Dog Trust Charity

The Dogs Trust charity was established in 1891 and at this time it was known as the National Canine Defence League. This charity is the largest dog welfare charity within the UK and holds the mission of ensuring dogs can enjoy life and be free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

In order to fulfil the mission which the charity has set out, it completes several tasks. For example each year the charity provides care for over 16,000 dogs. This care is provided by the charity at the 17 care centres which it owns; they also ensure that no healthy dogs are ever destroyed. The charity actively promotes several campaigns, for example they run subsidized neutering campaigns across the UK, and this is targeted at stray dogs. One of the vital roles which the charity takes is the education officers which they employ; these people provide thousands of classroom presentations each year. The charity also provides free class room teaching resources so that schools can educate children around dog related issues.

A project known as the Freedom Project was established in order to help pet owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they start a new life. There is also a project known as the Hope Project, the purpose of this is to give preventative veterinary care to dogs which belong to homeless people. The charity also takes the role of an advisor to the government, has established a charity in Ireland and also helps overseas charities.

Rehoming dogs is large of the charity, they believe that no healthy dog should have to be destroyed and should be able to enjoy a healthy life. Due to this, they take in dogs and then find them a new loving home. They take in a wide variety of dogs and often have in excess of five hundred who are looking for a home. Although all potential dog owners should be aware that the selection process is lengthy if they wish to take a dog from the charity.

It begins with a questionnaire, this is used to assess the suitability of the potential owner, and this will be kept on file for six months. Potential owners are then invited into a centre to talk to the staff in order to gain an understanding on the type of dog. An invitation to view the dogs is then provided and a shortlist is drawn up on the potential dogs. Once a dog is selected, the potential owners meet the dog and then take it for a home visit. The vet then checks over the dog, an adoption talk is carried out and the dog can then be taken home. Advice and support is always available to ensure that the dog and the owner are happy. This selection process may seem extensive but it has the feelings of the dog at the centre. These dogs may have come from uncomfortable backgrounds and therefore finding the correct new home is vital.