untold story: dog's trust research

So, even though my trip (or not trip) to Dog's Trust fell flat, I am still going to do some research on what they're like as a facility and what they're about.

Our history

Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust (formerly the National Canine Defence League) is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Here's what we do in a nutshell…

• Each year we care for around 16,000 dogs at our nationwide network of 20 Rehoming Centres. No healthy dog is ever destroyed.
• We run subsidised neutering campaigns in areas of the UK with the most acute stray dog problems.
• Our Education Officers give thousands of classroom presentations every year. Free teaching resources are made available to all schools in the UK.
• Our FREEDOM Project helps pet owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they start a new life.
• The HOPE Project gives preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people.
• We advise government on any matters concerning dog ownership.
• We have established a charity in Ireland that runs a rehoming centre in Dublin.
• We assist overseas animal welfare charities by training their staff in best practice.

We rely on the kind generosity of the public to make this possible. So, if you love dogs, please make a donation today.

Volunteers are an important part of the Dogs Trust team. We need them at our centres, in our charity shops and at our events.

We have a wonderful team of full-time dedicated canine carers at every Rehoming Centre, but with so many dogs to look after an extra pair of hands is often much appreciated! 

The jobs we often need volunteers for are:

• Kennel cleaning
• Dog walking
• Reception duties
• Home visits
• Maintenance work
• Garden maintenance
• Fostering
• Puppy socialization

What is it like working for Dog's Trust?

“I have been a manager with Dogs Trust for just over four months now having come from an office and hotel management background. I joined the charity as I believed in the great work they do. It is a great place to work with a great atmosphere, all the management teams, re-homing staff and of course my volunteers are really friendly and helpful.

Learning about the day to day running of a charity shop has been a steep learning curve, but it has been one which I have very much enjoyed.”

Store manager

“I have worked for Dogs Trust for 16 and a half years now but I have supported the charity since I was a teenager. Dogs have always been my passion so it was obvious which charity I would plump to work for given a chance!

I have learnt how to microchip and deal with awkward situations, I also met my husband so that is definitely an added bonus!

Working at the shop has allowed me to hone my creative skills via window displays which I originally didn’t enjoy doing, but now love!

Dogs Trust has a huge impact on the lives of people and dogs not just in this country but internationally and I can only see it getting better and helping more dogs have the lives that they deserve. As it is one of the most recognised charities in the country I hope that it continues to be so and I will always support it. All my 3 dogs come from Dog Trust and I would always choose a dog from the centre as it is so rewarding.”

Assistant Manager

“I have volunteered for Dogs Trust for about 1 and a half years now. I originally came into the shop as a customer and really liked the friendly atmosphere so I enquired about volunteer work.

I have learnt how to use the till and I enjoy keeping all the stock tidy and colour coordinated for the customers, I have also made some new friends here. It is such a good cause and I am pleased that my few hours a week can help the dogs in the Re-homing Centres.

I hope to be able to continue to volunteer in the future as I really enjoy it.”

Volunteer

“I began working for Dogs Trust just over a year ago. It is constantly very ‘full on’ but is satisfying and rewarding.

I love the fact that I get involved with so many different people all the time, especially my team of volunteers.

I relish the fact that you never know what stock you are going to receive from donations and it is a challenge to make good use of what you have.

I enjoy the autonomy of running the shop and managing a large team of volunteers and it is very satisfying to know that all our effort is for a good cause. Also, where else could I occasionally bring my rescue dog to work?!”

to answer one of my earlier questions: YES YOU NEED TO PAY TO ADOPT A DOG. which i find somewhat ridiculous as its £100, but dog's trust justifies this by saying the dogs are microchipped and vet checked. 
But its £100 to make a dog happy so i'd probably do it.