There are numerous reasons to adopt a pooch rather than buy an animal.
When you adopt a dog, you save their life and get a loyal pet that will be your loving companion for life.
The pups at these dog rescue centres in South West England listed below, have had experiences that have shaped their character.
These dogs have unique personalities and with a little patience and lots of love, you will grow to adore their unique traits.
Remember, that every dog that is adopted leaves room at the shelter for another doggo in need.
Most of these facilities are non-profit charity organisations, so you can also support their good work through donations or volunteering at a dog rescue near you.
Read on to find the perfect canine companion for your lifestyle.
1.) K9 Focus
K9 Focus is a charity organisation in Devon that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need.
The facility has specialised kennels in Torrington to accommodate more doggos including those who need urgent assistance.
In addition to its rescue activities, K9 Focus also rehomes dogs directly from home. If you are unable to care for your beloved dog, reach out to the volunteers at this facility for help.
The rescue also takes senior and sickly dogs in need of long-term care through the Brighter Future Campaign.
If you would like to adopt a pooch from K9 Focus, fill out the online adoption form to express your interest.
A volunteer will reach out to you if there is a dog that matches your lifestyle. Adoption fees start at £195.
All dogs at K9 Focus are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and treated for fleas and worms.
Adopted pups also receive 5 weeks of free pet insurance. You can also support this facility by using its doggy daycare and boarding services at a fee.
- View their available dogs for rehoming here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Shepherds View, Lower Hill, St Giles in the Wood, Torrington EX38 7JU
- Phone: 07971-461-806
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: k9focus.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
2.) RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter
This independent RSPCA branch helps needy dogs and other animals in Devon.
Dogs from Okehampton, Haniton, Tiverton, and Kinsbridge find refuge at this facility.
Through its rescue efforts, the facility rehomes an average of 450 dogs and other animals annually.
In addition to rescuing dogs in need, Little Valley Animal Shelter also helps rehome dogs whose parents can no longer provide care.
The facility also gives limited financial aid to pet parents who cannot afford veterinary care for their beloved pups.
If you have room in your life for a pooch, register your interest through the Perfect Match form.
If your application is successful, a volunteer will contact you to arrange a meet and greet.
This rescue also offers post-adoption support by following up with new parents every two weeks.
Adoption fees range from £150 to £200. All dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, and neutered before adoption.
- View their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Black Hat Lane, Bakers Hill, Exeter, EX2 9TA
- Phone: 01392 439898
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: rspca-littlevalley.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
3.) Hungary Hearts Sanctuary
Since opening its doors, the Hungary Hearts Sanctuary has saved over 2,000 dogs.
The facility rescues and rehomes dogs from Hungary, Salisbury and other areas across the UK.
In addition, the sanctuary is currently running an urgent appeal to help a Ukrainian shelter, rescue dogs and other companion animals.
Hungary Hearts Sanctuary is always looking for foster parents willing to take in rescues with special needs as they wait to transition to their forever homes.
You can become a foster parent to a furry guest who is too young for adoption or recovering from illness by applying through the site.
This facility has unique adoption requirements. Unlike most rescue facilities that require parents to be at least 18 years old, to adopt from Hungary Hearts Sanctuary, you must be 23 years old.
Adoption fees start from £450 which includes the transportation fee from Hungary to England.
All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, flead, and dewormed before adoption.
The facility also conducts home checks before adoption can be completed.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption in the UK here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 61 Barnard Fld, Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7FF
- Phone: 7519 459152
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: hungaryheartsdogrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Twitter | YouTube
4.) Gables Dogs and Cats Home
This dog rescue in Plymouth has helped unwanted and abandoned dogs and other companion animals since 1907.
The facility has a strict no-kill policy and cares for up to 1,000 dogs and cats annually with over 80 dogs passing through the shelter daily.
Gables offers all its rescues a bespoke experience ensuring all their unique needs are met as they transition to their forever homes. All dogs receive veterinary care including neutering, vaccination, and microchipping.
To adopt a dog from this facility, you must be over 21 years old.
Visit the website to see all the available adoptables and fill out the application form. The rehoming team will contact you if you are a potential match.
Adoption fees start from £150 to £200.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 204 Merafield Rd, Plymouth PL7 1UQ
- Phone: 01752 331602
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: gablesfarm.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
5.) Dogs Trust Salisbury
Dogs Trust Salisbury is the perfect place to start your search for a new canine companion. The team at this facility has years of experience in placing dogs with loving forever families.
Dogs Trust Salisbury offers a sanctuary to unwanted, neglected, and abandoned dogs across the UK.
This dog rescue centre is committed to helping all dogs regardless of age or breed.
The facility encourages responsible pet ownership and is focused on helping all dogs enjoy a life free from cruelty and the threat of euthanasia.
To adopt a dog from this rescue centre, visit their website to see all the lovable pups looking forward to meeting their forever families.
