in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Blackwood, Cowbridge and Pontypridd, that raise funds for the dogs under their organisation.
These charity shops sell everything from new dog products, clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories, to digital and printed media, household items, small pieces of furniture, electrical items and children's toys.
Kennels:
Hope rescue has 62 rescue kennels in their rehoming center. Their kennelling service is well trusted for which they hold RSPCA Gold Pawprints award.
Education and Support:
Hope Rescue works to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, dog welfare, and issues like overbreeding and puppy farming. They also campaign for better animal welfare laws and promote adoption over buying pets.
4. Safe Rescue for Dogs
Safe Rescue for Dogs is a UK registered charity set up for dogs from all walks of life. They are a nationwide rescue that takes in and rehomes dogs from the UK and abroad. They do their best to match dogs with adopters to create harmonious and settled home lives for everyone.
Founded: 2013
Location: Hingham, Norfolk, UK
Mission of Safe Recue for Dogs
The charity has broad vision and high aims. Their mission is to promote humane behaviour towards dogs. To provide appropriate care for dogs needing attention and to rescue homes for these dogs.
Special Services of Safe Rescue for Dogs
Rescuing Dogs from Abroad and the UK:
Safe Rescue for Dogs works to save dogs not only from within the UK but also from countries like Romania, where many stray and abandoned dogs live in poor conditions. They help bring these dogs to safety, giving them a second chance for a better life. All rescued dogs get proper care and treatment, before they are rehomed.
Rehoming and Adoption Services:
The charity focuses on finding loving, forever homes for rescued dogs. Each dog is carefully matched with a family or individual based on the dog's needs and the adopter's lifestyle. Safe Rescue ensures that dogs ready to become part of a home before adoption. They provide complete support and advice to adopters throughout the process.
Foster Care Program:
Before being adopted, many dogs are placed in foster homes where they can adjust to living in a safe and caring environment. Foster carers help dogs learn to trust people again and prepare them for their new lives. This is a vital part of the rescue process, and Safe Rescue always welcomes new foster volunteers.
Transport and Travel Support:
Bringing dogs from overseas to the UK involves careful planning and legal procedures. Safe Rescue takes care of everything, including pet passports, vaccinations, and safe travel. They ensure all dogs are transported in a kind and stress-free way, according to UK animal welfare guidelines.
Home Checks and Ongoing Support:
To make sure each dog goes to a suitable home, Safe Rescue carries out home checks before adoption. After a dog is adopted, they continue to offer advice and help. Their team is always there to support both the dog and the adopter.
Education and Awareness:
Safe Rescue works to raise awareness about the struggles of stray dogs in other countries and the importance of adoption. Through social media and community talks, they encourage people to adopt rather than buy, and they share stories of rescued dogs to inspire kindness and compassion.
5. Paw Help UK
Paw Help UK is a dedicated, foster-based dog rescue organisation. It is committed to rehoming abandoned and left alone dogs both within the UK and from Eastern Europe. Paw Help UK is run by dedicated dog-lovers and passionate volunteers. It’s not a paid job for them, so you can be sure that each penny you pay as an adoption fee goes directly to support dogs in need.
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: UK-based, with international rescue partnerships
Focused Animals: Dogs
Mission of Paw Help UK
Their mission is to help as many dogs in need as possible and to find reliable forever homes for rescue pets, regardless of their age, health, temperament, breed, or history.Special Services of Paw Help UK
International Rescue Efforts:
Paw Help UK collaborates with rescue partners in Eastern Europe to save dogs from disastrous situations, bringing them to UK safely.
Foster-Based Model:
They place dogs in foster homes to ensure each animal receives individual attention. They provide support in rehabilitation and socialisation.
Disability Support:
The charity extends its care by offering support to disabled dogs. They facilitate such dogs with relocation, necessary treatments and support.
Adoption Process:
They conduct thorough assessments to match dogs with suitable adopting candidates. They consider the needs of both the dog and the prospective owner.
Community Engagement:
Through their social media platforms, such as Facebook page they engage with public. They share success stories, adoption appeals, and updates to engage and inform their community.
Paw Help UK’s commitment to rescuing and rehoming dogs makes them a vital part of the UK's animal welfare community.
Multi-Animal Charities with Exceptional Dog Rescue Services
1.Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is specifically a dogs & cats shelter home. It is one of oldest and most renowned animal rescue centres in UK. In 1860, Mary Tealby established it as "The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs". It moved to Battersea in 1871. In 1883, the charity began accepting cats, and by 1885, it had opened the UK's first unique cattery. Battersea has cared for more than 3.1 million animals till date.
Founded: 1860
Headquarters: Battersea, London
Rehoming Centres: London, Old Windsor (Berkshire), and Brands Hatch (Kent)
Focused Animals: Dogs and cats
Mission of Battersea
Battersea has a mission of being "here for every dog and cat," providing care and support to animals in need regardless of age, breed, or health. The organisation works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs and cats.
