Here’s a question we have for you if you’re searching for the best dog rescues in Ireland. Have you been dreaming of owning an adorable puppy for as long as you can remember? We get it. Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and rescuing one is such a special way to help give an animal in need a second chance at life and loving home.
Many people are already well aware of the fact that owning a dog is pretty time-consuming, but many are surprised that it takes just as much time and effort to find the right rescue organization. Given that there are so many types of rescues with different specialties out there, you need to approach the process fully prepared.
This means that you should spend some time considering what you are looking for in your new furry friend. Do you want a puppy? A certain breed or size? Are you looking for a super energetic dog or a more laid-back puppy? All of these questions can help you find your perfect companion so much sooner.
Before scrolling down this list of dog rescues in Ireland, check out this guide from our team at We Love Doodles: Ways to Find Hypoallergenic Dog Rescues.
Find a Dog Rescue Near Me in Ireland
Many rescues have special focuses and are dedicated solely to rehoming specific types of dogs. Some specialize in senior dogs, others in specific breeds, and still others in specific classes of dogs (like working dogs or service dogs).
That being said, there are just as many that save any and every dog they can, so the rescue you pick depends entirely on what you’re looking for. If you’re in Ireland and are looking to rescue a dog, this is the perfect list for you.
We took the time to research all of the best dog rescues in the country and compiled them onto this list just for you. All of the rescues listed are wonderful organizations that are great at what they do.
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1. Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is one of Ireland’s largest dog welfare charities. After starting in 2005, the organization has consistently offered education programs to primary schools in the country.
They also have a dedicated puppy wing that helps find homes for over 500 puppies each year, and they also offer a ton of other services, too.
Some of these services include spaying and neutering for other rescue organizations, performing temperament assessments, and offering behavior modification.
Beyond this, Dogs Trust has a great offer for those who adopt from them: a lifetime of behavior and training support from the organization.
Dogs Trust Details
- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Contact: 01 8791000
- Website: Dogs Trust
2. Sera Husky Animal Rescue
Sera Husky Animal Rescue is located in County Kerry and specializes in rescuing and rehoming all wolf-type dog breeds like huskies. This non-profit was first founded in 2014 and although it started as a rescue specifically for Huskies, they never turn down an animal in need.
As a result, you can find all kinds of dogs there as well as other pets like cats, birds, reptiles, and rodents. This non-profit also provides other community services like education programs, spaying and neutering, adoption events, animal licensing, vaccinations, fundraising, and more.
Sera Husky Animal Rescue Details
- Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland
- Contact: 0873512719
- Website: Sera Husky Animal Rescue
3. DSPCA
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, also known as the DSPCA, has been in operation for nearly 200 years. During this time, the rescue has managed to re-home and rehabilitate countless dogs and pets, making them one of the leading animal welfare charities in the country.
When it first opened its doors in 1840 it was known as the Dog and Cats Home and then The Dublin Home for Starving and Forsaken Cats. Despite the name changes through the years, the mission has always remained constant: to save as many animals as possible.
In addition to helping re-home animals, the DSPCA also performs animal welfare inspections, critical care, surgery, neutering and spaying, ongoing care, and vaccinations.
DSPCA Details
- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Contact: 353 1 499 4700
- Website: DSPCA
4. West Cork Animals
West Cork Animals is a registered charity in West Cork, Ireland that is devoted to the protection and rehoming of animals.
This rescue focuses on saving all abandoned, abused, neglected, or unwanted animals in the surrounding area of West Cork, and then works to rehabilitate them and eventually find them a new home. Founded in 1999, this charity manages to find new homes for nearly 400 dogs each year.
In addition to rescuing these animals, West Cork Animals also provides vet care for unwanted animals and conducts spaying and neutering surgeries, animal welfare checks, animal cruelty investigations, and community education and advising for pet ownership.
All pets that enter the West Cork Animals facility are treated with love and kindness, and this rescue is dedicated to upholding their no-kill policy.
West Cork Animals Details
- Location: Co. Cork, Ireland
- Contact: 086 8500131
- Website: West Cork Animals
5. Limerick Animal Welfare
Last on the list of dog rescues in Ireland is “Limerick Animal Welfare.” Limerick Animal Welfare is a rescue organization located in Limerick County, Ireland. This rescue helps save and re-home all sorts of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, rodents, reptiles, birds, and more.
As with all of the rescues on this list, Limerick Animal Welfare has a firm no-kill policy and will help each animal for as long as it takes to find them a loving and permanent home.
All breeds and sizes are welcome at Limerick Animal Welfare, and the wonderful and dedicated staff is well known for the great care they offer any animals that come through the door. Limerick Animal Welfare is always looking for volunteers, so get in touch if you’re interested in learning more.
Limerick Animal Welfare Details
- Location: Co. Limerick, Ireland
- Contact: 06391110
- Website: Limerick Animal Welfare
Getting Ready For Your New Dog in Ireland
When you’ve finally decided on your new dog it can be so tempting to jump the gun and bring them home as soon as possible. Even though we fully understand this urge, we strongly suggest that you fight it and instead take the time to carefully and thoroughly prepare for the arrival of your new furry friend.
Make sure you puppy-proof your whole home by placing all cleaning supplies and chemical products out of reach of your new dog and in spaces that they can’t access. You should also make sure they aren’t able to get into any stores of human food, especially toxic foods like avocado or chocolate.
Dogs are famous for getting into trouble and causing accidents, but it’s not their fault. They explore the world the way human babies do— by tasting and smelling any and everything they can. Unfortunately, this means that they frequently ingest harmful substances if you aren’t careful to keep them out of reach.
Additionally, many dogs have been known to chew through electrical cords if left unattended. Be sure to keep your exposed cords well protected to avoid electrocuting your dog or having to pay for a costly repair of your electronics. In addition, to puppy-proofing your home, you need to make sure that you have all of the new equipment that your dog will need to thrive in their new home.
This includes getting all of the food and treats that they like (the rescue organization or your vet may have some good suggestions about brands or types), as well as toys and leashes. Dogs are snuggly and will often sleep anywhere, but it can be nice to get them a dog bed so they can have their own special space.
You may also want to get a dog crate to keep your dog in during times you can’t watch them. This is a great method that is especially helpful in the beginning when your pet is still new to your home.
Not only can the crate help keep them out of trouble and keep your mind at ease, but if you crate train them properly they will think of the crate as a safe, special place that they can go to do when they feel overwhelmed. Therefore, be sure to give them lots of tasty treats and let them chill out in the crate with the door open while you’re in the room.
Doing this can help them get comfortable with the setup and not think of the crate as a punishment. If you do use a crate, though, be sure to take their collar off every time you put them in the crate. Dogs can sometimes freak out and accidentally get their collars caught on crate wires and then asphyxiate.
Related: How to Get Your Dog to Respect You and Do Dog Shampoo Expire?
Conclusion For The “Best Dog Rescues in Ireland”
It’s so exciting to adopt a dog, especially when you rescue them from an amazing rescue organization like the ones on this list.
If you live in Ireland and are interested in rescuing a dog, any of the rescues listed here are great options. We hope you found this article helpful and we wish you luck on your pet adoption.
For more guides similar to this list of dog rescues in Ireland, you can check out these recommendations:
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue shelter in Ireland, you can learn more by watching “How to Prep For a Rescue Dog” down below:
