Best Dog Rescues in Devon and Cornwall: Our Top 12 Picks

Dog adoption can take a lot of time, but the process will go smoothly with the right rescue center. Hence, with countless dog adoption sites, we’ve come up with only a detailed list of the best dog rescues in Devon and Cornwall.

12 Best Dog Rescues in Devon and Cornwall

1. Cornwall and South Devon Boxer Rescue

There’s no other place to get your dream Boxer dog than in Cornwall and South Devon Boxer Rescue. This is a charity that’s solely based on volunteer assistance, yet their efforts are making a massive impact on the said breed, more so the neglected ones.

If you’re interested in adopting a Boxer dog rescue, a volunteer will conduct a home check and ask questions. It’s their way of finding out whether you and the Boxer rescue are a perfect fit for each other. 

They offer advice or help concerning dog ownership. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t get your dog from them. This charity acts out of their compassion for the welfare of all dogs. You can do the same through volunteering or donating.

How to contact them:

Website: Cornwall and South Devon Boxer Rescue

Address: Penstraze Business Centre, Truro, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 7528 757137

Email: [email protected] 

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook 

2. Animals of Hope Southwest

The Animals of Hope Southwest is a foster-based cat and dog rescue. Presently, they’re not connected with other shelters. The work is done by their dedicated foster family, who take all the surrendered pets into their loving and caring homes. 

Prior to that, every dog and cat get medically assessed and are treated immediately should there be any signs of concern. They’re then brought to a foster home, where they’ll be evaluated behaviorally.

Until each dog finds their furever home, the Animals of Hope Southwest commits to meeting all vet and food expenses. This can be undoubtedly costly.

To help, you can become their new foster family. Or you may also donate any amount or items such as beddings, games, or clothing.

How to contact them:

Website: Animals of Hope Southwest

Address: 80 Trelowarren Street Camborne Cornwall TR14 8AN

Phone: +44 1209 316358

3. Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Every misplaced, mistreated, and neglected dog is set to find a comfortable, loving spot in Margaret Green Animal Rescue. Their team has been rescuing dogs since 1965, and their efforts remain consistent.

Each dog rescue they welcome is given the best treatment regarding their medical and physiological needs. This is so they’d become all set and ready for their forever family.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue conducts an adoption process that’s designed explicitly for potential adopters to find a pet that perfectly matches their lifestyle and preferences. There’s no more great news for this rescue than to realize that they’ve already found a loving family for one of their dogs.

How to contact them:

Website: Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Address: Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Heathfield, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0LF

Phone: 0330 400 6670

Email: [email protected] 

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram

4. National Animal Welfare Trust

The National Animal Welfare Trust isn’t just situated in one place. They can be found in Cornwall, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex-Clacton. This makes it easier to find an adoptable dog if you’re around any of these areas.

With their 5 rehoming centers across the UK, this dog rescue is undeniably one of the top animal welfare charities. Its mission isn’t just to become a sanctuary and adoption site for dogs and other companionable pets; NAWT also serves as your helping hand regarding pet ownership.

Their adoption process only includes 5 steps:

  • Visit your local center.
  • Disclose your home and lifestyle.
  • Make regular visits to the center.
  • Allow a home visit.
  • Take your new pet home.

How to contact them:

Website: National Animal Welfare Trust

Address: Wheal Alfred Rd, Hayle TR27 5JT, United Kingdom

Phone: 01736 756005

Email: [email protected] 

You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram

5. K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare

K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare is a Cornish-based, volunteer-run dog rescue that serves the whole of Cornwall. So far, they only allow rehoming of their dogs if you’re a Cornish resident.

As an independent group, this welfare relies heavily on whatever support they can get from the community; what they receive from the public, whether help or financial assistance, directly goes to their rescued dogs.

To add, they provide all sorts of needed rehabilitation. Behavioral support is also offered, acknowledging that most if not all dogs are suffering from a kind of distress, trauma, or abuse.

How to contact them:

Website: K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare

Address: Hollybush Cottage, Bissoe, Truro TR4 8TF, United Kingdom

Phone: 01872 560232

Email: [email protected] 

6. The Last Chance Hotel

The Last Chance Hotel is another Cornish-based dog rescue. Indeed, this place is where some dogs find their last hope. Some rescues are getting old, and the best thing you can do is open your home and let them have the best experience in their remaining years.

This dog rescue center was founded in 2011. A sanctuary was established in the heart of the Cornish Countryside at High View Farm, Chacewater, to further their advocacy for dogs.

They are there for dogs and other domestic animals, and the LCH also protects the wildlife. Contact the team immediately if you think your perfect dog is present here. They may take a little while to respond as they’re made up of volunteers, but patience can go a long way.

How to contact them:

Website: The Last Chance Hotel

Address: 14 Westdown Rd, Delabole PL33 9DS, United Kingdom

Phone: 01209 281159

Email: [email protected]

7. Russet Greyhound Sanctuary

It’s incredible how Russet Greyhound Sanctuary has homed over 1,000 Greyhounds in 11 years. This is your go-to dog rescue site if Greyhounds are what appeals to you most.

