13 Best Dog Rescues In The South West Of England (2023)

Some want to volunteer in dog rescues.

Then, others are ready to adopt a pooch.

But, where to start?

Let me help you with that.

Here, I’ll hand you the best dog rescues in the South West of England.

Continue reading to discover:

Ways to support the rescues and the shelter.
13 best dog rescues in the South West of England.
Complete contact details and services of each rescue organization.
And many more…

Table of contents

13 best dog rescues in the South West of England

My suggestions below are formed through vast research in Google maps.

I made use of the opinions and experiences of people from Local guides.

That’s a feature where customers share their encounters with a place.

And so, I arranged my suggestions based on their number of reviews.

Now, such a process is quite time-consuming. Plus, you’d be greeted with a surge of new information.

So to make your search easier, I gathered the best dog rescues in this article.

Here, you can get the needed info at a glance.

Disclaimer: Each Local guide feedback is accurate on the day of writing this article. But, the ratings are prone to constant change.

13 best dog rescues in the South West of England

#1: Gables Dogs & Cats Home

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 382

Contact details

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

Address: 204 Merafield Rd, Plymouth PL7 1UQ, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01752 331602

Email: info@gablesfarm.org.uk

Opening hours

Weekdays (except Thursday): 11 AM to 3:30 PM

Weekends: 11 AM to 3 PM

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Adoption fee: £150 to £200

First, read their cents in rehoming animals.

It’s a necessary read to help you manage expectations. Plus, you’ll be familiar of their process.

Then, check out their creative dogalogue. That’s what they call their page of rescue dogs up for adoption.

Once you see the pupper you wanna take home, you can proceed here. That’s the adoption application form that’ll start the process.

If you have any more questions, just contact:

Email: reception@gablesfarm.org.uk

Boarding

They also offer dog and cat boarding services.

And did you know? This service generates their fund to shelter and rehome the unwanted rescues.

So, hit two birds with one stone on this.

Board your dog under the best care provided…

Then, also help a much greater cause for the strays.

Boarding fee: £15 to £31

How you can help

Volunteer

Visit this page and know all about:

Volunteer roles.
Why you should volunteer.
Whether you’re up for the challenge.

Donate

Proceed to this link and learn the many methods of donating.

Sponsor a dog

Can’t take a pooch home just yet?

However, a rescue specifically captured your heart…

So, what to do about it?

How about sponsoring them? Here’s how to.

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

#2: Cheltenham Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 273

Contact details

Website: http://gawa.org.uk/

Address: Gardner’s Ln, Cheltenham GL51 9JW, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441242523521

Email: reception@gawa.org.uk

Opening hours

They’re open every day from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

But, they don’t allow walk-ins. So, kindly contact them before visiting.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Kindly take a few minutes to learn their policies on adoption.

After that, check out their rescues that are eager to be rehomed.

And to show interest for one, contact them using the following emails:

Surrendering your dog

Circumstances change, and you can no longer care for your pooch…

So, the least you can do is rehome them to an equally loving parent.

And you can do so with the help of this shelter.

They’ll understand no matter what the situation. So, you can expect that there’ll be no judgments.

Other facilities

They also offer other services that you can avail of for your pooch.

Click on their corresponding links:

How to help

Foster

Temporarily care for a rescue while they wait for a forever home.

Here’s how to be a foster parent.

Donate

There are many ways to give to this shelter.

With that, you can choose what method works best for you. Those are:

#3: Dogs Trust Salisbury

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 258

Contact details

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

Address: 45 Amesbury Rd, Newton Tony, Salisbury SP4 0HW, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441980629634 or 0303 003 0000

Phone operating hours

Weekdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Weekends and holidays: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Opening hours

Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday: 12 NN to 4 PM

Social media presence

Short overview

Dogs Trust is one of the leading canine welfare charities in the UK,

They’ve been rehoming dogs since 1891. And since then, they’ve also made a lot of families happy.

