Find out how we’re making sure our workplaces and venues are Covid-secure  

Rehoming a dog from us

The coronavirus pandemic has caused our rehoming centres to close for public browsing. But, wherever possible, we’re still matching dogs with new homes virtually and delivering dogs contact-free. See below for more details about restrictions in different areas.

Some dogs will need to meet their new family before going home but we’re not able to make appointments to meet dogs at the moment. Where possible, we can register your interest and arrange an appointment for you to come and meet them at the centre when restrictions ease.

If you’re interested in applying to adopt a dog, click the ‘come and meet me’ button on their online profile. See dogs available for adoption

More information about rehoming from us and our new processes 

Thinking about getting a dog? Our guide will help you decide if you're 'dog ready.'

Restrictions in England and Wales

Our rehoming centres in England and Wales are only able to rehome locally, with drop-offs limited to within an hour of the centre in most places. Get in touch on 0303 003 0000 to check you’re within our temporary catchment areas.

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.

Giving up your dog

We know that life rarely goes according to plan, and things don’t always work out, including owning a dog.

Our rehoming centres are accepting dogs throughout the pandemic. 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.

More information about giving up your dog 

Dog School

Our face-to-face classes are suspended until the end of February across the UK. You and your dog can still learn from our experienced coaches through our virtual classes. Contact your local Dog School for more information.

Take a look at our online training tips and videos. 

Donations 

We’re not able to accept donations of pre-loved goods, or dog food and treats, at any of our our rehoming centres at the moment.

You can still send gifts to our dogs via our Amazon Wishlists, or donate via our website. And we’re so grateful for your support, now more than ever.

Events

Any public events we had planned have been postponed.

Charity shops

All of our charity shops are currently closed. Find out about your local Dogs Trust charity shop.

Please save your donations for us: we particularly need winter coats, shoes, boots, bags, bric-a-brac and jewellery.

We are unable to provide a donation collection service

For all the essentials for your four-legged friends, visit our Amazon shop   

Shared Adoption Scheme

Due to Coronavirus we have had to change the way we run our shared adoption support scheme. If you are part of the scheme, read more about how these changes could affect you.

Fostering

We’ve been overwhelmed by offers to foster our dogs. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to get many dogs in to foster homes – which is essential to the work we do, as some dogs struggle in kennels.  

We do still have a small number of dogs who are looking for a very particular foster home, so we’re only accepting applications from experienced dog owners who don’t have any other pets or children in their home. Find out more and apply.   

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

We've been overwhelmed with offers of help from members of the dog-loving public to volunteer with us, and we appreciate every single one. 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 but 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 recently signed up, please be aware that your welcome pack and updates may take slightly longer than usual to arrive, due to 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 >

Community outreach projects

Our community outreach projects are more important than ever during this crisis. We’re still running vital services but 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: 

The Hope Project provides support for dog owners who are homeless or in housing crisis.

The Freedom Project provides a pet fostering service for dog owners fleeing domestic abuse.