With thousands of registered organisations, choosing the best dog rescue in England can be challenging.
This list includes the most reliable rescue organisations that you can use to find the perfect canine companion.
If you would like to join the dog-loving families of England by opening up your home to an abandoned or neglected pooch, these dog rescues are a good place to start.
Adopting a dog helps hundreds of thousands of dogs that would otherwise be destroyed and makes a difference in one dog’s life.
As you plan to adopt a pooch from these facilities, keep in mind that a dog is a big commitment.
You must have enough space and time to accommodate the dog’s needs for exercise and socialisation.
Some dogs become disruptive when left alone so always ensure you have friends and family to let the dog out for a few hours while you are away.
If you do not have anyone reliable, consider leaving your pooch at a dog boarding where they can play and socialise during the day.
Here are the top dog rescues in England where you can begin your search.
1.) Dogs Trust Darlington
At this dog rescue in England, all dogs can enjoy a happy life with their forever families without fear of destruction.
This dog rescue organisation in Durham was founded in 1994.
The facility accommodates up to 120 dogs and is currently rebuilding to welcome more dogs.
Dogs Trust offers open days where new pawrents looking to adopt a fur baby can meet and greet the dogs.
The facility is open to all visitors on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday between 12 pm to 4 pm.
To adopt a pooch from Dogs Trust, browse through the site or visit the facility to meet all the available dogs before filling out an application form.
Once your application is reviewed, the facility will conduct a home check and invite you to meet the dog.
Rehoming donations start from £205 in England and £260 for puppies.
Parents looking to adopt a puppy under 6 months, must join a 4-week course in Dog School.
This course teaches basic training techniques that will help you create a strong bond with your puppy as they learn key life skills.
All dogs at this facility are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for fleas and worms before adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Dogs Trust Darlington, Hill House Farm, Sadberge, Co Durham, DL2 1SL
- Phone: 0303 003 0000 / 020 7837 0006
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: dogstrust.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
2.) Pro Dogs Direct
Pro Dogs Direct is dedicated to helping dogs all over the UK find loving forever homes through its rescue and rehoming services.
The registered charity has successfully rehomed over 10,000 dogs since its inception and placed thousands more with loving foster families.
The dog rescue in England takes in dogs that would otherwise be turned away by other shelters.
This includes dogs that need extra medical care, senior canines that may not be rehomed, and ex-breeding dogs who need some extra TLC.
Visit the ‘Our Dogs’ page to see all the available adoptables and carefully read their profiles to ensure that you are a match.
When you have found your new canine companion, fill out their application form through the ‘Adopt Me’ button.
Every dog has a fixed adoption donation that goes towards their vaccination, medical treatment, microchipping, and neutering.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Cole Ave, Aldershot GU11 1AN
- Phone: 44 7766 021465
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: prodogsdirect.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook
3.) Good Life Dog Rescue
Make a homeless dog happy with the help of Good Life Dog Rescue.
This dog rescue in Leeds is a small self-funded charity that is passionate about the welfare of unwanted, abandoned, and neglected dogs in England.
Founded over 8 years ago, this organisation does not have kennels and relies on boarding facilities in South Yorkshire.
The charity offers all its rescues medical treatment, behavioural rehabilitation, food, and other necessities through the help of fundraisers and donations from well-wishers.
All dogs at this facility are vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered before adoption.
The rehoming process is simple.
Once the facility ensures that the dog will match your lifestyle they will send a volunteer to conduct a home check before you can bring your dog home.
Rehoming fees start from £350.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Pinn Fold, Great North Road, Leeds, LS25 4AG
- Phone: 07843 151819
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: goodlifedogrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
4.) Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home
Founded in 1839, the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home is located on 11.5 acres with a specialist care unit for dogs that need intensive care.
The facility rescues over 7,000 dogs annually and often has up to 250 dogs at a time waiting to meet their new furever families.
Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home is a safe haven for unwanted, neglected, and abandoned dogs as well as pregnant dogs, nursing mums, and distressed dogs that are lost or surrendered by parents who can no longer care for them.
All the available adoptables are listed on their site and applications can be sent via email.
You must pass the home check and bring all family members to meet your new fur baby before adoption can be completed.
Adoption fees start from £130 for adult dogs and £150 for puppies.
All dogs at this rescue organisation in England are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated to a full health check before adoption.
Newly adopted dogs also receive 4 weeks of free pet insurance, a collar, and an identification tag.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Crofter’s House, Moss Brook Road Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5PG / 225 Knutsford Road, Grappenhall Warrington WA4 3JZ
- Phone: 0300 102 1212
- Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
- Website: dogshome.net
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
5.) Stokenchurch Dog Rescue
Formerly called The High Wycombe and District Dog Rescue and Welfare Society, this dog rescue in England was founded in 1963.
