Dogs Trust

COVID-19 info: Our rehoming centres are not open for public browsing but you can still make an appointment to adopt or bring a dog to us. We’ve set up new processes which include social distancing measures to help keep staff and our visitors safe.

Find out more Advice for dog owners

Former Sponsor Dogs

  • 1,700 Strays

    Help provide a dog with the home they deserve

  • Week

    Sponsoring a dog for yourself or someone else for £1 a week helps with essentials for your sponsor dog

  • 3x year

    Receive updates through the year, so you know exactly how much your money helps

With more than 1,400 stray and abandoned dogs in our care at any one time, we really need your help. We receive no government funding and are totally dependent on the generosity of people like you.

How your money helps

Your sponsorship contributions are used to help your sponsor dog and all the dogs in our care. The money is used to cover the costs of running the Rehoming Centre, costs such as heating the kennels and washing the dogs' bedding. The money also goes towards treats for the dogs, training and medical care - all with the ultimate goal of finding each dog a loving home.

Who are our sponsor dogs?

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity and last year alone we cared for around 15,000 dogs. Most dogs find loving new homes within about six weeks but those who need a little extra care are always safe with us because we never destroy a healthy dog.

Success Stories

  • Arla, former Sponsor Dog
    08 October 2017

    Arla

    Arla arrived at Dogs Trust in September 2015. She was handed over to us from another organisation after she was found straying on a mountain in Wales. We struggled to find the perfect home for Arla as she had a history of aggression and these behaviours were worsened when in the home. Through working with her Canine Carers and Training and Behaviour Advisors, Arla was able to begin a rehoming trial in September 2017 which a couple who live locally to our Kenilworth rehoming centre. Happily, in November 2017 her rehoming was made official and Arla now lives the life of luxury. As the only dog in the home, she has all the attention and her choice of which sofa to lay on - her new family don't even mind that she likes to dig up their garden! Her home is in the countryside so she has lots of space to explore and there are few people and dogs around so she can fully relax.

  • Digby, former Sponsor Dog
    18 July 2018

    Digby

    Digby lived at Dogs Trust for 14 years after being transferred from an organisation in Ireland. We tried to rehome him on multiple occasions but these did not work out due to Digby's fear around strangers and his aggression towards other dogs. Digby was a sponsor dog for 10 years, and the support of his sponsors meant his carers were able to work with him and give him the specialist training he needed to overcome his behavioural issues. In July 2018, Digby began a rehoming trial with a woman - he is the only dog in the home which suits him perfectly since he loves to be the centre of attention! She spent a large portion of 2018 travelling to and from the rehoming centre to get to know Digby and ensure he was comfortable and happy with her. In October 2018 we were able to officially announce his rehome - he settled into his new life well and we're thrilled he found his retirement home. It's all thanks to the support of people like you that we're able to give Digby the second chance he deserves.

  • Honey the Golden Retriever, former Sponsor Dog from Dogs Trust Bridgend
    01 March 2019

    Honey

    Honey is beautiful Golden Retriever who was handed over to Dogs Trust Bridgend in September 2015 when she was just two years old. Unfortunately, Honey’s previous owner had used a lot of negative reinforcement techniques in her training which resulted in Honey having unpredictable behaviour and resource guarding issues. Thankfully, she enjoyed life at the Centre with her carers who understood her quirks and needs. In February 2019 a family who sponsored Honey looked to rehome her and made numerous visits to the Centre in order to build a strong relationship and ensure Honey was comfortable in their care. Luckily, their meetings went wonderfully and at the end of March we were happy to confirm Honey’s rehome. She has an amazing life with her new family who live locally, enjoys lots of trips out in the car and has as many tennis balls a dog could wish for!

  • Skye, former Sponsor Dog
    15 July 2018

    Skye

    Skye arrived at Dogs Trust in 2011 when she was about 10 months old after she was found with her owner living in a car. She was very thin on arrival but was extremely excited to receive a good meal and soon our veterinary teams nursed her back to health. Unfortunately, despite looking like a Staffie, Skye was classified as a Pit Bull type which meant that we could not legally rehome her in the UK. Skye was also completely deaf which meant she needed specialist training with experienced carers in order to learn commands. Luckily, when Skye’s favourite former carer decided to return to Poland she looked to bring Skye with her and her rehome was finalised in July 2018. Skye now has an amazing life with a family who spoil her rotten! She has made best friends with her carer’s deaf nephew and meets lots of new doggie pals on her travels. We’re over the moon that a dog we never thought would be rehomed found their happy ending with a familiar face they know and love.

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Frequently asked questions

  • How often will I hear from my sponsor dog?

    Your sponsor dog will send you updates three times a year; at Christmas, Valentines day, and again in the summertime.

  • What is my sponsorship money used for?

    Your sponsorship contributions are used to help your sponsor dog and all the dogs in our care.

    The money is used to cover the costs of running the Rehoming Centre, costs such as heating the kennels and washing the dogs' bedding.

    The money also goes towards food for the dogs, training and medical care - all with the ultimate goal of finding each dog a loving home.

  • How long will it take for my welcome pack to arrive?

    Unfortunately, due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19 it may take up to 28 days for your welcome pack to arrive. Our fulfilment house is currently running with limited staff numbers in order adhere to government social distancing measures.

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