Scotland is where some of the best dog rescues can be found, and adopting one or two from them requires a simple process. When your adoption application is approved and your home is set to welcome a new family addition, your journey as a dog owner starts!
Choosing a dog companion requires thorough decision-making, especially determining which dog breed, size, and age is appropriate for you and your family. Once that’s settled, the next big step is to visit the dog rescue, where you can meet the right dog.
Look nowhere else, as this article features the best sources where you can adopt a dog. You’ll learn about what they do, the dogs they have, their adoption fees, and more. Keep reading!
10 Dog Rescues in Scotland Where You Can Adopt a Dog
1. Scottish SPCA
Scottish SPCA is one of the large dogs rescues you can find in Scotland. They continuously strive to increase the statistics of dogs they have saved, rehabilitated, and rehomed.
In 2022 alone, animal rescue officers and inspectors have responded to an average of 235 reports of animals in need daily. There were also around 3,433 pets that were rehabilitated and rehomed in the same year.
Not only do they take care of pets but as well as wildlife and farm animals. These things that they do won’t be possible without the community and your help. Aside from considering donating to them, adopting a dog is also a way to help.
Their rehoming fee varies, mostly by age. Regardless, it’s considerably more affordable than what any breeders could ask for. What’s included in the adoption fee are vet-checking, spaying or neutering, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, vaccination, and pet insurance.
How to contact Scottish SPCA:
Website: Scottish SPCA
Phone: (03000) 999 999
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
2. Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre
Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre was established in 2003 and later became a rehoming facility in the region thanks to the support of the local community. Their rescue center takes dogs from dog pounds in England and Northern Ireland.
These canines would have been otherwise destroyed if not saved. Stray dogs are also taken in where owners can claim them. Yet, if the dogs remain unclaimed, the DGCRC has the authority to get them rehomed.
In 2018, they beamed with pride as their 4000th dog got rehomed in a loving, responsible home. Their numbers keep increasing, and it’ll continue if you, too, decide to adopt a dog from this center.
They only ask for a minimum donation of £175 for every dog adopted. This will help them continue saving more dogs if they have the financial means to do so.
How to contact Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre:
Website: Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre
Address: Dovecote Wells, by Glencaple, Dumfries. Scotland
Phone: (01387) 770 210
Email: [email protected]
3. Second Chance Kennels
Second Chance Kennels was founded in 1994 to rehome unwanted dogs in Scotland. Their mission kicked off with four puppies. This eventually grew, and now they’re regularly rehoming adult dogs.
In their first five years, their charity program was done at home. They did various activities and sought ways to raise funds to establish a kennel. With the help of the community, Second Chance Kennels became a reality.
With the dogs they have, they recommend that potential adopters should have their own secure gardens. They also usually don’t rehome to adopters with full-time jobs or families with kids under five.
If you qualify, start scanning their available dogs. You’ll learn about the appropriate adoption fee as you go through the dog adoption process.
How to contact Second Chance Kennels:
Website: Second Chance Kennels
Address: Balbeggie Avenue, Thornton, Fife, Scotland
Phone: (01592) 771933
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
4. Dog Action Working Group Scotland
Dog Action Working Group Scotland commenced in 1994. This group started by helping other kennels in their rescue and rehoming mission until everything took a big turn in 1994. DAWGS chanced upon a vet who took the initiative to take in and care for unwanted pets.
Everything was at his own expense. Without DAWGS’ help, it would have taken him longer to rehome every animal he rescued.
To date, DAWGS has successfully rehomed over 3,000 dogs, and over 3,000 families have also enjoyed many happy, wonderful years with their pet companions. More canines are waiting for their forever homes.
Feel free to check which suits your lifestyle and preferences and start filling out an online application form!
How to contact Dog Action Working Group Scotland:
Website: Dog Action Working Group Scotland
Address: Alford, United Kingdom
Phone: (01224) 208989
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Twitter
5. Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels
Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels, or BARK for short, provides a temporary refuge to unwanted or stray animals in Scotland. Whenever possible, they also rehome them as part of their ultimate mission.