Fill out the application form, and the facility will contact you if your application is successful.
Dogs Trust also helps parents who would like to give up their pets find suitable homes.
Adoption fees start from £205 for adult dogs and £260 for puppies.
All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 45 Amesbury Road, Newton Tony, Wiltshire, SP4 0HW
- Phone: 0303 003 0000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/salisbury
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
6.) Woodside Animal Welfare Trust
Woodside provides enrichment in the lives of all abandoned, unwanted, and stray pets that come into its care.
The facility in Devon was founded in 1974 and has successfully rehomed hundreds of pets.
This rescue actively encourages responsible pet ownership and sends welfare officers to deprived areas to teach pet parents how they can provide better care for their beloved companion animals.
If you would like to adopt a pooch from Woodside, you must have a secure garden with a 6ft fence.
Dogs must also have a pre-home visit before the adoption can be completed.
All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before they are listed for adoption.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Plymouth PL7 5ED
- Phone: 1752 347503
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: woodsidesanctuary.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
7.) SNDogs
Saving Needy Dogs (SNDogs) is a registered charity in Swindon that helps find loving homes for pups of all ages and breeds.
Some of the dogs available for rehoming at this facility come from as far as Spain and Romania.
This facility takes care of its rescues through a network of foster carers. Some of the dogs at SNDogs come from troubled backgrounds.
However, living with foster families allows them to learn how to live as part of a family and how to interact with furry family members.
The volunteers at the facility assess all dogs for behavioural and medical problems and work hard to resolve them before listing them for adoption.
The facility also offers neutering, vaccination, and microchipping services to all its rescues.
To adopt a pooch from SNDogs, fill out an application form and pay a non-refundable administration fee of £11.
If your application is successful, a home checker will contact you to verify that your home is suitable for a dog.
Potential parents meet available dogs once they have passed the home check followed by a 2-week trial to see if they are a good match.
Adoption fees start from £300 for adult dogs and £400 for puppies.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 12 Sycamore Grove, Swindon SN2 1SE
- Phone: 7940 268101
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: sndogs.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
8.) National Animal Welfare Trust Cornwall
This shelter is one of the top animal welfare charity organisations in South East England.
The facility is dedicated to helping dogs and other companion animals in need find loving forever families.
The facility has years of experience in making perfect matches and has successfully rehomed thousands of pets.
All dogs at the National Animal Welfare Trust are treated for any medical and behavioural issues before they can be listed for adoption. The dogs are also vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped.
To adopt a pooch from this facility, visit the rehoming page to see all the available adoptables.
Once you spot a pup you love, fill out an application form and wait for a response from the rescue centre.
If you are not ready to adopt, you can support the rescue and rehoming activities at NAWT by donating or volunteering.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Wheal Alfred Kennels, Wheal Alfred Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 5JT
- Phone: 01736 756005
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nawt.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
9.) Happy Landings
Happy Landings is an animal shelter set on 5 acres in Shepton Mallet that houses up to 300 dogs and other domestic animals.
The facility works closely with vets, dog wardens, police, local shelters, and social services to rescue and rehome dogs in need.
This rescue centre has years of match-making experience.
Volunteers at Happy Landings nurse the dogs back to health and rehabilitate them to ensure that they are ready for adoption.
Dogs are also vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped before getting listed for adoption.
The rehoming process at this shelter is straightforward. Potential parents are encouraged to visit the rehoming page to view the available dogs before filling out an application form.
If your application is successful, the facility will contact you to make an appointment.
Happy Landings also provides life-long post-adoption support to all pet parents.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Pye Hill, Pylle, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6TG
- Phone: 01749 860350
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: happy-landings.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
10.) Rushton Dog Rescue
Rushton Dog Rescue rescues and rehomes dogs across the globe including Egypt, Spain, Ireland, China, Cape Verde, and Romania.
The facility founded in 2007 advocates for animal rights through various projects and educates pet parents about responsible pet ownership.
Since the facility started its rescue operations, it has successfully rehomed over 4,000 dogs.
You can support its rescue and rehoming efforts through donations, volunteering, and fundraising.
All dogs available for adoption are listed on their website. These dogs are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms. They are also rehabilitated for behavioural problems.
To adopt a pooch from Rushton, you must fill out an online adoption application form.
The application is reviewed by the Rushton team to determine if you are a match.
Successful applicants are then contacted for a home visit before the adoption can be completed. Adoption fees start from £250 to £850.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 79 Portland Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 9BE
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: rushtondogrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
11.) Margaret Green Animal Rescue
This dog rescue centre has rescued and rehomed dogs in Dorset and neighbouring areas since 1965.
The facility firmly believes that all dogs and other companion animals deserve to live a life free from pain, fear, and distress.
At Margaret Green Animal Rescue, dogs enjoy a homely setting where they can play and socialise.
