If you’re in need of a compilation of dog rescue centres in the East Midlands, we’ve featured 10 of the best for your perusal below.
1. East Midlands Dog Rescue
East Midlands Dog Rescue (EMDR), located in Enderby, Leicestershire, was founded by Sandy McCluskey in the late 1990s to provide a temporary home for unwanted dogs and puppies to be looked after, rehabilitated and, ultimately, to find their forever homes.
Because EMDR work so diligently to ensure the dogs are safe to be rehomed, they have a strict ‘within 25 mile’ policy for their dogs and ask for a minimum £125 adoption donation to help contribute to the cause of helping other dogs and puppies. You can see what dogs they have for adoption here or contact them to see how you can donate to their cause.
2. Jerry Green Dog Rescue
The Jerry Green Dog Rescue (JGDR) was founded in 1961 by Jerry Green as a place where all dogs would be treated with kindness and care. Located in North Lincolnshire, JGDR provides services for all levels of dog ownership: from thinking about getting a dog, to learning how to care for one and train it, to holiday boarding and community outreach and education.
For those looking to adopt a dog from JGDR, they have a patented Meet and Match process to help provide both you and your future dog with the best possible experience. You can support the work of JGDR by purchasing items from their charity shops or directly donating funds via their website. Contact them for more information about their services and future fundraising events.
3. Yappy Ever After Dog Rescue
Founder Louise Radford started Yappy Ever After Dog Rescue in 2014 after adopting two dogs of her own which had never known the joy of a ‘forever home.’ While their flagship dog rescue is located in Derby, Yappy Ever After has grown to be a UK-wide network of foster families and rescuers working to provide foster homes for dogs who need some extra support on their way to their final family.
You can browse current adoptable dogs on their webpage or social media site but act quickly as they have a waiting list of potential adopting families waiting for a particular breed. You can also donate to their cause via PayPal or bank transfer. Contact them for more information about what other services they offer and how you may be able to help.
4. Harc Hope Animal Rescue
Founded in 2014, Harc Hope Animal Rescue in Nottingham takes in dogs, cats and other small animals who have been abandoned through neglect or owner death, or in need of a temporary home because their owners are in hospital or escaping domestic violence.
They don’t have many animals up for adoption but those that are available have been vaccinated, spayed/neutered and come with four weeks free insurance. You can also donate directly to the charity through their website. Contact them for more information on how you can help or even become a temporary home as a foster family.
5. Just for Dogs
Located in Brailsford (near Ashbourne, Derbyshire), Just for Dogs was founded in 1997 by a group of dog lovers who wanted to create a safe haven for the homeless and neglected dogs in their community.
No dog leaves Just for Dogs without being fully ready—both medically and socially—to join a new family, so if you are looking to find your new family friend, check out their adoption page. You can also help out by donating your money or your time or even just advertising their events. Contact them for more information.
6. Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels
Babworth Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) was started in 2005 by Elaine and Darren Shaw when they decided to make their private kennel business a place for helping those dogs and cats in need. Because BARK never puts animals to sleep, they have saved thousands of dogs and cats from the UK and Europe from being euthanized simply because their owners no longer wanted them or could no longer take care of them.
BARK has a large number of dogs ready to be adopted from the super large to the super tiny. All dogs on the adoption page have been cleared by a veterinarian and fully vaccinated. While adoption is BARK’s ultimate aim for every dog in their care, they welcome donations, as well, to continue supporting these animals in their journey to a new family. Contact them for more details about how you can help or how to adopt.
7. Leicester Animal Aid
While Leicester Animal Aid began in 1956 as a ‘pet project’ by Dorothea Farndon run out of her back garden, it has evolved into one of the biggest rescue and rehoming centres of the Leicestershire area. Located on an ex-pig farm in the Huncote area since 1970, Leicester Animal Aid has provided a safe place for over 400 neglected and unwanted dogs and cats each year and thousands over their 50+ year history.
Every dog available on their adoption page has been fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, dewormed, and fully ready for a new family and friends. Because Leicester Animal Aid is not government funded in any way, they rely on donations and volunteers, as well as adoption fees. Contact them to see how you can help or even stop by to check out the cheeky chaps they have ready to go home with you!
8. Halfway Home Dog Rescue
What started in 2005 as a ‘satellite’ rescue housing dogs from the North slated for euthanasia, Halfway Home Dog Rescue has been its own independent operation In Collingham, Nottinghamshire, since 2006. Many of the dogs in their care have been rescued from the streets, ‘death row’ shelters or dire puppy mill conditions.
Halfway Home has a good selection of dogs and puppies who are ready to know what it’s liked to be loved and cared for by you! As a smaller rescue, Halfway Home is entirely supported by adoption fees and donations from the local community. You can even sponsor a dog in their journey to their forever home. Contact them to find out how you can help or stop by to visit!
9. Wellingborough Dog Welfare
Located in Grendon, Northamptonshire, Wellingborough Dog Welfare opened in 1993 to provide a safe place for stray dogs to escape euthanasia in the ever-growing shelter population. They have helped hundreds of dogs over the years and have more for you to help if you’re looking to adopt!
Because they have been a locally run charity since the start, Wellidog (as they are locally known) operates entirely on the donations from the community. Feel free to contact them to find out how you can donate your time or even check out available dogs in person.
10. The Ark Rescue and Rehoming Centre
What started in 1988 as a dozen Ashbourne citizens responding to a newspaper ad looking for help with rescuing local abandoned dogs and cats, the Ashbourne Animal Welfare charity has grown to become one of the highest rated dog rescue centres in the East Midlands. They even set down roots in the form of a permanent building in Ashbourne in 2001, dubbed The Ark Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
You can check out the dogs they have available for adoption via their website (and even cats, too, if you are so inclined), or you can help support them by donating directly to the charity to support all the help they give these animals when they first come to the centre. Contact The Ark to see how else you can help.
