17 Best Dog Rescues In Scotland (Updated 2023 Guide)

You want to give a rescue dog a second by adopting them.

With that, you go on looking for the right place to adopt.

In this article, I’ll feature some of the best rescue shelters in Scotland.

Keep reading to discover:

17 best dog rescues in Scotland (plus all their contact details).
The so-called decompression period that your dog might experience while being rehomed.
And much, much more…

Table of contents

17 best dog rescues in Scotland

17 best dog rescues in Scotland

#1: Dog Trust

One of the leading dog welfare charities in Scotland started in 1891.

It started with Lady Gertrude Stock and her small group. They aim to campaign against animal cruelty.

Moreover, their group was then called the National Canine Defence League.

And starting then, the group continued their advocacy. They’re so dedicated that the organization has survived both world wars.

Furthermore, in 2003, they became known as ‘Dogs Trust.’ And they just continue to claim so many successes.

Up until now, that campaign can be observed and experienced by many.

They’ve rehomed and helped so many puppers and dog parents.

With their many milestones and long history, this group can be the best source for a rescue dog.

And with more than 100 years of service to the community, they have a lot of locations.

Those around Scotland are…

Dog Trust – West Calder (Edinburgh)

With all those accomplishments, Dog Trust is a well-known organization in the UK.

That’s why a lot of dogs arrive at their centers.

But, they don’t just immediately put these dogs out for adoption.

They assess each dog carefully. Such is necessary to know if they’re ready to find a new home.

And in the West Calder Centre, there are more than 30 kennels right now that need rehoming.

You can visit their website, and you’ll see those dogs. All of them are ready for adoption…

And who knows?

Maybe one of them will be your future fur baby…

So, are you planning to visit?

Then, you can make an appointment with their dedicated advisors. They can guide you through chat or in person at their center.

During that appointment, they’ll assess you as well. They’re gonna ask things like your home situation and lifestyle.

Now, such is necessary to know if you’re well-suited to take home a rescue dog.

Moreover, they want to make sure you’ll be a perfect match with your future fur baby.

Dog Trust – West Calder contact details

Website: Dog Trust – West Calder

Phone number: 0303 003 0000

Address: Dogs Trust West Calder, Bentyhead, West Calder, West Lothian, EH55 8LE (Google maps)

Note: Reach out to them at specified times.

If you plan on calling, these are the times that lines are open:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 6 PM

Weekends, Holidays – 8:30 AM to 5 PM

As for visitation time, you should call first to make an appointment.

Dog Trust – Glasgow

As I said, Dog Trust open their arms to many dogs daily.

That’s why they have many centers to cater to as many as possible.

Moreover, they’re willing to take care of as many dogs as they can.

Wanna know by how much?

Dog Trust vows not to put any healthy dog down…

And they’re gonna do their best to give these canines the best homes.

Such is applicable for every dog under the care…

Even those that are labeled ‘special dogs.’

And they take care of every pooch equally.

In Glasglow, more than 60 dogs are waiting to be rehomed.

Are you planning on looking at those dogs?

Then you can follow the same process of making an appointment with their advisors.

So, give them a call and start the process of adopting a new pooch.

Moreover, their centers are open for free tours as well.

There, you can look at how they operate and see how intricate their work is. But the tour only lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

Interested? Then you should book your tour as slots are limited.

You can inquire using the following contact information:

Supporter Relations officer: Emma Hamilton

Email address: hfhglasgow@dogtrust.org.uk

Phone number: 0141 773 5130

Dog Trust – Glasgow contact details

Website: Dog Trust – Glasgow

Phone number: 0303 003 0000

Address: Dogs Trust Glasgow, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL

(Google maps)

Note: You must reach out to them at specified times.

If you plan on calling, the schedule is:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 6 PM

Weekends, Holidays – 8:30 AM to 5 PM

As for visitation time, you should call first to make an appointment.

And during that, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of your future pooch. Then, the next thing you know, you’re gonna take home a rescue dog.

Throughout the process, Dog Trust will have your best interest at heart. They’ll assist you and your new fur baby.

Continue reading: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#2: Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary

By its name, this rescue center focuses on rehoming Greyhounds.

In 2008, the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary (SGS) was established.

Moreover, it operates independently.

With that, they solely rely on the support of volunteers and donations.

Plus, they also do fundraising events.

They’re willing to receive as much support as they can.

That’s because they don’t receive government funding.

Regardless, they remain devoted…

And their goal is to rehabilitate and rehome Greyhounds and Lurchers.

To get more sense of what they do, take a look at this special video:

Planning to help their cause?