Stokenchurch Dog Rescue rescues and rehomes abandoned, unwanted, and impounded dogs in England at risk of euthanasia.
Once a dog arrives at SDR, they receive a medical and behavioural assessment to determine their health and temperament needs.
The facility has an isolation unit where dogs stay for observation for 7-10 days before they can be allowed to socialise with others.
After the facility determines that the dog is healthy and identifies behavioural problems, the dog is listed for adoption.
Potential adopters are encouraged to visit the facility and spend time with the dog before applying for permanent rehoming.
All dogs at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue are microchipped, neutered, vaccinated, and treated for flea and worms.
The facility also offers behavioural training for dogs with particularly traumatising pasts.
This facility also offers sanctuary to senior canines who may not be adopted.
Adoption fees start at £140.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Tower Farm, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, Bucks, HP14 3TD
- Phone: 01494 482695
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: stokenchurchdogrescue.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
6.) Holbrook Animal Rescue
Holbrook Animal Rescue in Horsham, West Sussex, is a family-run charity that was set up over 26 years ago.
Unlike traditional rescue facilities where the dogs sleep in kennels, at Holbrook, the rescues sleep in the house and are free to play and socialise in the fields and garden in true family fashion.
This dog rescue takes in unwanted and abandoned dogs as well as last chance dogs who are considered unadoptable due to illness or temperamental problems.
Holbrook rehabilitates all its rescues and helps them learn to trust and love again.
Holbrook Animal Rescue currently has many lovely dogs waiting to meet their new families.
To adopt a dog, visit the dog profiles to see all the available adoptables and fill out the online application form.
This dog rescue also facilitates surrenders.
Reach out through their contact information below to find out more about their adoption fees and process.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Old Holbrook, Horsham RH12 4TW
- Phone: 01403 248745
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: holbrookanimalrescue.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
7.) Yappy Ever After
Yappy Ever After is a dog rescue in England that accommodates the lost and stray dogs from East Midlands.
Through its popularity on social media, the facility also has developed extensive rescue and rehoming networks across the UK.
The registered charity also rescues dogs from Romania, Cyprus, Spain, and other countries.
The dogs at Yappy Ever After get care through a foster care system which is perfect for behavioural assessment.
Depending on the dog, foster care can last from 2 weeks to months as the fosters parents resolve the dog’s medical and behavioural issues.
With over 100 years of experience, this dog rescue facility has successfully placed thousands of dogs with loving forever families.
If you would like to become a part of the success stories, visit their adoption page to see the available rescues looking for new families.
Adoption fees start from £200 to £300.
This fee is used for vaccination, microchipping, neutering, treatment for fleas and worms, and vet care.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Station Rd, Hatton, Derby DE65 5EH
- Phone: 07720 817983
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: yappyeverafter.org.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
8.) Starfish Dog
This small dog rescue organisation rescues and rehomes dogs and other companion animals.
Starfish Dog was founded to help vulnerable dogs and provides care for them through foster homes where they can experience a family setting before they move to their furever homes.
The facility has established a wide network of foster homes where the dogs undergo behavioural assessments before getting matched with the right families.
In addition to behavioural assessment, the dogs also receive comprehensive vet care with their medical history recorded for their future parents.
All dogs are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and treated for fleas before adoption.
New pet parents also receive a month of free Pet Plan Insurance.
Dogs rescued from Spain receive tests for Mediterranean diseases and are properly documented before adoption.
To adopt a pooch from Starfish Dog, fill out the online questionnaire and wait for a home check if your application is successful.
Parents must visit the dog in its home environment before adoption for a meet and greet.
Adoption fees start from £300.
You can also support this facility through donations.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: The Birches, The Frith, Brownshill, Bussage, Stroud GL6 8AD
- Phone: 44 7980 934164
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: starfishdogrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook
9.) Mayhew Animal Shelter
Mayhew is dedicated to making the lives of dogs across England better through its rescue and rehoming services.
The facility also offers community support, international welfare programs, and a full vet clinic where rescued dogs get comprehensive medical treatment.
At Mayhew, all dogs receive behavioural and medical assessment and rehabilitation before rehoming.
To adopt a pooch from this facility, complete the online form to express your interest after which the facility will contact you for a phone interview.
The dog rescue also conducts virtual home checks during which they will check your garden and living conditions to determine if it is suitable for your new pooch.
Prospective dog parents can meet the dog during this virtual meeting.
If you and your pooch are a match, you can schedule a pick-up date and pay an adoption fee of £160.
All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and treated for fleas and worms before adoption.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Trenmar Gardens Kensal Green London NW10 6BJ
- Phone: 020 8962 8000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: themayhew.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
10.) Second Chance Animal Rescue
Second Chance Animal Rescue in Southampton is a small rescue with over 30 years of experience in rescuing and rehoming dogs, cats, small animals, and wildlife.
