Adopt a Rescue Dog in Scotland

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.

Barking Mad Dog Rescue is a UK charity helping vulnerable and abandoned dogs in Romania find safe, loving homes. Founded after the rescue of a stray dog named Pixie in 2013, the charity has since rehomed more than 3,000 dogs in the UK and Germany and provides daily food and care for hundreds of dogs across shelters and local communities in Romania.

BARRK (Banff & Aberdeenshire Rehoming and Rescue Kennels) was established as a registered charity in May 1996 and has continued to grow in strength for over 28 years. The charity rehomes an average of 120 dogs each year, helping them find safe and loving forever homes. BARRK also operates a fostering service for senior dogs and those with long-term medical conditions who require ongoing care. Working closely with other rescues and the local Dog Warden, the organisation remains committed to supporting vulnerable dogs across Aberdeenshire.

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.

Borders Pet Rescue is the trading name of Borders Animal Welfare Association, a registered Scottish charity that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs across the Scottish Borders, East Lothian and North Northumberland. The charity grew out of Tweedbank Cattery in the late 1970s, was formally constituted in 1988 and has run its rescue centre at Earlston since around 2006, on land gifted by a local supporter. Largely self-funded through donations, rehoming fees, legacies and its charity shops, the team carefully assesses every animal and matches each dog with owners who suit its needs, so animals are rarely returned.

British Chihuahua Rescue is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to relieving the suffering of Chihuahuas in need due to hardship, neglect, changes in circumstances, or owner ill health. Established in 1988 and registered as a charity in 2002 (1094417), the rescue is overseen by a board of trustees and operates without paid staff. The organisation is committed not only to the welfare of the breed but also to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all adopters and supporters. Through responsible rehoming and compassionate care, British Chihuahua Rescue works to give vulnerable Chihuahuas a safe and loving second chance.

The rescue centre has been purpose-built with dog welfare as its highest priority and has been continually developed since it was first acquired in 2003. Over the years, the site has been renovated to include modern facilities such as a dedicated rehoming block with individual covered runs, underfloor heating, and secure grass exercise areas. Additional puppy and isolation units were introduced in 2013 to support dogs requiring specialist care or recovery. The centre also benefits from extensive outdoor space, including a large enclosed paddock for safe off-lead exercise, as well as specialist kennels for dogs undergoing medical treatment.

DAWGS is a volunteer-founded dog rehoming charity established in 1994 with a clear mission of “rehoming with love.” Originally formed to support a local vet struggling to find homes for stray dogs, the charity began by advertising dogs and carrying out home checks to ensure responsible, long-term placements. As demand grew, DAWGS expanded into kennels and later developed a network of foster homes, widening its reach across the country. Today, the charity continues to be driven by its volunteers, combining hands-on support, careful rehoming, and community fundraising to give dogs a second chance at a happy life.

Dumfriesshire & Cumbria Greyhound Rescue is dedicated to finding loving forever homes or foster placements for retired or injured ex-racing greyhounds. The charity never puts a healthy dog to sleep and will continue searching for the right home for as long as it takes. Run entirely by volunteers, all funds are raised through events, donations, and sales from the charity shop. Every penny of income goes directly toward the welfare, care, and support of the greyhounds in their care, ensuring each dog gets the second chance they deserve.

Dog Aid Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) based in Edinburgh, dedicated to rehoming dogs using a home-from-home approach. Without kennel facilities, the charity supports owners in caring for their dog until a suitable new home is found, reducing the stress many dogs experience in kennels. This system allows dogs to move directly from their current home into their new one, helping ensure a smoother transition. Through careful matching and guidance, Dog Aid Scotland works to secure safe and loving homes while prioritising each dog’s wellbeing.

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.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is dedicated to keeping pets with their families wherever possible, offering support to help loving homes stay together during difficult times. When that isn’t possible, they provide a safe haven where every dog and cat receives high-quality care, including nutritious food, veterinary treatment, enrichment and training to prepare them for a new start. The charity works with compassion and without judgement, aiming to break down stigma for people facing hardship. At its heart, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home believes in the goodness of every pet and every person.