Their work covers the north and south of the Scottish Border, although they take in unwanted pet companions from all areas. Specifically, this is within 60 miles of the kennels.
To protect the animals they have at BARK, expect that their rehoming process is strict yet worth it. They have also laid out things to consider before adoption to help you make a well-informed decision.
You’ll have to submit an adoption application process if you’re set about adopting one of their dogs. BARK will get to know you through your answers and determine if you’re the right match for the dog you chose.
How to contact Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels:
Website: Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels
Address: Windmill Way East, Ramparts Business Park, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1TU
Phone: (01289) 306299
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
6. Dogs Trust Glasgow
Dogs Trust Glasgow is a well-established dog rescue in Scotland. They have a lot of facilities enabling their dogs to have much-needed socialization, exercise, love, care, and attention.
They have around 66 glass-fronted kennels that house hundreds of dogs each year. This animal welfare charity vows to find the best homes for these dogs, especially their long-term residents staying with them for more than six months.
Get to know their wonderful fidos who are waiting for their new owners. They vary greatly based on size, age, breed, and personality. Check which of them best suits what your family is looking for and start the adoption process right away.
How to contact Dogs Trust Glasgow:
Website: Dogs Trust Glasgow
Address: 315 Hamilton Rd, Uddingston, Glasgow G71 7SL, UK
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
7. Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society
Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society takes in dogs of all kinds. From the smallest of Yorkies to the massive ones like the Mastiffs, all kinds can be seen here. Canines that are sick, hungry, abused, and neglected can make this their sanctuary.
Once the pets have arrived under their care, they rehabilitate to the best of their abilities. In the last three decades PADS has been operating, thousands of dog lives have been transformed.
You, too, can impact the life of any dog you choose to adopt from here. There’s only an adoption fee amounting to £180. This includes neutering or spaying, vaccinations, microchipping, worming, and flea treatment.
How to contact Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society:
Website: Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society
Address: Forteviot Kennels, Forteviot, Perth, PH2 9BS
Phone: (01764) 684491
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
8. Mrs. Murrays
Mrs. Murrays is an Aberdeen-based dog rescue that takes in stray and lost dogs and cats. They also take in pets from owners who can no longer properly care for them.
Each year, there are about 1,000 animals that pass through their doors. Most of them are abandoned or unwanted. As a non-profit organization, they rely mostly on donations, legacies, and support from the public.
This enables them to take in and care for more animals in need. If you’re interested in adopting a dog, check out their lovely animals. You can also see their new arrivals and guests who have already stayed with them for a long time.
How to contact Mrs. Murrays:
Website: Mrs. Murrays
Address: Brickfield, East Seaton, Aberdeen AB24 1XL.
Phone: (01224) 483624
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
9. Greyhound Rescue Fife
Greyhound Rescue Fife was established in 2005 in response to several Greyhounds retiring from their racing career. Their kennels can house around 50 dogs at any given time.
Suppose the Greyhound is the dog breed that well-matches the kind of lifestyle and home environment you live in. In that case, this is the ideal breed-specific rescue to visit.
Their dogs are microchipped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and treated for fleas. Suppose you’re interested in one of their lovely Greyhounds. In that case, they only ask for a donation fee of £180 to help cover the incurred expenses while the dog was under their care.
How to contact Greyhound Rescue Fife:
Website: Greyhound Rescue Fife
Address: Kinross KY13 0LF, UK
Phone: (07826) 244765 / (01577) 850393
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
10. Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath
Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath is a small charity that does not discriminate. Any pets that need help can rely on the work of this group. Regardless of their conditions or why they end up in this rescue center, they have a place to stay until they’re adopted.
The ARCA relies heavily on donations and community support to keep the organization running. Any amount of donation you give goes a long way in helping animals in need.
Check out the profiles of their available dogs. They’re fun-loving animal companions, which will surely give you an experience of what it’s like to be unconditionally loved.
How to contact Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath:
Website: Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath
Address: 15 Kinaldie Holdings, Arbroath, United Kingdom
Phone: (7474) 567938
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
All these dog rescues based in Scotland pass our standards, so feel free to return to this detailed directory once you’ve decided to adopt a rescued dog.
