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.

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.

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.

Underdog International was founded in 2019 by Nadine Kayser following her work co-founding the Wild at Heart Foundation in 2015. After helping drive large-scale adoption, neutering, and education programmes worldwide, Nadine shifted her focus toward fostering compassion through child-led engagement with animals. Underdog International was created on the principle of “children helping dogs, dogs helping children,” combining animal welfare with youth development and education. The charity aims to create lasting change by nurturing empathy, responsibility, and kindness in the next generation while improving the lives of vulnerable dogs.

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.