Adopt a Rescue Dog in Derbyshire

Ashbourne Animal Welfare was established in 1988 after a group of local animal lovers came together to form a dedicated rescue organisation for animals in need. Initially relying on foster homes, fundraising events, and community support, the charity steadily grew as more animals required care. In 2001, Ashbourne Animal Welfare realised its long-term ambition of opening a purpose-built rescue and rehoming centre known as The Ark, providing improved facilities for cats and dogs. Today, the charity has a strong local supporter base and a long track record of rescuing, caring for, and rehoming thousands of animals, all driven by a continued commitment to welfare, compassion, and community involvement.

BDRUK (Blind Dog Rescue UK) is a small charity focussed on the rescue and rehoming of blind and partially sighted dogs, BUT WE ALSO REHOME FULLY SIGHTED DOGS so please browse our dogs regardless of whether or not you would consider a dog with sight issues.

Castlefield Kennels provides a wide range of professional pet services alongside its vital rescue and rehoming work. The centre offers grooming for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in a fully equipped parlour, led by a highly experienced NVQ Level 3–qualified groomer, as well as access to on-site veterinary care through The Morley Veterinary Practice. Castlefield Kennels also features a purpose-built indoor training hall available for hire for classes, talks, and meetings. Working closely with local councils and the community, the kennels take in stray dogs and care for them during the statutory holding period. When dogs are not reclaimed, the team works hard to find them safe, loving forever homes where they can thrive.

DogWatch UK is a rescue organisation dedicated to rehoming abandoned dogs from British pounds and Spain, with many dogs cared for in UK foster homes while awaiting adoption. The charity continues to rehome throughout challenging times, carefully assessing homes to ensure dogs are not left alone for long periods and can adjust successfully to family life. Some dogs remain overseas until they meet DEFRA travel requirements, with puppies required to be at least four months old before travelling to the UK. Prospective adopters must complete an application, pay a home check deposit and commit to the dog once approved, with transport to the UK arranged periodically.

Greyhound Trust is a UK charity dedicated to finding loving homes for retired racing greyhounds. Founded in 1975, the charity has rehomed more than 100,000 greyhounds and now helps around 3,500 dogs each year through its network of volunteer-led branches.

Just for Dogs is a Derbyshire-based dog rescue charity founded in 1997 with a clear focus on rescuing and rehoming abandoned and unwanted dogs. The charity supports dogs that have become homeless due to changes in their owners’ circumstances, providing full veterinary care including vaccination, microchipping, and neutering. Just for Dogs follows a responsible but flexible rehoming approach, carefully matching dogs to a wide range of households without imposing unnecessary restrictions. Operating a strict non-destructive policy, the charity places welfare first while also offering advice and support to promote responsible dog ownership within the wider community.

One Paw At A Time Rescue began in 2011 as a small, two-person rescue and has since grown into an international charity supported by a community of thousands. Over the past 13+ years, One Paw has saved more than 3,000 dogs from UK pounds, Romania, and, more recently, the dog meat trade in China, giving vulnerable dogs a second chance at life. All dogs are placed in foster homes for full behavioural assessment before being carefully matched with suitable adopters, and every adoption includes lifelong rescue back-up. Run by a highly dedicated team, with minimal paid staffing to ensure funds go where they are needed most, the charity works tirelessly beyond formal hours to support dogs in need. Based around Nottingham and gradually expanding across the UK, One Paw remains committed to helping dogs facing the most desperate circumstances.

Our Safe Haven Kennels is a UK-based rescue facility opened in 2021 in Nantwich, Cheshire, created to provide a calm and supportive environment for dogs in need. The kennels were established to help dogs who struggled in busy shelter settings, particularly those rescued from overseas, as well as to offer a secure backup space for UK dogs returning to the rescue. Designed with welfare in mind, the centre allows potential adopters to meet dogs by appointment and get to know them properly before adoption. Since opening, Our Safe Haven Kennels has seen rapid growth, rehoming more than 200 dogs in 2023 alone, and continues to expand its role as a vital stepping stone between rescue and a permanent, loving home.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), founded in 1824, is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world, operating across England and Wales. Funded primarily by voluntary donations, the charity rescues animals from cruelty, investigates neglect and organised animal crime, and provides advice to improve animal welfare. Its network includes rescue teams, animal hospitals, rehabilitation centres and over 150 locally run branches that support rehoming, neutering and community welfare services. Through national and international outreach, the RSPCA works to prevent cruelty and ensure animals receive the care and protection they deserve.

Wonky Pets Rescue is an independent, volunteer-run rescue established in 2012, specialising in animals with special needs. The charity supports animals with physical, medical, and psychological challenges, giving them the time, care, and understanding they require. As a non-destruction rescue, Wonky Pets ensures that any animals unsuitable for rehoming are given a safe, loving home for life. Every animal is treated with compassion and dignity, regardless of their condition. The rescue is dedicated to proving that every “wonky” pet deserves security, care, and a life worth living.

Yappy Ever After is a friendly, foster-based dog rescue charity with a nationwide network of foster homes and supporters. Founded by Louise Radford, the rescue was established to ensure dogs are rehomed safely and responsibly, with their long-term welfare always put first. All dogs are placed into foster homes rather than kennels, allowing for thorough assessment and rehabilitation tailored to each dog’s needs before adoption. Registered with the Charity Commission, Yappy Ever After focuses primarily on helping dogs within the UK, while also supporting overseas rescues when capacity allows, guided by an experienced team with decades of combined knowledge in canine behaviour and welfare.