Adopt a Rescue Dog in Somerset

Bath Cats & Dogs Home is a long-established animal rehoming centre founded in 1937, caring for around 700 cats and dogs each year. The charity works closely with the public, RSPCA inspectors, police, and dog wardens to support animals across Bath, North East Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire. Alongside reuniting stray pets with their owners, Bath Cats & Dogs Home focuses on carefully matching rescue animals with suitable new homes throughout the South West. Welfare has remained central to the charity’s work for over eight decades, with adoptions managed through an appointment-based process to ensure the best outcomes for both pets and adopters.

Dogs Friends was founded in 2005 by a group of friends committed to improving the lives of unwanted and unloved dogs in the Bristol, Bath, and Somerset areas. Registered as a charity in 2009, the organisation operates across much of the South West, focusing on direct rehoming rather than large-scale services. Dogs Friends believes that all dogs are equally deserving, taking in animals of all ages, sizes, breeds, and backgrounds. Through dedicated teamwork and fundraising, the charity continues to help dogs find safer, happier homes.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary was founded in 1939 by the late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon, to provide refuge for pets belonging to men and women leaving for war. Based on the Ferne Estate in Wiltshire, the sanctuary also cared for animals rescued from London and other southern cities during wartime. Following the Duchess’s death in 1951, leadership continued and the charity formally registered in 1965 (charity no. 1164350). Today, Ferne’s work continues in the same spirit of compassion, offering care and sanctuary to animals in need.

Happy Landings has been serving its community since 1983, working to protect, enrich and cherish the lives of animals in need. The charity is committed to providing the highest level of care and rehabilitation for distressed, neglected and poorly treated animals—including wildlife—either within its own facilities or in partnership with specialist organisations. Its mission is to enhance the lives of both animals and the wider community by offering expert veterinary care, shelter and compassionate support. Through careful rehabilitation and responsible rehoming, Happy Landings strives to give every animal the best possible quality of life.

Leash of Life has been rescuing and rehoming dogs since 2013, run entirely by dedicated volunteers driven by a love for dogs. The charity helps dogs from pounds and, where possible, also supports the rehoming of locally based UK dogs. A small team of mainly Wiltshire-based foster carers provides home environments for new arrivals, helping with house training, lead walking and basic manners while assessing each dog’s needs. This careful preparation ensures every dog is matched to the most suitable forever home and given the best possible start to a new life.

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.

Rushton Dog Rescue is an animal rescue charity founded in memory of Timothy Rushton, whose dream was to create a dog rescue centre in Spain. Established over 17 years ago by his partner Cindi, the charity has grown into a dedicated rescue run by Cindi and her daughter Zoe, with animal welfare at the heart of everything they do. Rushton Dog Rescue has helped save thousands of dogs over the years, alongside horses, cats, and other animals in need, often stepping in when no other options are available. Driven by compassion and determination, the charity works tirelessly to rescue, protect, and provide safety for vulnerable animals wherever possible.

St Giles Animal Welfare is a Somerset-based, not-for-profit organization and registered charity (no. 1136251) dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned, abused, and displaced pets. Located in Wrantage, Taunton, they operate alongside St Giles Animal Centre, offering a safe haven for animals, including handling a significant portion of stray dogs in the region.

Stronger Together Animal Rescue (STAR) is a registered charity (1168941) dedicated to relieving the suffering of abandoned, stray and neglected dogs and cats in Cyprus. Working through a network of trustees and volunteers in both the UK and Cyprus, the organisation rescues animals from shelters and pounds, providing rehabilitation and finding them loving homes in the UK. STAR promotes humane and compassionate treatment of animals and follows a policy of never euthanising unless it is the only humane option. Through rescue work, adoption support and ongoing guidance for adopters and foster carers, the charity helps vulnerable animals escape cruelty and begin a safer new life.