Every Greyhound in their care is provided with things they deserve, from love to their basic needs. Sandra Deacon, a key person for this sanctuary, has only the best interest of all the Greyhounds she welcomes.

Volunteers aid her in furthering her mission. Some come and go, and their efforts are always appreciated. Help her take another forward step by becoming a new home for one of her Greyhounds. Or you can also help by making a donation today or becoming a volunteer.

How to contact them:

Website: Russet Greyhound Sanctuary

Address: Blackrock, Camborne,Cornwall, TR14 9NX

Phone: 01209 831177​

8. Woodside Animal Welfare Trust

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust is a piloted dog rescue and sanctuary for all unwanted dogs. You’ll find your ideal dog from here, and the most crucial step to being successful with dog adoption is to become the right match.

To avoid accidental breedings, this welfare encourages pet sterilization. Also, while some organizations don’t prefer sending their dog rescues to elderly people or families with young kids, the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust thinks that some dogs are meant to enjoy the company of kids while others strive for a laid-back owner.

To add, considering how circumstances can shift easily, such as divorce or emigration, this welfare is more than happy to take back their pets. However, if you’re thinking about adopting, take into consideration these possibilities and think of ways to avoid them from happening. 

How to contact them:

Website: Woodside Animal Welfare Trust 

Address: Elfordleigh, Plympton, Plymouth, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1752 347503

Email: [email protected] 

9. Gables

Gables is home to over 1,000 dogs and cats which they take in yearly. They provide an 11-acre site for these companionable pets, a real haven for those who are still waiting for their next family.

About 82 kennels and 81 cat pens indicate that they care for countless pets. They’re given free access to their outside environment to ensure they socialize with each other and develop good behaviors.

Before you take home a dog from Gables, it’s guaranteed that your pooch has undergone a complete medical examination with all the needed treatments. Included are vaccinations, sterilizations, and flea treatments. 

How to contact them:

Website: Gables

Address: 204 Merafield Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UQ

Phone: 01752 331602

Email: [email protected] 

10. RSPCA Cornwall Branch

RSPCA Cornwall Branch is a registered charity and an independent branch of the RSPCA. They raise local funds to further their advocacy for animals. Yet, aside from asking for donations, this charity also urges capable individuals and families to consider adopting a dog from them.

Before you go visit the center, an appointment would be required. You can learn more about the process of pet adoption through their “How to Adopt” page. 

On another note, all of the animals they post are available for rehoming. Once you find one that suits your taste, preferences, and lifestyle, don’t hesitate to contact RSPCA Cornwall Branch right away.

How to contact them:

Website: RSPCA Cornwall Branch

Address: The Venton Animal Centre, Quoit, St Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6JS

Phone: 01637 881455

Email: [email protected]

11. The Labrador Rescue Trust 

The Labrador Rescue Trust has been rehoming all dogs of the mentioned breed since 1988. They cover Cornwall, Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and more.

So far, around 11,514 dogs have received this dog rescue’s help, and more are being welcomed with proper treatment, love, and respect. Undoubtedly, each dog, especially a Labrador, deserves a family. 

With their exceptional qualities and friendly personality, it’s not hard to love a Lab. Become their next adopter and continue showing your passion for dogs through helping and volunteering. The Labrador Rescue Trust also has an online shop. Every purchase would help them sustain the needs of their dogs. 

How to contact them:

Website: The Labrador Rescue Trust

Phone: 07791 519084

Email: [email protected]

You may also reach out through their social media: Twitter and Instagram

12. K9 Focus

K9 Focus is an extraordinary Devon-based dog rescue that’s committed to helping dogs across the Southwest and beyond. Rescuing every dog that needs help follows before rehabilitation and rehoming.

This charity is undoubtedly the hope of many dogs in the surrounding areas of Devon.  They teach the public on how to become responsible dog owners. Some dogs end up in pounds and only have 7 days before they’re killed.

As sad as that sounds, you can make a substantial positive impact on the lives of these unfortunate dogs. Adopt rather than shop. Become a volunteer as well or support K9 Focus by aiding them in their financial endeavors, no matter the amount you’re capable of giving.

How to contact them:

Website: K9 Focus

Address: Shepherds View, Lower Hill, St. Giles, Torrington, Devon, EX38 7JU

Phone: 07971 461806

Email: [email protected]

How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in Devon and Cornwall?

Whether you’re getting your dog from Devon or Cornwall, the standard adoption fee is around £200. Some dog rescue centers may also ask for a £20 application fee. For age-specific adoption fees, puppies are the costliest as they can be around £500.

Meanwhile, the fee decreases as the dog gets older. Senior dogs are reasonably more affordable, which is all the more reason to go for them and grant them a memorable life experience. 

Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From Devon and Cornwall?

Adopting a dog rescue from Devon and Cornwall is a huge step toward making all cages empty and the roads free from homeless dogs, making it a worthy decision. You’re contributing to the rescue centers’ mission, vision, and goals, regardless of their location.

Providing a home for at least one dog makes space available for another rescue. 

On another note, if you’re in the United States, you may be interested in adopting from the dog rescues located in South Carolina or New York.