About Assisi

Founded in 1997, Assisi Animal Sanctuary is an independent animal welfare charity in Northern Ireland committed to rescuing, caring for and rehoming animals in need. Operating a strict no-kill policy, the sanctuary cares for up to 200 animals at any one time, ensuring each one is neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and microchipped before adoption. Animal welfare is central to everything they do, with every animal provided safety, veterinary care and a high quality of life regardless of age or health. Alongside rescue and rehoming, Assisi works to support owners, promote responsible pet ownership and deliver animal welfare education across Northern Ireland.

Contact Information

LocationNewtownards, Northern Ireland
Charity NumberNIC 104594.00

Dogs Available from Assisi

13 dogs available
Big Max, a 9 years old male German Shepherd available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Big Max

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age9 years
BreedGerman Shepherd

This is Max, a beautiful shepherd cross with a heart as big as his paws. He found himself back at Assisi through no fault of his own. Loved by staff both old and new, this gentle giant has charmed everyone who takes the time to earn his trust. While Max is quick to warm up to familiar faces, he can be wary of strangers – particularly men- but with patience and positive interactions he comes around. Once you’re in his circle, you’ll be greeted with bonding enthusiasm, a wagging tail, and a tongue-out grim as he races through the field like a pup, ball in mouth. On walks, Max is strong on the lead but loves a good sniff around. In his younger years, he was more reactive to dogs and strangers when out on walks, now he can cope with both at a distance and is able to glance and return to his favourite hobby – sniffing. Due to his size, strength and history, Max would need an adult-only home as well as being the only pet.

Bruce, a 9 years old male Jack Russell Terrier available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Bruce

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age9 years
BreedJack Russell Terrier

This handsome boy is Bruce, and he is your stereotypical Jack Russel. Bruce can be wary of the big wide world and finds it overwhelming at times. He much prefers quiet walks with his trusted companions and values quality time with them – once Bruce has built a bond with you, you will have a friend for life! His best friend at the Sanctuary is Tana the Shih Tzu, and they love going for quiet afternoon strolls together where they can take in the scenery and all the interesting smells. Bruce is comfortable wearing his muzzle when out on walks and can easily take treats through the gaps when working on learning new skills with the staff. In his downtime, he loves playing with toys and has become quite the collector! – he will often inspect our donation bin for more to add to his collection. He also enjoys daily naps in his comfortable bed and, like many of us, prefers to be undisturbed while sleeping. It would be beneficial to provide Bruce with a quiet area in his new home to place his bed. He is incredibly clever and loves learning new tricks! – he knows sit, paw, down, and hand touch – he has also trained people to let them know he would like attention by gently tapping you with his paw. Bruce is looking for a home that can work with some behavioural issues he has developed throughout his life due to stress and not giving him the space and time he needs. He can be quite fearful of strangers and men and will need time to come out of his shell, build confidence and trust in his new home. Do you have room in your heart and your home for a shy guy like Bruce? If so, please get in touch with us if you would like more information or fill in the application form down below.

Chase, a 11 years old male Jack Russell Terrier available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Chase

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age11 years
BreedJack Russell Terrier

This gorgeous boy is our wee Chase! Chase is a 11 year old jack russell terrier x. Chase’s favourite thing is to play and destroy a squeaky toy, you can often hear squeaking coming from his kennel so we know hes having lots of fun! he is currently working on breaking the record for how many toys he can sneak into his kennel, so far he has managed 16! We tried to ask him how he did it but he was not willing to reveal his secrets. A kind volunteer who takes Chase on walks brought him a lovely toy box so now he can fit even more in! He enjoys dinning alone and sleeping alone, in fact that’s one great thing about him, he likes having his own space and is quite happy doing his own thing. He would really appreciate an owner who wouldn’t mind throwing his ball for him every now and again though. Chase loves learning and is currently working on learning a trick called “Hand Touch”. Chase is an active guy who loves long walks on the beach or quiet forest walks in the rain. His favourite thing to do is splash in muddy puddles. Chase is looking for a home with adults only, he is wary of children and finds it hard to cope in their presence. He would really love to be the only pet in the house, its just been so long since he has had an owner he doesn’t like the thought of having to share one. Chase deserves a home where he can be treated like royalty!.

