If a search for dog rescue centres in Devon and Cornwall has brought you to this post, you’ve come to the right place! Below we’ve featured 10 top dog rescues across both counties.
1. Russet Greyhound Sanctuary (Camborne, Cornwall)
The Russet Greyhound Sanctuary has been operating in Camborne, Cornwall, for over a decade and has successfully re-homed more than 1000 lucky dogs since then. Their sanctuary is the perfect place for Greyhounds to socialize and adjust to post-racing life while they wait for a new owner to come along.
Greyhounds currently available for adoption can be viewed here – if you are interested in any of these dogs you will need to schedule a home visit to make sure your yard is secure and that a Greyhound will fit well into your life. All dogs are microchipped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms before adoption. You can donate to Russet Greyhound Sanctuary through their Crowdfunder here.
2. Woodside Animal Welfare Trust (Plymouth, Devon)
The Woodside Animal Welfare Trust and sanctuary in Plymouth, Devon, is a registered charity that cares for animals of all shapes and sizes. Many animals at the sanctuary (including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and farm animals like sheep and goats) are available for adoption, while others (usually old or sick animals) make it their permanent home.
Dogs that are currently available for adoption can be viewed here. All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and treated for worms and fleas prior to being adopted. Puppies under six months are available for £230-400, while dogs over six months are £200-400. You can also help the team at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust by donating here.
3. Animals in Distress Rescue Centre (Ipplepen, Devon)
Based in Newton Abbot, Animals in Distress Rescue Centre provides support and sanctuary to pets in need across South Devon. Every year, the charity rescues and re-homes more than 600 dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Dogs in need of a new home can be viewed here. Dogs aged six months and older are available for £210, while puppies under six months are available for an adoption fee of £250. Adoption fees may vary based on each dog’s breed. All dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, treated for worms/fleas, and examined by a veterinarian prior to adoption. If you would like to contribute, make a donation to Animals in Distress Rescue Centre here.
4. K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare (Truro, Cornwall)
K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare is located in Truro, Cornwall, and facilitates the rescue and rehabilitation of pets in need across the county. They focus on finding homes that are a great match for each unique animal and also provide behavioral support for all adopted dogs.
If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. You must undergo a home check prior to being approved for adoption, and each dog undergoes a veterinary check-up to ensure they are healthy before moving to their new home. Learn more about donating to and supporting K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare here.
5. K9 Focus Dog Rescue (Torrington, Devon)
If you’re in the Torrington, Devon area and looking to adopt a dog, visit the team at K9 Focus Dog Rescue. They tirelessly rescue and support dogs in need throughout the South West and rehabilitate each pet until they can be adopted into a new home.
The average adoption fee is £195. All dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered before adoption. Dogs also come with complimentary pet insurance for five weeks once adopted. Available dogs can be viewed here, or you can donate to K9 Focus Dog Rescue here.
6. Cornwall & South Devon Boxer Rescue (Truro, Cornwall)
Since first opening their doors in 2003, Cornwall & South Devon Boxer Rescue has helped many Boxer dogs find new, loving, permanent homes. Based in Truro, Cornwall, their dedicated volunteers make sure each Boxer dog finds a home that’s perfect for them.
All rescued Boxers undergo a vet check, and an adoption fee of £250-400 is required for each dog. If you think a Boxer might be the right pet for your family, view their available dogs here. To donate to Cornwall & South Devon Boxer Rescue, click the button on the left of this page.
7. Dogs Trust Ilfracombe (Ilfracombe, Devon)
Dogs Trust has many rehoming centres across the UK for pets in need, including one in Ilfracombe, Devon. This centre features 40 kennels and lots of space for the rescued stray and abandoned dogs to socialize and rehabilitate until they can be placed with a suitable adoptive family.
If you’re interested in adopting, you can view their available dogs here. The adoption fee for dogs is £185 and for puppies is £240, including a mandatory dog training deposit to ensure your puppy spends six weeks learning important life skills. To donate to Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, visit this page.
8. St Francis Dogs Home (Newquay, Cornwall)
St Francis Dogs Home was founded in Newquay, Cornwall, in 1955. Animal rescue facilities were not common in these days, and stray and abandoned dogs were prevalent. Since its inception, St Francis Dogs Home typically re-homes around 200 dogs each year.
Learn more about the available dogs and the adoption process here – there’s also a link to their Facebook page which contains more details and updated information. You can also donate to St Francis Dog Home here.
9. ARC Animal Rescue Centre (St Mary, Devon)
ARC Animal Rescue Centre is a registered charity in St Mary, Devon, that has been finding new, loving homes for abandoned, neglected, and unwanted dogs for 50 years. They especially focus their attention on dogs in overcrowded pounds that may face euthanasia.
An adoption fee of £200 is required for each animal, as well as a £20 application fee. A home check will also be performed to ensure that you have a suitable environment for raising a dog. Dogs currently available for adoption can be viewed here. You can also help out by donating to ARC Animal Rescue Centre here.
10. Animals of Hope Southwest (Camborne, Cornwall)
Animals of Hope Southwest is a non-profit dog and cat rescue that’s run entirely by volunteers. Based in Camborne, Cornwall, Animals of Hope Southwest is responsible for rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing neglected and abused pets. They also act as a sanctuary for animals that can’t be re-homed.
Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for worms and fleas. If you’re interested in adopting, the available dogs can be viewed here. Learn more about donating to Animals of Hope Southwest here.
