You are helping put older dogs back in the picture.

When 15-year-old Ollie lost his home and family because he could no longer manage the stairs in their new home, our rehoming centre staff stepped in immediately.  

Ollie is an older Border Collie who had spent his life with one family. But as his body aged, everyday movements became painful and difficult. After losing his home and the people he loved, he came into our care scared, unsettled and in need of specialist support.

At 15, Ollie’s needs are very different from those of a younger dog. Our veterinary team carried out a full health assessment and supported him with a carefully managed weight plan and medication to help ease the strain on his ageing leg joints and sore shoulder.

Today, Ollie is living safely with one of our dedicated foster carers while he waits for a new forever home. Everything he needs, from medical treatment to comfort and reassurance, is provided by Dogs Trust while he waits.

Sadly, Ollie’s experience is far from unusual. Right now, almost one in five of all dogs in our care are aged eight or over.

And since 2024, more than 8% of older dogs have waited over six months to be rehomed, almost double the proportion of younger dogs.  

It has now been over 190 days since Ollie first came into our care. Every day, he relies on us for comfort, medical support and reassurance. And we simply could not be there for dogs like Ollie without your continued commitment. 

Your support today could help ensure that more older dogs, who still have so much love to give and life left to live, can receive the care they need, for as long as they need us.

Will you help provide all the comfort, medical treatment and TLC older dogs like Ollie need with a gift today?  

Thank you for being there for older dogs like Ollie.

Donations will go towards all areas of Dogs Trust's work and help care for dogs where the need is greatest.