Services and Programs of Battersea
Rescue and Rehoming:
Battersea provide shelter to abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats with proper medical care, and love until they find new homes.
Veterinary Service:
This organisation gives complete veterinary treatment, including vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering to each cat and dog.
Behavioural Support:
The charity offers behavioural assessments and training to ensure successful rehoming and to address any issues that may arise post-adoption.
Community Outreach:
Their work has spread away from their centres, now they are training and funding other animal welfare organisations around the world.
Awareness:
Through campaigns and educational programs, Battersea encourages animal welfare awareness not just in UK but everywhere possible.
2. RSPCA – Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
RSPCA is the world’s oldest and one of the most reliable animal welfare charity. It was founded to control the cruelty towards animals, late they expanded their services and now they recue, rehabilitate and rehome thousands of animals every year. More than 100,000 animals including 20,000 dogs were rescued by RSPCA in year 2024. Here is some key information about the organisation:
Founded: 1824
Headquarters: Horsham, West Sussex
Branches: Over 150 affiliated branches across the UK
Rehoming Centres: 14 national centres
Focused Animals: Dogs, cats, farm animals and wildlife.
Staff: 1506 employees, 408 animal rescuers on road, 6919 volunteers
Unique Impact of RSPCA
The RSPCA is more than just an animal welfare. For more than 200 years, it has been a lifeline for many animals. These are some qualities that make them
Legal Authority:
RSPCA is one of the only charities in the UK that have the power to investigate animal cruelty. The organisation is not a part of police or government but they work with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to take legal action against animal welfare laws violations. They have the legal rights to:
- Investigate cases of animal cruelty
- Collect evidences
- Prosecute individuals or organisations in court for breaking laws
Nationwide Reach:
The charity has access to a broad area across UK. The inspectors, animal centres, volunteer and rescue teams are spread in regions of England and Wales. They are not just helping animals in cities but also in rural and remote area where finding such organisation is almost impossible.
Rehabilitation:
Every rescued dog gets individual attention at RSPCS. They make sure all animals get a chance to heal and recover from any physical, mental or emotional damage. Their veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation is a real blessing for recovered animals.
Public Education:
RSPCA knows that only rescuing is not enough; the real prevention starts with proper public education. That’s why they arrange multiple sources of public awareness to enhance quality of animals’ life. This organisation provides free online educational content, campaigns, community talks, school visits and more. These efforts and dedications are promising more caring future for dogs.
RSPCA Dogs Rehoming:
There are thousands of dogs that RSPCA rehomes every year. But that rehoming is more than just providing the puppy a second chance. They take special steps to make sure the dog finds the best possible home this time.
- Before rehoming a dog, RSPCA makes sure that the dog is medically fit, neutered, have completed vaccinations and microchipping process.
- They carefully match rescue dogs with the new owners. Checking for the lifestyle, experience and home environment is mandatory.
- The RSPCA also provide advice, follow ups and post adoption support to the new care takers.
3. Blue Cross
Blue Cross is a registered UK animal welfare charity with a rich history dating back to 1897. Originally it was named as “Our Dumb Friends League” which was established to protect the working horses in London. Later they expanded the mission and started to support a wide range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. Today, Blue Cross provides veterinary care, behavioural support, and rehoming services to thousands of needy pets across UK. They helped 7,809 pets last year with their rehoming and fostering services. Some key information about blue cross is given below:
Founded: 1897
Headquarters: Burford, Oxfordshire
Rehoming Centres & Hospitals: 55 charity shops, 12 rehoming centres, 4 animal hospitals, 21 pet food banks across the UK, including London, Manchester, and Newport
Focused Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses.
Services and Programs
Rehoming Services:
Blue Cross runs several rehoming centres and advice units throughout the UK, including Manchester, Southampton, and Newport. These centres try their best to find the best matched family for the dog.
Veterinary Hospitals:
The blue cross charity has established four animal hospitals in London and Grimsby. They provide premium healthcare and veterinary services which usually costs a lot.
Pet Food Bank:
The best initiative by blue cross charity is their pet food banks. They believe that food is as important for pets as their owners and that nobody should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pet. If someone wants to get pet food from the bank, they may need a voucher or proof of need issued by a local authority or Citizens Advice.
Pet Loss Support:
Blue cross provide support to the pet owners who lost their pets through death, separation or theft. With over 30 years’ experience they serve the effected pet owner with their dedicated team.
Pet Peace of Mind Service:
This service is for your pets in case you leave the world leaving them behind. You can apply for the Pet Peace of Mind service to put your mind at rest. They will take care of your pet after you and help them find a caring and loving new home.
Expert Advice for Pet Owners:
Blue Cross provides expert advice to pet owners, that helps addressing issues and ensuring pets safety.
Dog Welfare Awareness:
The organisation conducts educational talks and provides resources to spread animal welfare awareness.
4. National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT)
The National Animal Welfare Trust is one of the UK’s most respected animal charities. It was started by the British Union for the abolition of vivisection. Later in 1971, it became an independent charity. They welcome every abundant pet whole heartedly and provide them the best services according to their circumstances.
