If you’re searching for the best dog rescue centres in the South East of England, you’ve come to the right place. With tens of dog rescue centres in the South East of England, it can get tricky to choose the best one. Choosing the right rescue group is crucial to adopting a healthy, active, energetic dog.
To help you compare and choose the best rescue shelter, we have listed the most reputable and reliable names in the area. The information we have gathered about these top rescue groups will assist you in adopting the most suitable dog.
Before you scroll down this list of dog rescue centres in the South East of England, you can check out these other recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Pug Rescues in New England and Best Corgi Rescues in New England.
1. The Retreat Animal Rescue
The Retreat was founded in 1989 to save abused, sick, tormented, injured, and stray animals on the verge of death. It operates as a non-profit organization and strives to work for the welfare of abandoned and homeless dogs in the area. The Retreat’s Animal Rescue was established as a collective response against the inhumane treatment of animals.
For the past 33 years, this rescue has offered specialized care to every animal rescued from harsh circumstances. Over the years, it has become one of the major puppy rescue centres in the South East of England. The puppies present here are given individual attention and care. This rescue center follows a genuine no-kill policy.
It looks after over 1,000 farmed, domestic, and wild animals at once and provides them with the necessary medical facilities, including vaccinations. In addition, RAR is committed to spreading awareness regarding better treatment of animals, especially dogs and cats. It aims to educate the public about animal rights to encourage pet ownership and adoption. The rescue is supported by a group of devoted volunteers and support staff.
To date, it has rescued over 20,000 animals with the help of its volunteers. Being one of the best dog rescue centres in the South East of England, it is looking to expand further to accommodate more animals in the future. For this, the rescue needs more donations. You can find some great pets for adoption on their website. Besides, your donations can lend a helping hand to the organization’s cause of saving animal lives.
The Retreat Animal Rescue Details
- Address: The Retreat, Brickyard Farm, Cripple Hill, High Halden, Ashford TN26 3LJ, United Kingdom
- Website: The Retreat Animal Rescue
- Contact: 01233-850-723
- Email: theretreatanimalrescue@btinternet.com
- Facebook: The Retreat Animal Rescue’s Facebook
2. Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is considered the pioneer of dog rescue centres in the South East of England. It was established by Bernard Cuff 64 years ago, and since then, it has worked for the welfare of dogs in the area. Bernard worked tirelessly throughout his life to save the lives of homeless, abandoned dogs.
Initially, he started rescuing and looking after unclaimed dogs at his own cost. Later, the organization expanded operations through community-raised funding and local sponsorships. After Bernard’s death, his widow Connie supported by a group of volunteers, continued to work day and night for dog rescue.
The team at PRDS now strives to provide a safe and loving environment to the dogs. You can find a range of dogs at their sanctuary for adoption. All the dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered and vaccinated before moving to a new home.
Moreover, PRDS has a rigorous vetting process; experts will conduct your interview and visit your home before the dog is given to you for adoption. However, the team at Pine Ridge is very responsible yet cooperative when it comes to dog adoption. You may contact the organization to meet adoptable dogs and inspect the facility by contacting Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary.
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Details
- Address: Pine Ridge Farm, Priory Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8RJ, United Kingdom
- Website: Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary
- Contact: 01344-882-689
- Email: pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk
- Facebook: Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary’s Facebook
3. Holbrook Animal Rescue
Holbrook Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in 1996. It is run by an animal-loving family that wants to help abandoned, injured, or abused animals find a new home. This rescue center provides the dogs with a home-like atmosphere, allowing them to explore the gardens and fields. The dogs are given immense attention, care, and training to take less time to adjust to their new homes.
Holbrook Animal Rescue regularly posts pictures and information about dogs under its care. You can contact this rescue to show interest in adopting any dog listed on the website. If you like a dog, select the “adopt me” button to complete the online application form. Once you submit your answers, a representative from Holbrook Animal Rescue will contact you to start the process.