There are many ways to get involved with SGS.

Plus, they appreciate even the littlest thing.

Following them on Facebook and sharing their page is already a huge help.

And if you plan to check the dogs out, here’s the…

Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary contact details

Website: Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary

Phone number: 0845 643 9335

Email address: scottishgreyhoundsanctuary@gmail.com

Postal address: 24 Abbotshall Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9JX, Scotland, UK

Join their forum

Visit their Facebook page

Subscribe to their Youtube channel

And if you have any questions regarding the dogs, visit their FAQs page.

#3: Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Yet another shelter that’s been of service for more than 100 years.

Since 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have helped thousands and thousands.

And to think that it all started with a few concerned citizens…

They noticed that there were so many strays that roamed the city.

With that, they begin to welcome these strays.

Then, they do their best to find the right home for them.

They have a long history that shows their many accomplishments.

And throughout those years, they practice their mission well.

They rescue, reunite, and rehome dogs and cats across the area.

Moreover, they aim to give strays the voice and chance they deserve.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home contact details

Website: Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Phone number: 0131 669 5331

Email address: info@edch.org.uk

Address: 26 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 1EH

#4: Scottish SPCA

Did you know?

At least 100,00 dogs and cats don’t have a loving home in the UK alone.

Such data is revealed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

And that number isn’t the only unfortunate thing…

Sadly, those strays are victims of hit-and-runs, starvation, and deadly diseases.

That’s why the contribution of rescue shelters really does have significant differences.

One of the best dog rescues is the Scottish SPCA.

They also claim the title: Scotland’s animal champions.

How so?

According to them, they champion in animal welfare…

And dogs and cats aren’t the only animals they take in.

In fact, they started with horses…

Now, they rehome almost all animals, such as:

Ferrets.
Rabbits.
Snakes.
Reptiles.
Guinea pigs.

Moreover, they aim to educate everyone on the importance of their work.

They vow to respect animals and be kind towards them.

Plus, they bring justice to animals that are victims of abuse.

But, donations are vital for this rescue center.

That’s because they don’t receive any government funding.

Regardless, they continue their advocacy for the many animals in need.

They can thrive with the help of their volunteers and fundraising events.

But, they’re also willing to receive support from you…

And you can offer your helping hand, even from the comfort of your home.

Scottish SPCA contact details

Website: Scottish SPCA

Email address: (fill up this form to send an email)

Postal address: Kingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8RY

Moreover, I suggest noting down their emergency number as well.

If you see any injured or distressed animal, immediately contact them. Do so by calling: 03000 999 999.

#5: Edinburgh Samoyed Rescue

This one is a kind non-profit organization that has this goal:

To rehome as many dogs as they can.

Moreover, they assist in making sure that the dog and parent are a perfect match.

The Edinburgh Samoyed Rescue receives a lot of dogs that need help.

The organization says most of their rescues come from caring homes.

Many dog parents surrender their dogs to ESR.

That’s because they can’t look after their dogs anymore.

With that, the responsible choice is to rehome the canines.

And ESR will gladly help in doing so.

But they don’t receive any funding aside from donations.

Still, they don’t fail to take care of their rescues…

All dogs for rehoming are living in private homes. This is so that they don’t get too cramped in kennels.

Moreover, such a setup allows the dog to stay happy and healthy.

Then, all dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, and worm-treated. Plus, they’re so well taken care of that the canines are also free of ticks.

But most of all, the people of ERS are passionate about what they do.

And if you want to get in touch with them, here’s…

Edinburgh Samoyed Rescue contact details

Website: Edinburgh Samoyed Rescue

Email address: samoyedrescueedinburgh@gmail.com

For any inquiries, you can fill up this form.

#6: Scottish Animal Welfare

Their motto is to put Scotland’s animals first…

Scottish Animal Welfare offers 24 hours of welfare service. They’re the only organization in the country that offers such.

Did you know? Research says that dogs are the most involved in car collisions.

It’s based on the data where dogs are more than 80% of the animals affected.

So if you see such or the like around your area, contact this number: 03000 999 000.

Any animal in any type of distress should receive immediate action.

Are you looking to adopt the perfect companion?

Their rehoming team will be more glad to assist you.

Here’s how to get in touch with them:

Scottish Animal Welfare contact details

Website: Scottish Animal Welfare

Contact them by filling up this form.

And if you find the perfect canine to take home, they guarantee this:

That the dog will be neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

After that, you can finally take your new fur baby home.

#7: Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath

Despite being a small organization, they make big changes.