Founded: 1971
Headquarters: Watford, Hertfordshire
Focused Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs
Rehoming Centres: 5 Canters Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Somerset, Cornwall, and Bedfordshire
Special Services of NAWT
Animal Rehoming:
NAWT will help the pet find loving new. Before rehoming, each animal gets a full health and behavior check to make sure they are ready for adoption. They take time to match the right pet with the right person, based on lifestyle, home environment, and experience. This helps ensure a happy and lasting relationship between the pet and the new owner.
Forever Home Scheme:
This special service is for pet owners who worry about what will happen to their pets if they pass away or can no longer care for them. With the Forever Home Scheme, NAWT promises to take in the pet and find them a safe, loving new home.
Education:
NAWT believes that education is key to better animal welfare. They run workshops, visit schools, and hold events to teach people especially children, how to be a good owner and how to care for animals properly.
Pet Advice and Support:
Whether you are adopting for the first time or already have a pet, NAWT offers helpful advice on all kinds of topics, like feeding, training, and common health problems. They also provide support after you adopt, so you can ask for help if you have questions or concerns about your new pet.
Volunteering Opportunities:
NAWT welcomes volunteers to help out at their animal centers. Volunteers can walk dogs, play with cats, help clean, assist with events, or even work in the office. It's a great way to spend time with animals in need.
Pet Boarding Services:
Some NAWT centers offer boarding for cats and sometimes small animals. If you’re going on holiday and need a safe place for your pet, this can be a helpful option. The fees you pay go toward supporting the charity and caring for other animals in need.
Fundraising and Charity Shops:
NAWT runs fun events like pet shows, sponsored walks, and open days to raise money for their work. They also have charity shops where people can donate or buy second-hand items. These shops help fund the care of animals and support all of NAWT’s services.
No Time Limit Policy:
This charity loves to serve the pets that’s why they have a “No time limit policy”. Animals can stay in their care as long as needed until they find the right forever home.
5. Many Tears Animal Rescue
Many Tears Animal Rescue is a small rescue centre based in Wales. They rehome approximately 3,000 dogs per year, as well as cats and other animals. Established in 2004 by Sylvia and Bill Van Atta, who spent a dedicated part of their lives in animal recuses. They have witnessed many sad situations and shed many tears over dogs in terrible situations and hence the name Many Tears Animal Rescue.
The organisation operates a main rescue centre and collaborates with a network of foster homes across the UK. MTAR focuses on providing care for dogs that need attention due to abandonment, carelessness, or other challenging circumstances.
Founded: 2004
Location: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Focused Animal: dogs, cats, horses, ponies and donkeys
Mission of Many Tears Animal Rescue
This charity is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need. They mainly take in ex-breeding dogs, pound dogs, public, and sometimes rescues from abroad.
Special Services of Many Tears Animal Rescue
Rescue and Rehoming of Ex-Breeding Dogs:
Many Tears specializes in rescuing dogs from breeding environments. They provide them with the care and rehabilitation they need the most. They have dogs at their centre and in foster homes across the UK, all waiting for their forever homes.
Foster Care Network:
Many Tears operates a network of foster homes throughout the UK. This system allows dogs to experience a family environment, by encouraging socialization and preparing for permanent adoption.
"Diamonds in the Ruff" Program:
This program focuses on dogs that require extra special homes due to age, medical needs, or behavioral issues. These dogs are highlighted to find kind adopters willing to provide the care and patience they need.
Adoption of Bonded Pairs:
Many Tears Animal Rescue understand that animals have special bonding with each other. That’s why they offer bonded pair adoption, which helps bonded pair stay together in their new homes.
Horsey Rescue and Rehoming:
Not only dogs, Many Tears also rescues and rehomes horses, ponies, and donkeys. Just like dogs they make sure the horses and donkeys get suitable home.
Guided Visits to the Rescue Centre:
Many Tears allow visitors a guided tour to their rescue center. These tours are conducted daily and offer a closer look to their services. It’s a great opportunity for those animal lovers who are willing to adopt a pet or just spend some quality time with them.
Veterinary Services:
The organisation has an on-site veterinary surgery to provide essential veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and treatment for any existing health conditions.
Charity Shops:
Many Tears Animal Rescue operates 2 charity shop. An online and an onsite store.
The online store: offers a variety of items including books, mugs, calendars, greeting cards, clothing and dog gift items.
The physical store: is a second-hand shop in Yateley, Hampshire. The shop accepts donations of clothing, shoes, handbags, good-quality toys, and electrical items (excluding large furniture). All earnings from both shops directly support the rescue and care of animals at Many Tears.
Conclusion
There are so many incredible dog rescues across UK doing life-changing work for dogs in need. Whether they focus only on dogs or help a variety of animals, their deep rooted services are a great relief for dogs.
If you’re thinking about adopting, donating, or even just spreading the word, you’re already a part of something powerful. Your small support helps these rescues keep doing what they do best.
Ready to make a difference?
Posts
0 Comments