These fur babies also receive professional vet care, behavioural rehabilitation, neutering, vaccination, and microchips before getting listed for adoption.
The rehoming process starts with booking an appointment to spend time with the dogs at the facility and meet a suitable canine companion.
Once you have found a match, you must fill out a reservation form providing detailed information about your home and lifestyle.
The facility also conducts home visits before rehoming.
Adoption fees start at £250. Pet parents also receive post-adoption support for the dog’s lifetime.
- View their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Church Knowle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5NQ
- Phone: 0330 400 6670
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
12.) Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue
Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue is a no-kill shelter with over 40 years of experience.
Since opening its doors, the facility has rehomed over 5,000 animals including dogs of all breeds and sizes.
This non-profit animal rescue is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming unwanted dogs and other companion animals.
The facility is run by volunteers and regularly cares for over 60 dogs and other animals at a time.
If you would like to adopt a pooch from this facility, you can find a list of all the available adoptables on the website.
You must fill in an online application form detailing your home and lifestyle as well as the kind of canine companion you would like.
All dogs at Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Common Ln, Wincanton BA9 9RB
- Phone: 1963 32279
- Website: somersetanddorsetanimalrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook
13.) Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary
This independent charity rescues and rehomes abandoned, unwanted, and mistreated dogs and cats.
Holly Hedge takes in over 800 animals annually and depends on the generosity of well-wishers and dog lovers in South England to support its rescue activities.
Originally known as Animal Concern, Holly Hedge has grown into a safe haven where dogs of all breeds and ages can spend time with loving volunteers until they find permanent, responsible pet parents.
The facility works closely with a behaviourist who comes to the shelter to help dogs with any behavioural issues that might become an obstacle to their adoption.
This shelter also helps paw parents whose dogs have behavioural issues by offering rehabilitation at subsidized rates.
Adoption at Holly Hedge is simple. Contact the rehoming team via email and follow up with an online application form to start the adoption process.
The facility also carries out home checks to ensure your home is suitable for a four-legged family member.
Adoption fees start from £195. All dogs are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms before adoption.
The adoption process is usually completed within 7 days of the home check.
- View their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Wild Country Lane, Barrow Gurney, Bristol BS48 3SE
- Phone: 01275-474-719
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: hollyhedge.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
14.) Ferne Animal Sanctuary
The team at Ferne Animal Sanctuary is always happy to welcome a prospective pet parent.
This rescue facility is dedicated to helping companion animals throughout South West England find loving homes.
This animal sanctuary in Somerset is located on 72 acres of beautiful countryside where over 300 dogs and other animals can exercise and socialise freely.
The facility welcomes everyone to visit including prospective pet parents and their well-behaved dogs.
Although the sanctuary charges a small admission fee, there is a lot to see at the sanctuary, including a cafe and gift shop where you can buy unique Ferne merchandise.
The facility also has a play area for children.
Adoption at Ferne starts with filling out an online application form and providing a video of your home situation.
If your application is successful, the facility will arrange a visit to meet your new pooch and help you with the final paperwork before you can take them home.
- You can view their available dogs for adoption here.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Wambrook, Chard, TA20 3DH
- Phone: 01460 65214
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ferneanimalsanctuary.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
15.) Animals in Distress
Animals in Distress is passionate about improving the lives of homeless dogs and other companion animals.
Unwanted dogs at this charity rescue are nurtured and given the love and care they need until they can find a suitable forever home.
This facility has a strict no-kill policy and does not rehome any animals that have not been cleared by a veterinary.
With over 600 dogs and other animals coming through this charity annually, the facility upholds its policy to never turn an animal away. The facility also helps parents who would like to surrender their beloved dog.
To adopt a pooch from this shelter, visit their website and apply to rehome a dog through their profile.
The facility will get back to you if you are a suitable match and invite you to meet your new fur baby.
If you are interested in a particular breed, register through the general application form and the facility will contact you when a match is available.
Adoption fees start from £250 for adult dogs and £400 for puppies.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Edgelands Ln, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot TQ12 5UF
- Phone: 1803 812121
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: animalsindistress.uk.com
- Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Final Thoughts On Adopting From Dog Rescues In South West England (UK)
This list of top-rated dog rescue centres in South West England is a good place to start as you look for the perfect pooch for your lifestyle.
These shelters rescue unwanted and abandoned dogs and help give them a second chance at life with loving forever families.
If you would like to open your home to an additional furry family member, visit any of the dog rescues listed above.
Some of these facilities allow visitors while others require an appointment before you can visit.
If you are already a pet parent, you can also take your pooch to rescues such as the Ferne Animal Sanctuary for a day of fun and socialisation.
This facility features over 72 acres of land and even has a dog-friendly cafe.
This is the perfect place to spend a weekend and give the rescues some much-needed TLC.