Holbrook Animal Rescue Details
- Address: Old Holbrook RH12 4TW, United Kingdom
- Website: Holbrook Animal Rescue
- Contact: 01403-248-745
- Email: holbrookanimalrescue@outlook.com
- Facebook: Holbrook Animal Rescue’s Facebook
4. Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare
The Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare is a non-profit animal welfare organization founded in 1975. Since then, it has rescued unwanted, abandoned animals, mainly dogs. Along with rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs, the core objective of the trust is to promote the neutering and spaying of pets. The foundation believes that if all owners spayed or neutered their pets, there will be fewer pets to rescue and rehome.
Over the years, KWT has become one of the few big dog rescue centres in South East England. It rescues hundreds of dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, birds, and small mammals every year. The trustees of the organization themselves work as volunteers and spend plenty of time in different rescue and rehoming activities.
Besides, the trust has employed competent professional staff for animal care, medical activities, training, and rehabilitation. If you want to adopt a dog from KWT, visit the website’s gallery to view the profiles of all adoptable dogs. If you see a dog you like, call the number below to register your interest in adopting a dog. In addition to rehoming companion animals, the trust is involved in wildlife rehabilitation and operates a wildlife emergency helpline.
Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare Details
- Address: Animal Rescue Centre, Stonehurst Lane, Hadlow Down TN22 4ED, United Kingdom
- Website: Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare
- Contact: 01825-830-444
- Email: mail@kitwilsontrust.org.uk
- Facebook: Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare’s Facebook
5. Dogs Trust
This trust was founded over three decades ago to become one of the best dog rescue centres in the South East of England. Over the years, it has grown into a network of shelters across England where dogs are treated, loved, and rehomed. The trust provides behavioral training, medical treatment, and caretaking services to the dogs rescued from harsh conditions.
In addition, the trust prides itself in offering rehoming services for existing pet owners struggling to give their beloved pets the deserved care and attention. Dogs Trust has made the adoption process simple and straightforward. Visit the website to browse available dog profiles and fill out the online application form to register your interest when you find a dog that matches your requirements.
Representatives from Dogs Trust will get in touch to set up an online meeting and determine whether you and your chosen dog are a match. If you need help choosing a dog, you can book an appointment at your local Dogs Trust Centre for a 30-minute online session.
Dogs Trust Details
- Address: 17 Wakley Street EC1V 7RQ, London, United Kingdom
- Website: Dogs Trust
- Contact: 020-7837-0006
- Email: info@dogstrust.org.uk
- Facebook: Dogs Trust’s Facebook
How to Choose a Dog Rescue Centre in the South East of England
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, you might feel overwhelmed, and rightly so. Finding the right rescue is daunting with many shelters and dog rescue centres in your area.
The following tips can help you narrow your search:
- Understand the difference in facilities: Not every rescue group is the same. Some of them lack even necessities, while some offer additional post-adoption services. In this context, choosing a rescue center that offers resident dogs a comfortable living environment, play area, training, and medical facilities is always ideal. Besides, it is even better if a rescue center offers post-adoption care for your pet.
- Compare the dog adoption fees: All rescue groups have different adoption fees. The fee may vary based on the age and breed of the dog and also on what aspects (spaying, neutering, microchipping, etc.) are covered. Once you know the adoption fee details, you will be better positioned to decide. You must consider your budget when choosing a dog rescue for pet adoption.
- Review the rescue group’s policies: Each rescue center operates with a unique set of operating policies. Therefore, you need to be well-informed about the policies of the rescue you are looking to choose. For instance, some rescues demand references and home visits, while others don’t. Other policies include refunds, options to surrender animals in case of congenital health issues, and post-adoption support. So, ensure that the policies suit you well and don’t become a hurdle in the adoption process.
Conclusion For The “Best Dog Rescue Centres in the South East of England”
If you’re looking to adopt from a rescue center, we hope this list has been helpful. These centers do amazing work and are dedicated to finding forever homes for their animals. The facts mentioned throughout this blog are acquired from the most reliable sources and authenticated by the rescue centers listed above.
For more guides similar to this list of dog rescue centres in the South East of England, you can check out:
- Best Dog Rescue Centres in South West England
- Best Dog Rescues in New England
- Best Dog Rescues in England
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue center in the South East of England, you can learn more by watching “Things You Must Know Before Adopting a Dog” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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