We help dogs and owners live better together

Life with a dog can be a joyful and rewarding experience. They’re part of our families, our routines and some of our happiest moments – and getting to know what they need to stay healthy and happy helps strengthen the special bond we share with them.  

That’s why we’re here: to offer advice and guidance that supports you and your dog at every stage of your journey together. 

As dog people, we all want to do the right thing for our four-legged friends. But every dog is different, and sometimes understanding what’s best for them requires a helping hand. Our teams offer practical, compassionate support to help build a positive, confident relationship between you and your dog. 

Our behaviour and training support 

Behaviour challenges can happen for lots of reasons: from pent-up energy and overexcitement to changes at home or difficulties adjusting to new situations.  

Our expert teams can provide advice, training and specialist guidance designed to improve your dogs’ wellbeing and strengthen the bond between you.

From our free ​ ​Behaviour Support Line to in-person training or a specialist behaviour package, we’ll help you understand what your dog may be trying to communicate, and give you tips on how to thrive together. 

Learn more about our behaviour services

How we support you and your dog after adoption 

Welcoming a new dog into your home is a big moment, and we know that settling in can take time for both of you.  

That’s why our support doesn’t stop once a dog leaves our rehoming centre. Whatever the challenge, and however long ago you adopted, we’re here to help. We’re on hand with expert guidance and practical support whenever you need us, as you learn about each other and adjust to your new life together.

Whether it’s building routines, understanding behaviour or helping your dog grow in confidence, we’re with you every step of the way. 

Explore our support after adoption

Online advice and education 

Whether you’re welcoming home a new puppy, introducing your dog to a growing family or simply looking for a little guidance along the way, we’re here to help.

From everyday tips to step-by-step support, you can explore all kinds of dog topics with just a tap or click. 

Explore our dog advice

We know how important dogs are to the people who love them. But changes at home, financial pressures, housing worries or shifts in a dog’s behaviour can all put strain on even the strongest bonds.

We’re here to help you and your dog get through any serious problems, together. Through practical support and early guidance, we can help you handle change in a way that best suits you, your dog, and your situation.

Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges at you. Our support services are here to help you and your dog stay together, wherever possible. 

Domestic abuse support

Freedom is a free and confidential service that helps people fleeing domestic abuse. If you can’t take your dog with you, we’ll find a temporary foster home to care for them until you’re safe, settled and ready to be reunited with your four-legged friend.

Learn more about Freedom

Homelessness support

For almost 30 years, we’ve been supporting dog owners experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. From providing access to free vet care to sharing details of dog-friendly support services, we do all we can to help you and your dog stay together. 

Learn more about together through homelessness

Financial hardship support

Financial pressures can make caring for a dog feel overwhelming, especially the cost of everyday essentials such as their food. To help anyone who is struggling, we’ve opened temporary pet food banks at some of our rehoming centres across England, Scotland and Wales.

Find your nearest pet food bank

Helping owners find pet-friendly housing

Finding rental accommodation that accepts pets can sometimes feel challenging. We campaign for more pet-friendly housing; work with landlords to help them feel more confident about renting to people with pets; and offer practical tips and resources to help you find a suitable home, together.

Learn more about pet-friendly housing

These are just a few of the ways that we support dog owners and their pets every day. If any of them sound familiar to you, please get in touch. 

“My dog’s behaviour has changed and I don’t know why”

Behaviour changes can feel worrying, especially if they come out of the blue. But many challenges can be improved with the right support. Alongside investigations into any medical causes for the change, our expert teams can work with you to understand what might be happening and find practical ways forward.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed and I’m not sure what to do”

Life with a dog isn’t always straightforward, and asking for help is always okay. You are not the first owner to need a helping hand, and you certainly won’t be the last! Whether you need advice, reassurance or specialist support, we’re on your side and here to help without judgement.

“I’m worried I might lose my home – or my dog”

Housing, financial or personal challenges can put enormous pressure on owners and pets alike; worrying about your dog and your future together can add to an already stressful situation. Our practical support services can help you and your dog stay safely together as you navigate your next steps. 

• ​​​​​​25,000+​ Dogs, owners and children given behaviour support training
• ​​​​​700+ dogs and owners supported to stay together though homelessness 

Every year, we support thousands of dogs and owners. But we want to do more. Our long-term aim is to reach hundreds of thousands of owners every year in the UK, offering our experience and expertise through both digital and in-person behavioural services.

The changes needed to make this happen are being shaped by our ongoing research into dogs and dog ownership. This evidence-based approach will set us up to support more dogs – and the people who care for them – than ever before.

Explore our latest research