13 Best Dog Rescues In London (Updated 2023 Guide)

Oh, you wanna help rescue dogs so badly…

But the many choices of ways to do so can be pretty overwhelming.

So, before you go into information overload, here’s a detailed list.

This will be everything you might just need to find a reliable rescue shelter.

Keep reading to discover:

13 best dog rescues in London (plus their contact information).
Each rescue shelter’s services and process (simplified for your convenience).
And many more…

Table of contents

13 best dog rescues in London

The suggestions below are from my detailed research in Google maps.

I used the ratings and reviews of locals who have first-hand experience with each shelter. So, all recommendations are truthful.

Moreover, doing this research is extensive. I know it takes a lot of time.

Plus, all those information can be overwhelming.

But with this article, I’ll organize everything. So, you can find what you’re looking for at a glance.

Disclaimer: The ratings and reviews can change. But to the date of writing this article, everything is accurate.

13 best dog rescues in London

#1: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

First on the list is the most-rated shelter in London.

It’s none other than Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Fun fact about them: They’ve been serving the community since 1860.

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 2,059

Contact details

Website: https://www.battersea.org.uk/

Address: 4 Battersea Park Rd, Nine Elms, London SW8 4AA, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0800 001 4444

Email: info@battersea.org.uk

Other centers

Battersea Old Windsor

Address: Englefield Green, Windsor SL4 2JN, UK (Google maps)

Battersea Brands Hatch

Address: Longfield DA3 8NP, UK (Google maps)

Social media presence

Follow them on their active social media pages:

Services

Since they’re a large organization, this rescue home offers a lot.

Rehoming / adopting

They follow a detailed process in rehoming rescues.

Now, the process is only 5 steps. Still, they make a thorough review of each application.

Are you interested in rehoming a pooch? Then, register first.

And with that, you’ll begin your journey to rehoming a loving canine.

Lost and Found

If you’re looking for your missing pooch, get help from Battersea.

Contact this number to make a report: 020 7627 9245.

Note: That’s open only from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Expert advice

They also have pages dedicated to advising dog parents of the essentials.

There’s a webpage for general dog advice. You’ll find tips and videos crafted by professionals.

Plus, they also advise on taking care of puppies. You’ll have a guide on raising a puppy the best way you can on that page.

Ways to help their cause

Volunteering

This large rescue home thrives on the genuine hearts of volunteers.

For vacancies, check this page.

Fostering

As mentioned, they have 3 centres as of now.

Despite that, the rescue still relies on foster parents.

If you’re interested in being one, apply here.

Donating

Extend your helping hand to canines in need.

You can make a single donation to them. Another choice is to become a monthly donor.

Find out more about it here on this page.

Reading tip: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#2: Mayhew

This is yet another popular rescue home.

That’s why it’s also frequently rated. Plus, many locals attest that they had a wonderful experience with Mayhew.

So, their rating stands…

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 517

Contact details

Website: https://themayhew.org/

Address: Trenmar Gardens, London NW10 6BJ, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 020 8962 8000

Email: info@mayhewanimalhome.org

You can also get in touch with them using their contact form.

Moreover, you can follow their social media accounts:

Opening hours

Every center and amenity of them has different operating hours.

Clinic

Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM

To visit, you must still book an appointment via email: vetclinic@mayhewanimalhome.org.

Services

Vet clinic

They offer many medical services for animals.

First of all, neutering is free and low-cost from them.

Other services include:

Vaccination.
Microchipping.
Pet emergencies.
Flea and worm treatment.
Nursing clinics (for basic care).

Expert advice

They also give out expert advice in handling canines…

You can learn about getting a fur baby to take care of their health. Visit this page to learn more.

How you can help

Adopting

To rehome a canine from them, you must follow their 5-step process.

Learn more about their new procedure on this link.

Fostering

Mayhew has their own kennel. However, some dogs don’t do well in that kind of environment.

Other canines are kept in foster homes to reduce some of their stress.

You can participate as a foster parent by applying here.

Volunteering

There are vacancies waiting to be filled by a committed volunteer. Sign up by sending an email to them at volunteer@mayhewanimalhome.org.

#3: Dogs Trust – London (Harefield)

Dogs Trust started in 1891…

And since then, they’ve helped many canines. Plus, they’ve put many smiles on fulfilled fur parents.

Now, they have 21 centers that shelter hundreds of dogs.

