Here’s how we’re responding to Covid-19 changes, and keeping our staff, supporters, and dogs safe.
Page updated 12/04/2021
Covid-19 update
We’re always here for you and your dog. If you need urgent support, please contact us on 0303 003 0000. We’ll do everything we can to help. Use this page to find out how coronavirus restrictions are affecting our services:
- Rehoming a dog from us
- Giving up your dog
- Dog School
- Donations
- Events
- Charity shops
- Shared Adoption Scheme
- Fostering
- Volunteering
- Education
- Sponsor a dog
- Community outreach projects.
Find out how we’re making sure our workplaces and venues are Covid secure.
Rehoming a dog from us
Our rehoming centres are currently closed to the public for general browsing. Throughout the pandemic we have been operating a virtual rehoming process that has proved very successful in helping us match our dogs with new homes, and we will continue to rehome our dogs this way. Find out more about how we're rehoming dogs virtually.
We kindly ask that you do not travel to or visit our rehoming centres. Once you have been matched with a dog, you will be invited to attend an appointment at the centre to meet them, and if all goes well, make plans to take them home.
Thinking about getting a dog? Our guide will help you decide if you're 'dog ready.'
Restrictions in England and Wales
In line with government guidelines, our temporary local catchment areas for rehoming dogs in England and Wales have now been lifted. However, some rehoming centres may choose to keep catchment area restrictions in place and will review these on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions in Scotland
Our Glasgow and West Calder rehoming centres are only able to rehome dogs within mainland Scotland.
Restrictions in Northern Ireland
Our Ballymena rehoming centre is only able to rehome dogs within Northern Ireland. Rehoming appointments will resume from April 15th.
Giving up your dog
We know that life rarely goes according to plan, and things don’t always work out, including owning a dog. If you’re struggling and need to give up your dog, we’re here to help. We promise to never put down a healthy dog, you can rest assured that they’ll receive all the love and care they need until we find them a new home.
If you’d like to discuss giving your dog up for adoption, please call us on 0300 303 2188 or contact us via our form.
We know how hard this can be – and will help you make the right decision for your dog.
View more information about giving up your dog.
Dog School
All our classes are currently running virtually so you and your dog can still learn from our experienced coaches from the comfort of your own home.
Contact your local Dog School for more information.
Take a look at our online training tips and videos.
Donating items to our centres
Happily, we can now accept your pre-loved donations of treats, toys, towels and bedding and towels (except feather duvets) at our centres in England, Wales and Scotland (from 2nd April) via our contact-free drop off points. While you won’t be able to come inside because of social distancing guidelines, signage outside will make it clear where you can drop off your kind donations.
Please don’t leave clothing, valuables, electrical equipment, or furniture at our centre drop-off points, as we cannot accept them. Find your local centre.
In Northern Ireland
Our Ballymena rehoming centre will be able to accept your donations from April 15th. You can make your kind donations at a contact-free drop off point in the car park.
You can still send gifts to our dogs via our Amazon Wishlists, or donate via our website.
We’re so grateful for your generous support, now more than ever.
Events
Any public events we had planned have been postponed.
Charity shops
We’re delighted to be reopening our shops and seeing you all again. Before travelling, check your local shop's opening hours and donation windows.
For any other enquiries please email [email protected]
For all the essentials for your four-legged friends, visit our Amazon shop.
Shared Adoption Scheme
As a result of Covid-19, we have had to adjust the way we run our shared adoption support scheme. If you are part of the scheme, read more about how changes to our shared adoption scheme could affect you.
Fostering
Recently, we’ve been overwhelmed by offers to foster our dogs. Thanks to kind people like you, we’ve been able to match many more dogs with foster homes. This is so important, as some dogs struggle in kennels.
Currently, we have a small number of dogs who are looking for a very particular foster environment, so we’re only accepting applications from experienced dog owners who don’t have any other pets or children at home. Find out more and apply to be a dog fosterer. If you've applied to become a foster carer, thank you for your offer of support. Our team will be in touch if there is a suitable dog for you.
Volunteering
Sadly, due to current restrictions we’ve had to temporarily close applications for new volunteers and ask our existing volunteers to stay at home and keep safe.
Education
We've suspended all school visits until further notice. However, we’re currently offering online dog safety workshops for primary schools and families. Find out more and book a free workshop.
Sponsor a dog
If you sponsor a dog already, or have signed up recently, please be aware that your welcome pack and updates may take slightly longer than usual to arrive, as a result of pandemic restrictions. Thank you for bearing with us as we continue our vital work caring for thousands of stray and abandoned dogs. Your support means so much, now more than ever. Sponsor a dog today.
Community outreach projects
Our community outreach projects are more important than ever during this crisis. We’re still running much needed services with restricted resources, and extra safety measures in place.
If you, or someone you are supporting, needs help - please get in touch for urgent, confidential advice:
Hope Project provides support for dog owners who are homeless or in a housing crisis.
Freedom Project provides a pet fostering service for dog owners fleeing domestic abuse.