Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust: a leading charity for dog welfare in the United Kingdom

Dogs Trust is a British charity that has been working since 1891 to improve the lives of dogs. Its work centres on the rescue and adoption of homeless animals, advice for owners and the promotion of legislative changes in animal welfare. The organisation describes itself as the UK's largest dog charity and states that it has cared for more than 11,000 homeless dogs in the last recorded financial year.

Rehoming: dog adoption and fostering

Rehoming is the cornerstone of the organisation. Dogs Trust runs a network of rehoming centres across the United Kingdom, including those in Ballymena, Basildon, Bridgend, Canterbury, Cardiff, Cumbria, Darlington, Dundee, Evesham, Glasgow, Ilfracombe, Kenilworth, Leeds, Loughborough, Manchester, Merseyside, Newbury, Salisbury, Shoreham, Shrewsbury, Snetterton, West Calder and West London. Through its website, those interested can browse the dogs available for adoption, filter by breed and location, and access information about the adoption process and post-adoption support.

In addition to permanent adoption, the organisation offers a fostering programme that allows people to take a dog into their home without a long-term commitment. It also provides for owners to give up their dog when they are no longer able to care for it.

Behavioural advice and support

Dogs Trust has a behaviour support line and specialist services to help owners with their dogs' behaviour problems. The organisation offers resources on training, basic techniques, training at home and out and about, managing unwanted behaviours and extra training and tricks. Among the topics it covers are barking, peeing or pooing in the house, separation anxiety and jumping up at people.

The organisation also helps users distinguish between a trainer and a behaviourist, and provides guidance on essential vet care, visiting the vet and vet care at home.

Support for owners in difficulty

The organisation offers financial advice and support in situations of vulnerability, such as cases of domestic abuse, homelessness or the need for pet-friendly housing. It also provides resources for planning for the future of a dog and guidance on bereavement after the loss of an animal.

Research, campaigning and international reach

Dogs Trust carries out applied research that guides its future work and takes part in campaigns to improve dog welfare legislation. Its work is not limited to the UK and Ireland: the organisation also works internationally to promote safe, healthy lives for dogs anywhere in the world.

Funding and public involvement

The organisation relies on donations, sponsoring a dog, volunteering, fundraising events, legacies and gifts in memory. Dogs Trust also runs a network of charity shops. The organisation is registered as a charity under numbers 1167663 and SC053144, and as a company under number 09365971. Donations are tax exempt and Gift Aid can be claimed.