The one in London is rated:

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 511

Contact details

Website: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/harefield/

Address: Highway Farm House, Harvil Rd, Harefield, Uxbridge UB9 6JW, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0303 003 0000 or +441895453930

Phone line operating hours

Weekdays – 9 M to 6 PM

Weekends & Bank holidays – 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Shelter opening times

The shelter welcomes people from 12 PM to 4 PM for general browsing.

Social media presence

Services

Guided tours around their center

They welcome curious people in their shelter…

Whether you wanna see and meet the rescues…

Or if you wanna see how they work around the organization.

For a guided tour, enquire to their Supporter Relations Officers.

Phone: 01895 453951

Email: sian.bourn@dogstrust.org.uk or irene.anidjah@dogstrust.org.uk

Support their cause

Adopting

Start your adoption journey with the help of a compassionate rescue home.

To rehome from Dogs Trust, follow this process.

Volunteering

Take a look at their updated volunteer vacancies here.

Fostering

Despite having many kennels, they still appreciate foster parents.

If you wanna be one, read more about fostering a canine.

Sponsoring

You can also sponsor a rescue of your choice.

#4: Blue Cross – Hertfordshire

Blue Cross is a large rescue organization.

Some 125 years ago, they started in the streets of London.

Now, they continue to grow.

And their nearest rehoming center in London is located in Hertfordshire.

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 131

Contact details

Website: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/hertfordshire-kimpton-rehoming-centre

Address: Kimpton Btm, Hitchin SG4 8EU, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0300 777 1490

Email: hertfordshire@bluecross.org.uk

For updates, follow their Facebook account.

Opening hours

Sunday to Tuesday – 11 AM to 4 PM

Wednesday – Closed

Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 4 PM

Services

Rehoming

Adoption fee: £200 to £400

First, browse their list of adoptables.

Once you’ve picked a canine, you can click on the ‘Rehome me’ button.

After that, your adoption process has begun. You just have to wait for them to get in touch with you.

Editor’s pick: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#5: All Dogs Matter

Rating: 4.3

Reviews: 114

Contact details

Website: https://alldogsmatter.co.uk/

Address: 30 Aylmer Parade, London N2 0PE, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 020 8341 3196

Email: info@alldogsmatter.co.uk

Social media presence

Opening hours

Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Saturday – 9 AM to 12:30 PM

Sunday – 9:30 AM to 11 AM (By appointment only – no walk-ins)

Services

Giving your dog up or adoption

You can ask for their help in rehoming your pooch. Follow the process here.

How to get involved

Adopting

First, meet their adoptables on their website.

Note: There are no dogs in their offices. Every rescue is kept in a foster home.

So, visit this page to meet their dogs.

Also, familiarize yourself with how their rehoming process works.

Fostering

As I said, they don’t have any shelters.

That’s why they’ll greatly appreciate foster applicants.

To foster, go to this page.

Volunteering

Complete their volunteering questionnaire. Then, also read about their vacancies and requirement. You can find everything here.

Shop their merchandise

From necklaces, bags, and sweatshirts. Shopping from their charity merchandise can help their cause. Scan their shop now.

You can also go to their physical shop.

Address: 243 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London N10 1DG, UK (Google maps)

#6: RSPCA Central London Branch

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 56

Contact details

Website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/central-london-branch

Address: 45 Primrose Ave, Enfield EN2 0SZ, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 020 72722264

Email: animals@rspcacentrallondon.org.uk

Report an animal in distress or experiencing cruelty

Phone: 0300 1234 999

Also, check their guide on reporting such cases.

Services

Neutering

Avail of their neutering services for dogs.

Phone: 07710 294180

Veterinary financial aid

Does your dog need medical assistance?

If yes, you can opt for a vet financial aid. Simply contact 020 72722264.

How you can help

Adopting

First, see their rescues available for adoption. If you don’t see any dog you like, you can always check back regularly for updates.

Volunteering

Find out more about volunteering for RSPCA.

#7: Animal Rescue and Care

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 49

Contact details

Website: http://www.animalrescueandcare.org.uk/

Phone: arc@animalrescueandcare.org.uk

Email: 07443 525243

Social media presence

Services

Lost and found

They’re partnered with the largest database to find lost animals.

Contact Animal Search UK:

Email: info@animalsearchuk.co.uk

Phone: 01244 355 247

Advice on dog care

They have accessible facts about dog care.

Adopting

They don’t have many dogs up for adoption. So, monitor this website for updates.

Ways to help

Shop online

There are many ways to shop for ARC. Find out on this page.

