Adopt a Rescue Dog in Northern Ireland

Almost Home Animal Rescue (NI) is an established animal welfare charity based in Moira, Northern Ireland, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming companion and small animals across the region. The organisation cares for and finds new homes for many hundreds of animals each year, ensuring they receive the support and attention they need before adoption. Its work is made possible by the commitment of around 220 volunteers and the ongoing support of the local community. Through teamwork and compassion, Almost Home continues to improve the lives of animals throughout Northern Ireland.

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.

Dogs Trust is one of the UK’s leading dog welfare charities, supporting dogs and their owners since it was founded in 1891 by Lady Gertrude Stock. Guided by the belief that a dog is for life, the charity provides care for dogs in distress, helps find loving new homes when needed, and supports owners during difficult circumstances. Dogs Trust works across the UK to protect the lifelong bond between dogs and people, offering practical help, education, and advocacy at every stage of a dog’s life. In the last year alone, the charity provided care for over 11,700 dogs without homes, continuing its long-standing mission to create a better future for dogs and the people who love them.

Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, established in 1996, is dedicated to rehoming animals, delivering education and relieving the distress of unwanted cats and dogs across Northern Ireland. Operating a strict no-kill policy, the sanctuary rehomes around 650 animals each year, ensuring all are vaccinated, neutered, treated for parasites and microchipped before adoption, with lifetime backup if needed. Animals who cannot be rehomed are offered lifelong shelter and care at the sanctuary. Guided by the Five Domains model, the organisation prioritises both physical welfare and mental wellbeing through proper nutrition, healthcare, positive reinforcement training and daily enrichment.

Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (NISBTR), established in August 2012, is a registered charity (NIC101909) dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted, abandoned and abused Staffordshire Bull Terriers across Northern Ireland. Run by a small team of passionate volunteers, it was the first and remains the only breed-specific SBT rescue in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Alongside hands-on rescue work, NISBTR raises awareness about irresponsible overbreeding and challenges negative stereotypes surrounding the breed. The charity also actively promotes responsible dog ownership while providing vital support to Staffies in urgent need.

Paws and People is a small, home-run registered charity that began rescuing animals in 2014 and became officially registered in December 2015. Operated 24/7 by a dedicated mother and daughter team, the rescue focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted and abused animals of all kinds. As a non-profit organisation with no external funding, it relies entirely on public donations to continue its work. For the safety of both animals and the public, Paws and People operates as a closed-door rescue, with visits strictly by appointment and a structured adoption application process.

The Barn Animal Rescue is a nonprofit charity based in Carrowdore, County Down, dedicated to rescuing mistreated, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs across Northern Ireland. The organisation provides a safe, nurturing environment where animals can recover, receive rehabilitation and regain trust before being matched with loving forever homes. Focused on giving every animal a genuine second chance, the rescue centre prioritises compassionate care and responsible rehoming. Through its work, The Barn promotes animal welfare and encourages the community to support and protect vulnerable animals in need.

Founded in 1836 as the Belfast SPCA, the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) is Northern Ireland’s oldest animal welfare charity, established to prevent cruelty and relieve animal suffering. Its early work included installing water troughs for working horses and successfully lobbying for animal protection laws to be extended to Ireland. As its operations expanded across the region, the organisation became known as the Ulster SPCA, reflecting its wider impact. Today, the USPCA continues to campaign, rescue and advocate for stronger protections to make Northern Ireland a safer place for animals.