In the UK, countless dogs are looking for loving homes. While there are no official figures, it is estimated that 100,000 dogs are homeless on any given day and while millions of dogs do have happy homes, large numbers are given up each year - Novuna found that 1 in 10 dogs in the UK were rehomed in the 12 months to November 2023. Thankfully, rescues up and down the country are taking in these pups until they find their forever home.
Dog rescue charities play a vital role in improving the lives of our furry friends. Not only do they work to rehome dogs, but they also promote awareness about the benefits of adopting, support owners with mixed-breed dogs and encourage responsible pet ownership.
Whether you're seeking to join the 20% of owners who found their companion at a rescue shelter or just want to support charities looking after those who are still waiting to be rehomed, this guide highlights some of the UK's most prominent dog rescue centres and provides information for you to learn more about their amazing work.
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Top Dog Rescue Charities in the UK
- Battersea
- Dogs Trust
- National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT)
- RSPCA
- Blue Cross
- All Dogs Matter
- Why adopt from a dog rescue charity?
- How to adopt a dog
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Supporting dog rescue charities
Top Dog Rescue Charities in the UK
Battersea
One of the UK's most well-known dog rescue charities, Battersea has been rescuing and rehoming animals since 1860. Across three centres (London, Old Windsor, and Brands Hatch) thousands of dogs, cats and other animals are helped every year.
A large part of Battersea’s work is not just around rehoming animals, but also providing support and advice to owners and using their profile to raise awareness around animal welfare causes Find out more by visiting their website.
Dogs Trust
Started in 1891 as the National Canine Defence League, Dogs Trust has been dedicated to ending cruelty ever since and is now the UK’s leading dog welfare charity.
From rehabilitation and rehoming to providing training advice and support to help dogs settle into their new homes, Dogs Trust supports dogs and their potential owners through every step of the rehoming process.
Perhaps their most famous contribution to raising awareness came in 1978 when CEO Clarissa Baldwin created the famous phrase “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” to make people think twice about treating adopted dogs as a novelty.
Find out more about Dogs Trust and their work.
National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT)
The National Animal Welfare Trust is a community-focused charity that operates five rehoming centres and five charity shops across southern England. While their primary focus is education, NAWT also offers fostering opportunities for those who want to help dogs without long-term commitment to permanent adoption.
Find out more about fostering a dog with NAWT.
RSPCA
The RSPCA is the UK's oldest animal welfare charity and has been focusing on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need for 200 years.
With 17 animal centres across the country and 42 regional centres, the RSPCA covers all levels of animal welfare, from high-profile national campaigns to caring for abandoned dogs and helping to get thousands rehomed each year. The RSPCA’s stringent adoption process ensures a perfect match between dog and owner.
Learn more about the adoption opportunities they offer.
Blue Cross
Another long-established animal charity, the Blue Cross has been dedicated to helping sick, injured, and homeless animals across the UK for a century. Landmark moments in their history include opening the first dedicated animal hospital in Victoria, London in 1906 - thought to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world!
Today, Blue Cross continues to provide veterinary care alongside rehoming animals - supporting them with training and the behavioural support needed to give homeless pups the opportunity for a second chance with a new, loving family.
Find out about the Blue Cross’ services.
All Dogs Matter
Operating primarily in London and the surrounding areas, All Dogs Matter is a dog rescue and rehoming charity focused on rescuing dogs from shelters, owners who can no longer care for them, and even dogs from overseas.
The charity then makes sure every dog is healthy, happy, rehabilitated - and ready for adoption.
Learn more about the work of All Dogs Matter.
Why adopt from a dog rescue charity?
While people often have the preconception that a dog has been surrendered because of behavioural issues, the truth is often that their owner’s circumstances have changed - moving home, losing a job and separation are all common reasons a dog may find itself given up.
By choosing to adopt, you’re giving a dog a second chance at happiness. Many of the dogs you will find in rescue centres are mixed breeds that may get overlooked, but as so many have discovered, they are often the most loving and loyal pets you could wish to find.
The UK is currently experiencing a dog rehoming crisis, with the RSPCA’s intake 42% higher than adoptions, leaving thousands of dogs waiting in emergency boarding. Adopting from a rescue will help to combat unlicensed puppy farms and unethical breeders, while also helping to ease the pressure on rescue charities of all sizes.
How to adopt a dog
Each charity has its own adoption process, but most will follow these common steps:
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Finding your puppy: Browse available dogs and read about their personalities and requirements.
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Complete an application: When you find your perfect match, contact the centre and complete their application process. This will likely include a form and a discussion to make sure your lifestyle and available space match the dog’s needs.
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First meeting: If the rescue agrees that you’re a good match then it’s time to visit and start to bond!
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Home inspection: Before the adoption is complete, expect a home visit to make sure there is enough space and that the environment is safe.
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Bring them home!: After all that preparation, there are just a few more things to complete including vaccinations, microchips and paying an adoption fee.
Supporting dog rescue charities
If you’re not planning on adopting, there are still many ways to support these important organisations. Consider volunteering or making donations and fundraising. Whatever you can do will make a huge difference to the charities and the dogs they care for.
TopDog is committed to supporting dog-related charities. Each of our harness designs promotes a different charity, with a £1 donation being made for each harness sold.
Dog charities supported by TopDog include:
Whether you are planning to adopt or support rescue charities in other ways, you are not just helping one dog, but giving support and a second chance to thousands of dogs across the country.