Adopt a Rescue Dog in Hertfordshire

Animal Rescue Charity was founded in 1991 by Jan and Fiona Rose, a mother and daughter who began by taking in stray animals from a neighbouring police station before growing into what is now known as “the small charity with a big heart.” Established to provide a safe haven for neglected, abandoned and unwanted animals—including wildlife—the charity focuses on sanctuary, rehabilitation and compassionate care. Its ethos centres on treating every animal with respect, overcoming past suffering through kindness, and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through structured rehabilitation and ongoing support, the charity ensures each animal leaves ready to thrive in a safe and loving environment.

Blue Cross is one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities, supporting sick, injured, and homeless pets since 1897. The charity works to protect vulnerable animals while helping pets and people thrive together, offering veterinary care, behavioural support, and rehoming services across the UK. Blue Cross also provides advice to pet owners, operates pet food banks, and supports pets when their owners can no longer care for them. With a long history of innovation and advocacy in animal welfare, the charity continues to promote compassionate, inclusive care to ensure pets enjoy healthy, happy lives with people who love them.

Heathlands Animal Sanctuary is a volunteer-run animal rescue charity based in Royston, Hertfordshire, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of unwanted domestic pets. The sanctuary supports dogs, cats, rabbits, and some caged birds, caring for most animals in foster homes rather than a central facility. With a strict non-destruction policy, Heathlands rehomes hundreds of animals each year that might otherwise face euthanasia in council pounds. By using foster care, the charity is able to better assess each animal’s temperament and needs, helping to place them into safe, suitable homes primarily across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire, with some adoptions considered nationwide.

Hope For Podencos is a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Podencos, often known as Spain’s “Invisible Dogs” due to the abuse and neglect many endure as hunting dogs. Founded after Irene and Steve Allan moved to Spain in 2009 and became aware of the breed’s widespread mistreatment, the organisation focuses on giving these ancient, misunderstood dogs a second chance. Podencos are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, yet are frequently abandoned and overlooked for adoption. Hope For Podencos works to raise awareness of their plight while helping them find safe, loving homes beyond the conditions they were bred to endure.

Lea Valley Dog Rescue was founded in 2006 by Yasmina, who had been rescuing and rehoming dogs since 1984 from UK and Irish pounds. In 2007, the rescue expanded its work to support Romanian street and shelter dogs after witnessing the harsh conditions they faced, while continuing to help dogs within the UK. All dogs are placed in foster homes for full assessment before being carefully matched to suitable adopters, with lifetime rescue backup provided. Guided by the belief that “love has no borders,” the charity remains committed to helping any dog in need, wherever they may be.

Luna Animal Rescue was founded in 2013 to help rehome dogs abandoned in local and national pounds, and has since successfully placed over 300 animals into loving homes. Now a registered charity (1163839), it operates a strict non-destruction policy and provides lifetime rescue backup for every animal rehomed. As a foster-based rescue with families mainly across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire—plus others nationwide—animals are cared for in home environments where they receive assessment, training and rehabilitation. Working alongside local trainers and relying on dedicated fosterers, Luna ensures each dog, cat or small animal is carefully prepared for a safe and lasting forever home.

National Animal Welfare Trust is an independent UK animal welfare charity founded in 1971, with roots dating back to earlier efforts to protect animals from harm and neglect. The Trust rescues, cares for, and rehomes around 1,200 animals each year through a network of centres across southern England, including specialist facilities for elderly pets. Over the decades, NAWT has expanded by supporting and integrating established local rescues, ensuring long-term care and improved welfare standards for animals in their communities. Alongside rescue and rehoming, the charity raises funds through charity shops and local supporter groups, continuing its mission to protect and improve the lives of animals in need.

Rehoming Animal Telephone Service (RATS) was founded in 1984 by a group of animal lovers in Bedford who initially matched adopters and owners by telephone. Over time, the charity expanded to foster dogs, cats and small mammals in volunteers’ homes before securing permanent, vetted placements, later purchasing its own kennels near Buntingford, Hertfordshire. Cats and small mammals continue to be fostered locally, while dogs now reside at the kennels. Operating a strict policy of never euthanising a healthy animal due to lack of a home, RATS remains reliant on donations and fundraising to continue its work.