About Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and last year cared for over 11,500 stray and abandoned dogs at its nationwide network of 15 Rehoming Centres.  We never destroy a healthy dog in our care, and work hard to match the right dog with the right owner, no matter how long this may take.  We believe that all dogs should live in permanent, loving homes with responsible dog owners, and that a dog really is for life.We also offer dog owners the Canine Care Card, a special free service, which means we undertake to care for your dog in the event of your death.

The Hope Project
Provides free preventative veterinary care of dogs belonging to those in housing crisis. Monthly clinics are held and are well attended.  Volunteer veterinary nurses give up their own free time to help these dogs.  In the past year the Hope Clinic in London provided free veterinary care for around 550 dogs.  The voucher scheme enabled a further 1,000 dogs around the UK to receive vital veterinary attention.

Education
Educating children and teenagers is vital in changing people’s attitudes towards dogs in the long term, and we now produce an extensive range of materials targeted specifically at young people.  More than 60% of all schools in the UK now have Dogs Trust resources of some kind.

Home from Home
Home from Home is an external rehoming scheme, which aims to find new owners for those dogs who are easily stressed by a kennel environment.  Targeted specifically at working breeds, the scheme will provide foster carers for these dogs while centre staff search for the right permanent home.  The scheme recognises that many working dogs need to be in a home or a working environment to be happy.

Hope for Greyhounds
The most exciting breakthrough of 2002 was the launch of the Charter for the Racing Greyhound, a 16 point plan that aims to encourage the industry to care for the racing dogs from cradle to grave. The Charter and accompanying Guide to Best Practice have been written by Dogs Trust, along with all other leading animal welfare organisations in the UK and Ireland. The Charter has been accepted by all key players within the racing industry, including the British Greyhound Racing Board and the National Greyhound Racing Club.  Its key aim is to ensure the Greyhound’s welfare from its birth, through rearing, training, racing and into retirement.

Fundraising
Dogs Trust receives no government funding and relies entirely on legacies and donations to fund its work.  One popular way to help is by sponsoring a dog. At Dogs Trust rehoming centres all over the country, there are dogs who may never be rehomed.  For as little as £1 a week, you’ll help to ensure they all get the tender loving care they deserve, for the rest of their days.  In return you can expect regular photos, colourful cards and all the latest news about your new best friend.  Every gift received helps more dogs in need.