Spotlight on Dogs Trust
Creating A Better Future For Dogs and The People Who Love Them
Dogs Trust believes that all dogs deserve to live life to the full. Since its inception in 1891, this renowned national charity has been hard at work to create a better future for dogs and the people who love them.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Dogs Trust, including:
First things first: What does Dogs Trust do?
When a dog is in distress, Dogs Trust cares for them. When a dog needs a home, Dogs Trust finds them a loving family. When an owner needs a helping hand (or paw) – or they just can’t cope – Dogs Trust is ready to step in.
Dogs Trust helps dogs in need
Charity Objective: Creating a better future for dogs and the people who love them.
- Helping dogs find a loving home – Whether their previous owner couldn’t look after them or they’ve been found as strays, Dogs Trust’s rehoming centres are full of wonderful dogs looking for new homes. Each dog receives targeted help and enjoys a mix of activities to keep them happy and healthy – from outdoor play to relaxation and training. And for those with additional needs, Dogs Trust goes the extra mile to build their confidence and skills, sometimes even arranging overnight stays with staff members.
- Supporting dogs to overcome behaviour challenges – Some dogs need help to feel more at ease around other dogs or when spending time alone. And Dogs Trust has a specialised training and behaviour team who create plans to help them prepare for life with a new owner, putting measures in place to minimise the chances of them being given up again.
- Access to expert vet care – Dogs Trust’s experienced centre veterinary teams give dogs the healthcare they need. From routine preventative care to neutering, management of ongoing health conditions, and looking after pregnant bitches and their puppies, the team ensures that all dogs get exactly the care they need.
Dogs Trust helps owners in need
- Delivering trusted advice and support – online, on the phone and in person – to help you build a bond with your dog.
- For help and advice on dog training, behaviour, care and Dog School, read Dogs Trust’s expert advice.
- Interested in adopting a dog? Check out these questions to find out whether you’re ready.
- Discover useful skills for you and your dog to learn in the Dogs Trust training section – From the basics to preventing unwanted behaviour and extra tricks, there’s plenty to absorb.
- Keeping our dogs happy and healthy is so important, we have dog care advice to support dog owners.
- Every dog is unique with their own quirks, delights and even their own challenges. Learn how to read your dog’s body language and understand their behaviours, through Dogs Trust’s behaviour advice.
- Supporting adopters for the whole of their dog’s life – When you adopt a dog from Dogs Trust, they’ll provide comprehensive support so that you and your canine companion can focus on living your best lives, together.
- Running training courses for you and your dog – At Dog School, you’ll access expert advice and practical training to help you and your dog understand each other.
- Dogs Trust offers in-person or virtual 4-week courses tailored to puppies, adolescents or adults, where you’ll learn how to improve recall, train your dog to walk nicely on a lead, communicate effectively, overcome chewing and toilet train.
- Classes take place once a week – with small class sizes to ensure you and your dog get plenty of individual attention.
- Supporting dog owners experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse – Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project helps dog owners and their dogs escape domestic violence, while the Hope Project provides advice and practical support to dog owners who are homeless.
- Supporting dog owners considering giving up their dog – Dogs Trust is there for dog owners who are considering giving up their dogs, providing advice, support and a non-judgemental space.
Dogs Trust makes tomorrow’s world a better place for all dogs
From campaigning on issues like puppy smuggling to lobbying governments, funding dog welfare research projects and working towards eliminating rabies, Dogs Trust is committed to making life better for generations of dogs to come.
- Influencing governments in the UK and Europe – Dogs Trust educates and influences governments on dog welfare, working across parties to highlight campaigns and contribute to consultations. It chairs the Pet Advertising Advisory Group and is Secretariat for the EU Dog and Cat Alliance.
- Helping children develop positive attitudes and behaviours around dogs – Dogs Trust runs dog safety workshops in schools across the UK, helping to form responsible dog owners of the future
- Helping owners bond with their dogs through training – As mentioned above, Dogs Trust’s Dog School classes are designed to help owners better understand and train their dogs, with the overreaching aim of reducing the need for rehoming and improving life for all dogs in the future.
- Ensuring its work is based on the best evidence – Keeping up to speed on the latest dog research ensures that Dogs Trust is able to continue to do the best it can for dogs in its care and improve the lives of dogs everywhere.
- Making life better for dogs around the world – Dogs Trust Worldwide works directly and with a variety of international partners to vaccinate and neuter dogs, train vets and educate children. It has funded welfare programmes and emergency grants to help dogs impacted by Covid-19, the Beirut explosion and Bushfires in Australia, amongst other things.
- Supporting dogs and their owners in North America – Dogs Trust USA works with partner organisations across the USA to care for dogs in need, find them a forever home and help them live well for life.
So, who are these amazing people making a brighter future for dogs?
Founded by Lady Gertrude Stock in 1891, people are at the heart of Dogs Trust’s story.
Passionate and dedicated, Dogs Trust’s staff and volunteers have driven the charity’s achievements since then – from changing laws and expanding abroad to supporting thousands of dogs and owners.
The Dogs Trust Story
When Dogs Trust was founded in the late nineteenth century, attitudes to dogs were very difference – with practices like prolonged chaining being common. In 1891, Lady Gertrude Stock founded the National Canine Defence League to campaign against cruelty to dogs.
In the following decades, the organisation continued to campaign for better dog welfare, as well as increasing rehoming and starting to work with partners overseas. The charity helped dogs through 2 world wars and in 1978 launched its well-known slogan, “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” And in 2003, the National Canine Defence League became Dogs Trust.
Today, Dogs Trust is the UK’s leading dog welfare charity page – discover more of its rich history and incredible achievements here.
The Dogs Trust Team
From carers and behaviour specialists, vets and volunteers, every member of the Dogs Trust family plays a crucial role in the charity. And what do they share? A love for dogs and a passion for creating a better future for them.
If you’d like to find out more about the charity’s people, head here. You’ll meet chief exec Owen Sharp and dog ambulance driver Steve, for starters.
Quickfire Q & A
What is Dogs Trust’s mission?
When was Dogs Trust founded?
How does Dogs Trust fundraise?
What has Dogs Trust achieved?
Donate your preloved items to support Dogs Trust
We’re so proud to be partnering with this incredible charity to help create a better future for dogs and the people who love them. Do you feel a wardrobe clear out coming on?!
Ready to declutter your wardrobe to support Dogs Trust?
Click below to book your collection with Donate Clothes.
Thank you for reading.
For more information on our charity clothes collection and recycling services, please visit our about us page or contact us directly.
