Adopt a Rescue Dog in the East Midlands

1 Dog At A Time is run by a team of passionate volunteers dedicated to helping street and stray dogs in Romania who face extreme neglect and hardship. The rescue highlights the brutal realities many dogs endure, from abandonment in remote areas to capture by dog catchers and confinement in overcrowded public shelters with little food or medical care. Dogs often suffer from harsh seasonal extremes, illness and injury, with puppies and elderly dogs particularly vulnerable. Driven by compassion and firsthand experience, the team works to give these dogs a second chance at safety and a loving home.

Akita Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, welfare and protection of American and Japanese Akitas in the UK. Dogs are assessed and matched with homes that can meet the needs of the breed, and the charity also supports fostering for Akitas that need a second chance.

Animals In Need is a long-established rescue organisation founded in 1990, dedicated to helping sick, injured, trapped, and distressed wild and domestic animals. Operating across Northamptonshire, the charity provides emergency response, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and rehoming or release where possible, working closely with volunteers and local authorities, including Northamptonshire Police. Animals In Need is equipped with a fully fitted animal ambulance, specialist transport, and up-to-date first aid equipment to respond to a wide range of emergencies. The team cares for vulnerable wildlife such as orphaned birds, injured swans, and underweight hedgehogs, often requiring intensive round-the-clock support. Entirely reliant on donations, the charity also partners with Restart4Rescues to offer adopters professional guidance when settling rescue dogs into their new homes.

Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home is a rescue centre caring for animals in need from private homes, other rescues, and occasionally the dog warden. The charity mainly supports dogs and cats, but also cares for rabbits and small animals such as ferrets, and sometimes other species. While many animals stay temporarily as they wait for loving new homes, the Ark also provides lifelong sanctuary for long-term residents who cannot be rehomed. Visitors can learn about the animals currently in care, explore adoption or sponsorship options, and discover the many ways to offer support. The Ark is dedicated to ensuring every animal receives compassion, safety, and the best possible quality of life.

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.

Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) was founded in 2005 when Elaine and Darren Shaw transformed their private boarding kennels into a rescue after taking in dogs that would otherwise have been put to sleep. What began with helping local “poundies” has grown into a sanctuary for unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats, as well as animals rescued from severe neglect and abuse in parts of Europe such as Romania and Bulgaria. BARK operates a strict non-destruction policy, caring for animals for as long as it takes to find the right home, with around 50 kennels, four cattery pens, and a large secure exercise field that allows dogs to relax and interact naturally. Entirely self-funded through donations and adoption fees, every penny raised goes directly toward animal care, veterinary bills, and the running of the rescue. Supported by a dedicated local community, BARK continues to give hundreds of animals a safe place and a genuine second chance at life.

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.

Central German Shepherd Rescue (CGSR) is a registered charity (since June 2015) dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming German Shepherds and Shepherd crosses that are unwanted, neglected, or in need across Central England. Alongside hands-on rescue, CGSR places strong emphasis on education—promoting humane treatment, responsible ownership, and campaigning against puppy farming, backyard breeding, and unsafe “free to a good home” practices. All dogs taken into care are microchipped, vaccinated, flea- and worm-treated, with neutering carried out wherever possible under clear agreements. CGSR does not import dogs from abroad, focusing its efforts within the UK to ensure consistent welfare standards. Adoption fees are reinvested directly into veterinary care, neutering, and essential rescue costs, helping protect dogs now and in the future.

We are a small, volunteer-run dog rescue based in rural Lincolnshire, working tirelessly around the clock to support dogs and their families. Unlike many rescues, we very rarely use kennels—our dogs live as family pets in home environments while we carefully assess their needs and find the right forever homes. Every adoption includes thorough checks and full rescue back-up (RBU), ensuring lifelong support for both the dog and adopter. Dogs leave us neutered (or with a neuter contract if too young), fully vaccinated, flea-treated, and wormed. If you need help or advice with a family pet, we encourage you to reach out—we’re here to help.

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.

Doggy Dens UK Rescue is a UK-based rescue dedicated to promoting humane treatment of dogs in both the UK and Romania. Their objective is to provide care, protection, veterinary treatment, safe shelter, and responsible rehoming for dogs suffering from mistreatment, abandonment, or poor circumstances, while also educating adopters and supporting long-term welfare. Founded by Denise Hardwick-Akbani, who has rehomed over 500 dogs since 2000, the rescue works closely with trustees Karen Carter and Linda Turner. The team ensures comprehensive medical testing, safe transport arrangements for Romanian rescues, and continued post-adoption support. Karen has personally helped rehome over 1,000 Romanian dogs and oversees medical compliance, transport coordination, and follow-up care.