Cooper, a 3 years old male Cockapoo available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Cooper

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age3 years
BreedCockapoo

Cooper – our curly-haired boy! ?? Unfortunately, our lovely Cooper has found himself back at the sanctuary. Cooper is a wonderful young Cockapoo with so much love to give. As a young boy, he has lots and lots of energy and needs an active home that can provide plenty of time, stimulation, and enrichment. He’s incredibly intelligent and loves getting out and about, exploring the world and taking everything in with excitement and curiosity. That said, new environments and unfamiliar sounds can sometimes feel a little overwhelming for him. Cooper is still finding his way in the world. While he enjoys a good fuss and lots of attention, he can be reactive towards other dogs when out and about. Because of this, Cooper would really benefit from ongoing training to help him focus his energy, build confidence, and develop great manners. He’s a clever boy who would love learning new skills and showing off some cool tricks! Due to previous home incidents, Cooper is looking for an adult-only, active home. He would thrive with adopters who are committed to continuing his training. He would also benefit hugely from having a hobby, such as scent work, which would give him a positive outlet for his intelligence and energy. If you feel you could offer Cooper a loving home where he can continue to grow, learn, and become the best companion he can be, please fill in an application form.

Draco, a 4 years old male German Shepherd available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Draco

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age4 years
BreedGerman Shepherd

This gorgeous amber eyed boy is Draco! This poor boy came into us at only 6 months old, and had been passed around a couple of homes before eventually arriving to us and has been here for over 2 years now! Draco is best described as a cat in dog form, he is extremely independent but once he builds a strong bond with someone you will be the love of his life and the most affectionate boy to you. He is so smart, he picked up on his loose lead walking so quickly, his muzzle training and as well as his basic commands (sit, down, paw, wait). He would love someone who would continue his training when he finds his forever home. Draco loves his long quiet walks around the sanctuary and going on adventures off site, and his favourite game is playing tug with his favourite tug toy he would play for hours if he could! Due to some bad experiences with other dogs before he came to us, he really struggles being around them and would need to be the only dog in the home. Due to his size, strength and overall being a sensitive little man, Draco would only be suitable to an adult only home. If you think you could provide this special boy a perfect home. Please fill out the form below.

Eddie, a 5 years old male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Eddie

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age5 years
BreedSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Eddie is a small dog with a big personality. He is a spirited terrier cross who comes alive in our enclosed fields – running, sniffing and especially splashing about in any water he can find. His love for the outdoors and his playful nature shine through when he is in his element. Eddie is loving and loyal once he gets to know you, but he does have his quirks and needs a bit of time and patience to build trust. Because of this, Eddie is looking for an adult only home with no other pets. Ideally he would be looking for a home in a rural area, where life is quieter and calmer as he finds moving traffic very stressful. Due to issues in his previous home, Eddie would benefit greatly from working with a trainer or behaviourist who can help guide him and build his confidence in a positive way. With the right support and consistency, Eddie has the potential to thrive and form a deep bond with his new person. Eddie isn’t the right fit for everyone, but someone with a big heart and quiet home, he could be the perfect companion.

Marley, a 10 years old male St Bernard available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Marley

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age10 years
BreedSt Bernard

This handsome gentle giant is Marley. He is a 9 year old Saint Bernard. He is a lovable giant and a popular boy with our staff and volunteers. He is a big boy so he needs a home with ample space indoors and outdoors and the time for him to be comfortable and cared for. He loves getting out and about for short walks and sniffing around taking in his surroundings. He needs an adult only home, or a home with older children who are used to large breeds. He also needs to be the only pet in the home. As he is an older boy he would love a quiet place to settle. If you are interested in Marley please submit an application form.

Mollie, a 2 years old female Collie available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Mollie

Northern Ireland
SexFemale
Age2 years
BreedCollie

Meet our Collie Mollie Mollie is just under 2 years old and is the sweetest most affectionate girl. She can be a little nervous initially but it does not take long for Mollie to become your best friend. As a true Collie, Mollie is intelligent and active, showing strong breed traits. She would suitable for a family with older children (8+) who are dog savvy, and would need to be the only pet in the home, she would benefit with someone who has experience with the breed and understands their need for mental and physical stimulation. Mollie will need a secure, enclosed garden where she can exercise safely. Her ideal home would be in a rural area where she is able to focus on her training. She thrives when she has time, attention, and structure. Mollie would benefit with someone who can dedicate their time to her as she would need time built up gradually being left alone. If you are looking for a devoted and affectionate companion to brighten up your days please submit an application for our Mollie girl.