The facility has a strict no-kill policy and strives to provide care for all its rescues until they can be rehomed.
Following the COVID-19 lockdown, many rescue dogs were adopted from this facility.
However, with life resuming to the new normal, many dog parents are returning their fur babies to the facility.
These dogs suffer from separation anxiety and lack of socialisation.
Second Chance encourages responsible pet parenting and asks enquirers not to rehome a rescue if they are unable to adequately care for them.
To adopt a dog from Second Chance, visit the site and send an enquiry to find out whether there are any available adoptables.
The facility will keep your details for up to a month to notify you when a dog is available.
The facility also offers the home-to-home program where adoptable dogs can go to their new homes directly from foster care with no adoption charge.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 4 Mansbridge Cottage Mansbridge Road Mansbridge Southampton SO18 2NH
- Phone: 023 8055 9552
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: secondchanceanimalrescue.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
11.) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Known as one of the oldest dog rescue shelters in England, Battersea has served dogs and dog lovers for over 160 years.
The facility helps all dogs and cats in need without discriminating against age, size, or breed.
Their vast placement experience makes Battersea one of the top dog rescues in England with a 99% chance of success.
The facility offers a unique approach to adoption where, unlike other facilities that let you choose an animal, they match you with a dog that is most suitable for your lifestyle.
The volunteers at this facility take the time to understand each dog’s temperament and personality before making a match.
Dogs enjoy socialization, play, and various behavioural assessment techniques where their behavioural problems can be identified and rehabilitated.
Adoption at Battersea starts with registration which outlines your needs and lifestyle.
After registration, a Battersea rehoming representative will reach out to let you know when they have a match for you.
A virtual or physical meet and greet is the last step before you are allowed to pick up your pet.
The facility also helps pet parents who would like to give up their beloved pooch for adoption.
Rehoming fees are £175 for adult dogs, £320 for two siblings, and £220 for puppies younger than 6 months.
The adoption fee includes microchipping, vaccination, neutering, identification tag and lead, collar, food starter pack, and four weeks of free Petplan insurance.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4AA
- Phone: 0800 001 4444
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: battersea.org.uk
- Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
12.) All Dogs Matter
All Dogs Matter in London offers rescue and rehoming services to unwanted and abandoned fur babies in London.
The facility rehomed over 330 dogs in 2021 and placed over 45 dogs rescued from Egypt, China, and Italy in furever homes.
As one of the largest dog rescues in England, this facility strives to transform the lives of dogs and dog parents through their passionate animal welfare efforts.
All Dogs Matter works closely with individuals and organisations to save dogs from pounds and shelters, reunite lost dogs with their parents, and help surrendered pups get new loving homes.
If you are ready to open up your home to a rescue, visit the site to see all the available pooches and fill out an online questionnaire.
The staff conduct thorough assessments that include home checks and a meet and greet with the family to ensure that you are a good match.
Adoption donations are £200 – £250 which is the cost of microchipping, vaccinations, neutering, and 4 weeks of pet insurance.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 30 Aylmer Parade, London, N2 0PE
- Phone: 020 8341 3196
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: alldogsmatter.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
13.) Wellingborough Dog Welfare
At Wellidog in Grendon, Northamptonshire, rescues get a second chance to become a family’s best friend.
The local charity rescues unwanted and stray dogs from its surrounding areas and saves them from unnecessary killing.
The no-kill shelter is dedicated to ensuring each of its rescues is placed in a loving furever family and works tirelessly to provide care for doggos in its care.
If you would like to adopt a dog from Wellidog, the facility welcomes you to visit and socialise with its residents as you look for a suitable match.
The adoption process at Wellidog includes physical home checks to certify that your home is a safe and conducive environment as the dog transitions into family life.
Adoption fees start from £200 which covers vaccination, microchipping, neutering, and treatment for worms and fleas.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: Main Road Grendon Northampton Northamptonshire NN7 1JW
- Phone: 07561 129207
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: wellidog.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Conclusion To Dog Rescues In England (UK)
Adopting a dog is rewarding but it is also a major commitment that will bring big changes into your life.
Some dogs take more time to transition into family life while others may have socialisation issues due to being abandoned.
As you prepare to adopt your new pooch from these dog rescues in England, visit any of the facilities and spend as much time as you can with them before finalising the adoption.
These dogs have so much love to give and can’t wait to meet their new families.
If your living conditions cannot allow permanent rehoming, there are numerous ways through which you can support these rescues.
Consider offering temporary care as a foster home, donating funds and any items the dogs may need, or volunteering your time and skills at a facility near you.