Become a member

This allows you to work with them. Plus, you’ll know how they operate in the shelter.

Lastly, as a member, you can give your utmost support. So, join here.

#8: Animal Samaritans

Rating: 34.5

Reviews: 39

Contact details

Website: https://rescue-dogs.org.uk/

Address: Welling DA16 2WS, UK (Google maps)

Phone: 0203 745 9859

Email: info@animalsamaritans.org.uk

Mailing address: Animal Samaritans, PO Box 154 Bexleyheath DA16 2WS

Services

Rehoming (advice and assistance)

For advice about rehoming, seek Maxine’s help, a volunteer. Call her dedicated number 07930 221239.

You can also call the shelter’s main phone number.

With that, they’ll connect you to a coordinator. Throughout the process, you have the team to guide you.

But first, read about their terms and conditions.

Get involved

Volunteering

To volunteer for them, contact them through email.

Read more on how to help their cause on this site.

#9: Doris Banham Dog Rescue

Rating: 4.9

Reviews: 23

Contact details

Website: http://dorisbanhamdogrescue.org/

Address: Wells Lane Cottage Wells Lane Cottam Nr Retford DN22 0EZ

Phone: 07984 143 253 (contact person is Lorna)

You can also send them a message through this form.

Social media presence

Services

Adopting

Wanna see the canines available for adoption? Check ’em out here.

There’ll be a button to apply for adoption on each dog’s profile.

Help their cause

Donating

Be a donor by assisting their shelter financially. Read more on how to donate.

Volunteering

You can volunteer for their kennels. You can be assigned to clean the kennels or walk the dogs.

Moreover, you can contribute by doing the write-ups for each canine. If you’re a photographer or an enthusiast, you can take pictures for the shelter.

To volunteer, give Lorna (from contact details) a ring.

Sponsoring a kennel

Fund the life of a canine in the rescue. To know more about it, check this page.

You can also contact them through:

Email: trudie.james@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: 07597 049 231

Fundraising

Sometimes showing up can be enough.

So, join them in their fun fundraisers. There, you can help around and entertain yourself with the many stalls…

Fostering

Experience the joyful wonder of fostering a dog. Read more about it.

Transporting

This is a vital need for the shelter.

They need people willing to drive the rescues from pound to shelter.

Donating stamps and used ink cartridges

You can send them used stamps from any country.

As for the used ink cartridges, they’ll accept any model except for Brother or Epson.

Send to address: Doris Banham Ink Appeal 48 Village Street, Derby, Derbyshire DE23 8SZ

#10: For the love of our Frenchies

Rating: 5.0

Reviews: 23

Contact details

Website: https://www.fortheloveofourfrenchies.net/

Email: fortheloveofourfrenchies@gmail.com

You can also submit a message here.

Social media presence

Services and supporting them

Adopting and fostering

Simply submit a completed application form.

They also recommend that you read their guidelines first. Download it on this page.

Volunteering

They need dedicated people for the following roles:

Home checkers.
Fundraising and events.
Road trains (transporters).

If you want to participate, submit the volunteer application.

Surrendering your dog

They’re willing to support you in rehoming your pooch. Familiarize yourself with the process of surrendering.

#11: Network for Animals

Rating; 4.0

Reviews: 20

Contact details

Website: http://www.networkforanimals.org/

Address: 9 Bonhill St, London EC2A 4DJ, UK (Google maps)

Phone: +44 (0)20 8471 7666

Email: info@networkforanimals.org

Social media presence

How to help

This is a large organization that has worldwide coverage.

To read about their campaigns for dogs, visit this page.

Moreover, they don’t just focus on dogs.

They care for every animal…

Now, there are many ways to donate to them. Click here to find out their donation details.

#12: Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH)

Rating: 3.8

Reviews: 15

Contact details

Website: http://adch.org.uk/

Mailing address: ADCH, PO Box 76271, London, SW8 9FA

To send them a message, fill out this contact form.

Join their cause

Volunteering

Preserve animal welfare with ADCH. To do so, you can apply as a volunteer.

#13: The Humane Society International – UK

Rating: 4.9

Reviews: 10

Contact details

Website: http://www.hsi.org/

Address: 5 Underwood St, London N1 7LY, UK (Google maps)

Email: info@hsiuk.org

How to help

Humane Society International isn’t just serving in London.

In fact, they have a global impact on all animals.

If you want to support their cause, make a donation here.