Dogs Trust Philosophy

BUILDING REHOMING CENTRES: THE DOGS TRUST PHILOSOPHY

Dogs Trust aims to lead the world in terms of rehoming centre design. We do this for a number of reasons:

• Our dogs deserve the very best facilities to get them back on their paws and into new homes as soon as possible.
• First class facilities are especially important as we never destroy a healthy dog. We need to ensure that our long term guests are given the best treatement possible.
• Our research shows that many people are put off going to rehoming centres because they feel that such centres are depressing and full of undesirable dogs. Having first class facilities means more visitors and raises the status of our dogs.
• We value our staff and believe they are motivated by a pleasant working environment.
• As well as our social responsibility to be kind to the environment, building centres with sustainability in mind will help to reduce our costs.
• We want to act as a beacon showing other welfare organisations throughout the world what can be achieved. Our pioneering building work has already resulted in a huge number of visitors from overseas welfare organisations who return home to put the what they’ve learned into practice.

1. DOGS COME FIRST

All new centres are built with the needs of dogs as our primary consideration.

• Spacious, glass fronted kennels which have proved to be more calming than the more traditional metal bars. Glass fronted kennels in corridors are angled to allow dogs to see approaching visitors.
• On site veterinary facilities mean that dogs are saved the stress of transportation to local veterinary surgeries for neutering and other routine procedures.
• Varied exercise areas to keep dogs healthy and mentally stimulated.
• Real life rooms to accustom dogs to the sights and sounds of a family home.
• Grooming and washing areas to ensure dogs look and feel their best.
• Quarantine areas to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Special, isolated kennels for mums and pups.
• Flaps that allow dogs to choose whether to be indoors or outdoors.
• Training barns to help dogs become perfect family pets.

2. THE PUBLIC MATTERS

If the public don’t like our centres then they won’t come to re-home dogs.

• Spacious car park facilities.
• Bright and welcoming reception areas.
• Decoratively pleasing environments.
• Landscaped outdoor areas to promote a positive visitor experience.
• Designs that are sympathetic to the local surroundings.
• Kennels that show the dogs at their best.
• Indoor viewing areas.
• Locations close to major population centres.
• Access to modern WCs.
• Excellent disability access.

3. VALUING OUR STAFF

Staff are involved in the design of new centres to ensure that their needs are met.

• Specially designed shower units that mean staff don’t have to bend to wash dogs of differing heights.
• Kitchen units close to kennel areas to optimise working time.
• Vet surgeries and examination areas to cut down on staff travel.
• Training barns to train and develop staff (as well as dogs) on-site.
• Good quality staff rooms (as there is usually little access to refreshment facilities in the locale).
• Space for campaigns and education staff to improve dog welfare in the local community.

4. KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT, CAREFUL WITH OUR FUNDS

Dogs Trust treats the issue of sustainability very seriously. Environmentally-friendly does not mean expensive as well designed buildings obviate the need for expensive machinery to control temperature and reduce our energy costs. The following already exist at many centres but will be considered in all new designs.

• Under-floor heating.
• Use of photovoltaic cells to generate electricity.
• Rainwater harvesting.
• Extensive insulation.
• Optimum kennel design to prevent heat loss.
• Harvesting wind power
• Use of natural light
• Energy efficient light bulbs
• Water-less urinals
• Reed beds for natural breakdown of dog faeces
• Bio-mass for heating
• Appropriate building materials
• Outdoor vegetation placed by windows where direct sunlight raises temperatures

AND FINALLY…

Our facilities reflect on the brand. By being the best, we inspire confidence in our supporters and other key stakeholders which encourages greater loyalty and respect. This means that we’re more credible and better supported. Which means we can do more for dogs. A virtuous circle.