The Animal Rescue Centre (Arbroath) or ARC helps rehome abandoned animals.

And like most of the centers so far, they count on public fundraising and donations.

If you’d like to visit them, book an appointment with them.

Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath contact details

Website: Animal Rescue Centre Arbroath

Phone number: 07474567938

Email address: arcarbroath@outlook.com

Address: 15 Kinaldie Holdings, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 5SH

If you wish to comment, suggest, or ask anything, you can also fill out a contact form.

Moreover, you can follow their pages on social media.

Here’s the link to their Facebook and Instagram.

#8: Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home

Around a thousand animals pass through this shelter each year.

And it’s been like that since Mrs. Susan Murray founded the shelter in 1889.

She created a place of refuge for stray cats and dogs.

The organization thrives because of the boarding services that they offer.

So, they use their boarding profit to shelter rescue animals.

Moreover, they also count on public support and donations.

Wanna give a pooch a new home?

They’d love to hear from you…

Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats contact details

Website: Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats

Phone number: 01224 483624

Email address: info@mrsmurrays.co.uk

Address: Brickfield, East Seato, Aberdeen, AB24 1XL

If you wish to call or visit, do so during their opening hours:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 4 PM

Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM

Sunday – Closed

#9: Dog Action Workshop Group Scotland (DAWGS)

It all started on the 1st of January 1994…

A group decided to help a local vet that’s been taking care of strays.

The vet did so at his own expense. But, he was having a hard time doing so.

That’s because rehoming dogs is a difficult and long task.

With that the group assisted by placing ads in the local papers.

Moreover, the group also carried out home checks for potential dog parents.

So, it all started with a few people’s initiatives…

Now, Dog Action Working Group Scotland or DAWGS is a known charity.

So far, they’ve given 3000 dogs a second chance.

Also, they offered families wonderful and loving companions.

And if you wish to experience the same, don’t hesitate to contact them…

DAWGS contact details

Website: Dog Action Working Group Scotland (DAWGS)

Phone number: 01224 208989

Email address: info@dawgs.co.uk

Address: ‘The Dawghouse’, The Old, Bakehouse, Main Street, Alford, AB33 8PX (Google Maps)

Do you wanna speak directly with a member of their team?

If yes, then you can fill out this form.

They’re also active on their Facebook page. You can follow them and receive updates of dogs available for rehoming.

#10: Dog Aid Society of Scotland

This rescue organization doesn’t have kennel facilities.

Instead, they rehome dogs using the home-from-home method.

So, a dog for rehoming will stay on their initial parent.

That’ll change until an adopter is found.

With that, the dog will go straight from their old to their new home.

According to research, animal shelters cause acute and chronic stress in dogs.

But this setup reduces those feelings in the canine.

Regardless, your rescue pooch is still bound to undergo a decompression period.

What’s that?

AKC says this is the period of adjustment in a rehomed dog.

When they enter a new home, they take time to get used to it.

Moreover, dogs react differently during this period.

That’s why experience will vary…

Regardless, it’s best to help reduce feelings of anxiety during this big change.

And if you wish to practice it with DAS, communicate with them through the following:

Dog Aid Society of Scotland contact details

Website: Dog Aid Society of Scotland

Phone number: 0131 668 3633

Address: 60 Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh, EH9 3ER

If you wish to visit, follow their opening hours:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Weekends: Closed

Editor’s pick: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#11: Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society

This one has many success stories to tell…

The Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society or PADS is well-loved by many.

Since 1985, PADS has been rehoming loving dogs to wonderful people.

And such is the organization’s main goal…

Moreover, they follow an intricate process of rehoming a pupper.

They’ll first ask you to complete an adoption application form.

Then, they’ll review your form.

And if it’s a suitable match, they’ll gladly let you know.

But, not every dog comes with a transparent background.

Sometimes, the shelter doesn’t know everything about a certain canine.

Regardless, they work hard to know as much as they can.

They do so by assessing each dog.

Such is for the adopter and the canine’s benefit.

And they don’t stop there…

If you finally took home your rescue, you can expect a visit from PADS. It takes a few weeks for them to visit you.

They wanna take a look at whether it’s working well between the human and dog…

And if both are happy together, it’s yet another success story to share.

Thinking of having PADS in your dog adoption journey?

Get in touch with them now…

PADS contact details

Website: Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society

Phone number: 01764 684491

Address: Forteviot Kennels, Forteviot, Perth, PH2 9BS

If you wish to email them, you can fill out this form.

Moreover, kennel visits are by appointment. To set one up, just call the phone number provided.

#12: Borders Pet Rescue

They’ve been rehoming 200 dogs a year since 1988.

