If you need a selection of dog rescues in Essex in one place, continue reading to learn about 8 of county’s best dog rescue centres.
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1. Dogs Trust Basildon (Basildon)
If you’re in the Basildon, Essex area and looking to adopt a dog, pay a visit to the team at Dogs Trust Basildon. This registered charity is an animal rescue organization that focuses on re-homing neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs. Their shelter is home to up to 120 dogs at any given time, and they have veterinary staff, trainers, and a rehabilitation team on staff.
If you’re interested in adopting, the available dogs can be viewed here. Adoption fees for dogs are usually around £185, which includes vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery (or a voucher to cover the cost of this if the surgery has not been performed). Adoption fees for puppies are £240. You can also donate to Dogs Trust Basildon – learn more about that here.
2. A Better Life Dog Rescue (Southend-on-Sea)
Based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, A Better Life Dog Rescue is a registered charity that specifically rescues puppies and dogs from Romania and brings them to the UK for a new, happier life. The organization was founded in 2012 and has successfully rescued and re-homed over 1600 dogs in the years since.
Many dogs in Romania are strays – they wander the streets and suffer abuse from strangers. If you would like to give one of these dogs a new life, here is a list of the animals currently available for adoption. For other ways to help, consider donating to A Better Life Dog Rescue here.
3. Acres Way (Thundersley)
Acres Way is a boarding kennel and re-homing centre that has been caring for dogs for almost three decades. Based in Thundersley, Essex, they rescue stray dogs from Southend, CastlePoint, Rochford, and the surrounding areas and care for them until they can be adopted into a new home.
The dogs currently in need of a new home are listed here. An adoption fee of £135 is required for each adoption – this money goes towards the cost of food, medical treatment, and other necessities for dogs in the care of Acres Way. All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, registered, and treated for worms and fleas prior to adoption. You can also learn more about donations and other ways to help here.
4. National Animal Welfare Trust (Clacton)
The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has two re-homing centres in Essex – one in Clacton and another in Thurrock. Both centres are home to rescued dogs, cats, and other small animals waiting to be adopted.
The dogs currently available at both adoption centres can be found here and here. Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and checked by a veterinarian. You will also receive four weeks of complimentary pet insurance for your new family member. Adoption fees for dogs are usually £200. You can also make a donation to NAWT here.
5. Clarks Farm Greyhound Rescue (Maldon)
Greyhounds make great pets – they are usually docile, friendly, inquisitive, gentle, and don’t have as much energy as you might expect! Thousands of ex-racing Greyhounds are available for adoption every year. Most retire from racing by the time they are three years old, meaning that these dogs still have so much love to give and life to live!
Clarks Farm Greyhound Rescue is a registered charity based in Maldon, Essex. They rescue retired/ex-racing Greyhounds and match them with new families. If you think a Greyhound might be the dog for you, you can view their available dogs here. If you would like to donate or learn about other ways to help, visit this page.
6. Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare (Leavenheath)
Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare (SESAW) is a Leavenheath-based charity committed to caring for homeless or neglected animals in need. Most rescued animals can be rehabilitated and re-homed, however sometimes these dogs may not be suitable pets. When this is the case, the rescue dog remains at SESAW living their best life.
Available dogs can be viewed here. The organization is also always in need of donations – if you are able to help, consider contributing to SESAW here.
7. Wallace Kennels (Brentwood)
Based in Brentwood, Essex, Wallace Kennels is a dog rescue that brings in stray or unwanted dogs and finds new, loving homes for them. This family-run rescue first opened their doors in 1975 and have saved countless animal lives in the years since.
If you’re interested in adopting, scroll down this page to view the available dogs. Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for fleas/worms. Adoption fees are generally between £200-300. You can donate to Wallace Kennels by clicking the “Please Donate” text on this page.
8. Paws Crossed Dog Rescue (Colchester)
Paws Crossed Dog Rescue is based in Colchester, Essex. This small rescue takes in dogs from overcrowded pounds or directly from owners who need to surrender their pets. All dogs are placed in foster care once rescued so that they have time to relax and rehabilitate. Sometimes, they are also trained when necessary before being listed for adoption.
Due to high demand, there is currently a waiting list to adopt a dog from Paws Crossed Dog Rescue. As more dogs become available, they will be listed here. In the meantime, you can help by donating to Paws Crossed Dog Rescue here.