Pablo, a 9 years old male Pug available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Pablo

Northern Ireland
SexMale
Age9 years
BreedPug

This is our wee Pablo! Pablo is a pug cross. Pablo is the best wee boy not only is he very handsome but he is also full of character! Pablo loves to get out on adventures and have lots of fun sometimes to the beach or the forest where he can sniff out what everyone has been up to. He is a very smart boy, who loves learning new things and doing some trick training here at the sanctuary, he has even learnt to crawl along on his stomach. He loves getting attention from the staff here when he asks for it as once he knows you he will happily jump up to say hello and then continue with his mischief. Pablo is desperate to find a loving forever home as he has been here at the sanctuary a very long time and although he has his family here in our dog unit staff, nothing compares to home of your own. Pablo is looking for an adult only home to allow him to be himself and grow strong bonds with his new family so that together they can go on fun adventures. He needs to be the only pet in the home and honestly you wouldn’t need any other pets if you had Pablo! Pablo although being a great wee companion for a human he strongly dislikes other canines so wouldn’t be keen on making any canine pals. He is the whole package, the real deal, just the best boy you could ask for. (Did you read the bit where we said he can crawl? How many dogs do you know who can do that? Not many I bet) Pablo does have some behavioural issues which would benefit from a home that will be willing to work with him on these and just give him the space he needs. If you think you could offer this wee cheeky chap a forever home to call his own please fill in an application form.

Popcorn, a 11 years old female Collie available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Popcorn

Northern Ireland
SexFemale
Age11 years
BreedCollie

Popcorn is a Collie x Spaniel. Popcorn is a very loving and affectionate girl once she gets to know you. She can find it difficult to trust new people and therefore can be fearful of strangers. However, through time and patience once she feels safe she can build very strong bonds with those she knows she can trust. She would be seeking a home with no children or other pets. She would be best suited to a quiet home in an area where there is less traffic around as fast-moving and large vehicles can be overwhelming for her. Popcorn is very intelligent and just loves to learn new things, and shine during agility sessions which we would recommend continuing in the home. Popcorn will also benefit from working with a one to one trainer/ behaviourist in her new home to help her be the best she can be. She loves to get off lead in a enclosed field and bounce around like a pup again. She loves walks on the beach and in forests where she gets to smell all the new and wonderful smells, although she’s not a fan of the sea just yet! Popcorn would really make a great companion for someone who is active and enjoys learning as much as she does. Although it may take some time for a dog like Popcorn to trust new people, once you have been welcomed into her inner circle you will have a bond and a best friend for life!.

Storm, a 7 years old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Storm

Northern Ireland
SexFemale
Age7 years
BreedStaffordshire Bull Terrier

This beautiful girl is Storm! Our Stormy is a gorgeous brindle Staffie with lots of love to give to her new family. Storm has unfortunately been diagnosed with Epilepsy but this doesn’t hold her back and is being controlled by medication and she is doing really well. She loves getting out and about with her people but doesn’t enjoy the company of other dogs. Storm has had a bit of a troubled past which has led to some behavioural issues which we are working on and will continue to need worked on in her new home. Storm would love for her new family to be willing to continue on with a behaviourist when she goes home as this will be very beneficial to her and her settling in and she really loves and enjoys learning! Storm would benefit from a quiet home in a rural area where there is little traffic, people and other dogs. She is a very sweet girl who needs someone to understand her and her needs but also willing to give her that time and space to settle into a brand new home. Storms ideal home is an adult only home and no other pets! If you think you could give this lovely girl a home that can meet her needs please fill in an application form.

Tana, a 11 years old female Shih Tzu available for adoption from Assisi in Northern Ireland

Assisi

Tana

Northern Ireland
SexFemale
Age11 years
BreedShih Tzu

This stunning girl is Tana! Tana is a gorgeous Shih tzu. She has enjoyed her time here with the staff but has always dreamt of having a home of her own. She enjoys taking leisurely strolls with her good friend Bruce, They love taking in the scenery together and exploring all of the smells. Tana is deaf but that does not stop her from doing anything the other dogs can do. The staff have been teaching Tana hand signals to help with her training and she really does enjoy partaking in her training plan here. The staff have been known to say that she is a dream to walk, Tana does love engaging with them when we are out on our walks. Tana loves her little bed and can often be found snoozing in the afternoons. She also loves to sing as she is getting ready for her walk, she feels it brightens up the staffs day and even though she cannot hear herself, she can tell by their faces that they are enjoying her songs. Tana would love to find a home where she can be herself, have her own space when needed and enjoy her twilight years. Tana has some behavioural issues and would therefore like to find a home with adult humans and no other pets. Tana, would love a home that has time and patience to allow her work with a trainer in her new home. If you have room in your life for a girl like Tana, please fill in an application form.

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