When it comes to dog rescue in London perhaps the most well known rehoming centre for dogs is Battersea Dogs Home.
These days they actually have three centres – the Old Windsor Centre in Berkshire, Brands Hatch Centre in Kent and, of course, the iconic flagship Battersea Dogs Home in South West London which has sat nestled in the shadow of Battersea Power Station, since 1871. And it’s not just dogs … they are there for cats too!
Watch their video below to find out all about Battersea Dogs Home.
Battersea Dogs Home, Dog Rescue Centre London
Battersea Dogs Home in London describe themselves as “being here for every dog and cat since 1860”
They offer love and expert care to dogs and cats who need it by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at their dog rescue centres in London, Berkshire and Kent and by sharing their knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. They do this because they want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
They list an impressive board of trustees, directors and ambassadors including Her Majesty The Queen as Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent as President, top names from the world of business, charities and politics as trustees and numerous celebrities and famous figures as ambassadors. These ambassadors include actor Tom Hardy, author Dame Jaqueline Wilson and, of course, the late, great and much loved Paul O’Grady MBE.
And it was Paul O’Grady, as an entertainment legend, who helped raise the profile of Battersea to millions around the world through the hugely popular ITV series Paul O’Grady for the Love of Dogs. Over a decade, Paul’s passion for all things dog came out in eleven series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, set at Battersea. The ITV series picked up multiple awards over the years for its blend of laughter and tears. Paul met all manner of dogs – and the odd cat – visited children’s hospitals, Crufts, the homeless, and residential homes with his canine companions, and in the process helped Battersea and rescue centres nationwide find homes for thousands of homeless animals. Most recently, he joined Battersea’s Patron Her Majesty The Queen Consort to promote rescue animals in a Royal Special of ‘POGDOGS’ aired on 19 December 2022 to around three million viewers.
So, what Battersea Dogs Home has done for dog rescue in London, the UK and, indeed worldwide cannot be underestimated. The work they do, the profile they’ve established and the influence they have has all been put to good effect by promoting dog rescue in general.
These days they are more than just dog rescue in London – they educate, they train, they fundraise, they provide grant funding worldwide as well as offering online pet advice and training to anyone who needs it, and campaign to improve the lives of dogs, cats, and their owners.
Battersea Dogs Home London
These days all Battersea’s dog rescue centres are closed to the public except for pre-booked appointments or guided tours.
Details of all they dogs available for rehoming can be found on their website but the adoption process actually starts with a form which is designed to match you up with the right potential canine companion.
To do this you will need to register your details and answer a few questions related to your current living circumstances as well as your preferences. As you progress through the registration form, they will share additional information that will help you better understand why it might take Battersea Dogs Home longer, or in some cases why it might not be possible, to find you a dog. They use their 160 years’ of rehoming experience to match you with your perfect pet, which is why they encourage people to not apply for a specific animal as, chances are, we might be able to find you an even more suitable dog.
Customers who wish to rehome a dog (or cat) can fill out the form here: online rehoming application.
Whilst the dog rescue centres are located in London, Kent and Berkshire, Battersea are able to rehome anywhere across the UK but please be aware that you will be required to travel to the centre to meet the dog as a key part of the application process.
Battersea Dogs Home relies upon donations to raise the vital funds needed to keep our centres running, and we need the continued support of the public to ensure we can continue to be here for every dog and cat. If you can help, please make a donation.
So, as dog rescue in London goes – Battersea Dogs Home is, and probably always will be, THE name that everyone automatically thinks of.