The Borders Pet Rescue advocates that animals matter, too. And they really do.

They show it by assisting rehoming processes…

And they do so by finding the perfect homes for unwanted animals.

Then, they also aim to educate the public on responsible dog ownership. That’s why they offer training in the area.

Moreover, they stand behind neutering dogs.

That’s because such a procedure can reduce strays.

Other than that, it has many more benefits.

According to VCA Hospitals, some of those are:

Lengthens lifespan.
Reduces aggression.
Decrease roaming habits.
Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
Removes sexual urges, which eliminates humping.

Going back, BPR also values microchipping…

They use it to ensure the further safety of every animal entering and exiting their shelter.

But, they only rely on generosity from support and donations.

With that, they’ll appreciate anyone who gets in touch with them…

You can do so using the following information:

Borders Pet Rescue contact details

Website: Borders Pet Rescue

Phone number: 01896 849090

Email address: info@borderspetrescue.org

Address: Earlston, Scottish Borders, TD4 6DJ

#13: Islay Dog Rescue

This rescue center was started by a woman and dog parent, Lorraine Jardine.

The organization began standing in 2010.

What sparked the start of this helpful shelter? Sadly, it’s an unfortunate personal experience.

Lorraine, herself was looking for homes that could rehome her dog.

And she knows that many families want a canine companion.

With that, she started Islay Dog Rescue.

So, do you share the same advocacy as theirs?

Or are you looking for a rescue pooch to shower with love?

If you said yes to even one of those, don’t be afraid to communicate with them…

Islay Dog Rescue contact details

Website: Islay Dog Rescue

Phone number: 07876561545

See all the dogs that are up for adoption on this special page.

For a general inquiry, fill out this form for support.

#14: All Dog Rescue Scotland

They’ve only been serving for 5 years…

Still, they rehome about 500 dogs a year.

Plus, their adoption process is elaborate.

That’s because they want what’s best for the dog and the future parent.

And in the end, everything’s worth it.

A lot of people show their gratitude for this organization.

They attest that All Dog Rescue Scotland is one of the bests out there.

So, did I succeed in convincing you to go for them?

Well, go on and check ’em out:

All Dog Rescue Scotland contact details

They don’t have a website yet…

Regardless, they’re active and constantly updating their Facebook page.

Email address: alldogrescuescotland@gmail.com

#15: Until Every Dog Has a Home

The founder of this organization has prior rescue world knowledge.

However, they discovered a black hole in that area…

And it’s the underrated suffering of some dogs with behavioral issues.

Not only that but dogs with a bite history are misjudged, too.

Now, those dogs are labeled to be trouble…

That’s why they don’t get picked on the shelter often.

Unfortunately, most of those dogs leave the world without experiencing another chance…

But, Until Every Dog Has A Home won’t let that happen…

They offer kind guidance to these dogs.

Then, they also aim to give them a second chance. They assist in finding the canines a new home.

That’s why they offer rehabilitation alongside rescuing and rehoming.

Moreover, their methods are ethical and science-based. They go so far as that to ensure the dog’s welfare.

So, do you want to give some of their pooch a chance?

Then what are you waiting for?

Contact them now…

Until Every Dog Has A Home contact details

Website: Until Every Dog Has A Home

Email address: enquiries.UEDHAH@hotmail.com

#16: Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels

They also go by the perfect nickname: BARK.

The Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels is continuously growing.

They remain active by providing refuge to unwanted animals.

Then, they do their best to find these animals their new home.

Regardless of their HQ’s location, they’re willing to take dogs from all areas.

But they make it clear that their limit is 60 miles off of their kennels.

Despite that, they make a few exceptions in some cases.

To know more about them, explore their contact information…

B.A.R.K. contact details

Website: Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels

Phone number: 01289 306299

Email address: info@b-a-r-k.co.uk

Address: Windmill Way East, Ramparts, Business Park, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1TU

#17: Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre

Nearing 20 years, this charity continues to thrive.

They can do so by the pouring support of locals.

The media also supports Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre.

And that’s how they’ve been raising enough funds for the canines.

Moreover, they kindly serve both their human and canine friends.

They don’t hesitate to respond to individual needs. And they do it with the utmost compassion.

And I’ll use their own words in this:

Whatever you wanna ask, they’re happy to assist you.

So, always keep ’em in mind…

Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre contact details

Website: Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre

Phone number: 01387 770 210

Email address: info@caninerescue.co.uk

Address: Dovecotewells, by Glencaple, Dumfries, DG1 4RH

You can also fill out this contact form.