Today, 21 Dogs Trust centers stand across the UK.

Services

Rehoming

Every Dogs Trust branch accepts many dogs all the time.

That’s why they have no shortages of rescue dogs.

And so, go ahead and take a look at this page of rescues.

If no canine appeals to your interest, then revisit the page. Maybe next time, an ideal canine for you will pop on your screen.

To find out how to rehome them, click here.

Visiting and guided tours

Dogs Trust accepts visitors through appointment only.

To book one, kindly contact them using the details above.

Also, there’s a much better choice to make the most of a visit.

How about a guided tour? With it, you can discover how the shelter works.

Book a tour by contacting:

Phone: 01980 629853

Email: lucy.hooper@dogstrust.org.uk

Support them

Volunteer

Are you keen on volunteering? Then, check out their vacancies and see what role you can fill.

Foster

Despite having many branches of kennels, they still need foster parents.

Why?

You see, some rescues have special needs.

And those needs are better met in a home environment. Plus, such a setup can reduce their stress.

So, are you ready to provide such? Then, apply to foster a dog.

Sponsor

Adopting and fostering isn’t on the table yet?

Then, you can try to sponsor a rescue.

Donate

Learn more about how to donate.

#4: Animals In Distress Rescue Centre

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 226

Contact details

Website: http://www.animalsindistress.uk.com/

Address: Edgelands Ln, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot TQ12 5UF, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01803 812121

Email: info@animalsindistress.uk.com

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Learn more about their rehoming process.

After that, you can proceed to browse their dogs up for adoption.

Lastly, here are other adoption-related links:

Support them

Donate

Find out the many ways that you can donate on this page. Then, choose the best option that works for you.

Volunteer

Read about being a volunteer on this link.

To apply, kindly send them an email.

Fundraise

Learn more about fundraising for Animals in Distress.

Other ways to help

Kindly visit this page to see other ways to lend a hand.

#5: St Giles Animal Centre

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 194

Contact details

Website: https://stgilesanimalrescue.co.uk/

Address: St. Giles Kennels/Newport, Sedgemoor Drove, Taunton TA3 6DJ, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01823 490333

Email: rescue@stgilesanimalcentre.co.uk

Opening hours

They’re open only 6 days a week (closed on Wednesdays).

Their doors open from 10 AM to 12 PM. Then, 2 PM to 4 PM.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

They do it a little differently here…

They’re going to be the ones to find the perfect rescue for you.

That’s because they believe in a perfect match.

So, kindly fill out this form to start the process. They’ll get back to you once they review your application and find you the right dog.

Get involved

Volunteer

Experience the rewarding involvement of being a volunteer. Apply here.

Donate

Learn more about the power of your donation on this page. There, you’ll also find ways that you can contribute.

#6: Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 164

Contact details

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

Address: Hazeldene, Ilfracombe EX34 8NU, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441271812709 or 0303 003 0000

Phone operating hours

Weekdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Weekends and holidays: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Opening hours

Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday: 12 PM to 4 PM

Services

Adopt

Here’s where you can find more info about how rehoming works.

And to look for your future fur baby, go to this page.

Guided tours

Like the first one, this center also offers guided tours.

To book one, contact:

Phone: 01271 817716

Email: amy.bingham@dogstrust.org.uk

Support them

Volunteer

Click here to see their volunteering vacancies. With that, you can see what kind of help you can give best.

Foster

Apply here to be a foster parent.

Sponsor

Assist Dogs Trust in helping out a rescue through sponsoring.

#7: National Animal Welfare Trust Cornwall (NAWT)

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 157

Contact details

Website: https://www.nawt.org.uk/centres/cornwall

Address: Wheal Alfred Kennels, Wheal Alfred Rd, Hayle TR27 5JT, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01736 756005

Email: cornwallreception@nawt.org.uk

Also, follow their Facebook page.

Services

Adopt

You can view their dogs ready for adoption on this page.

And for more information, kindly click this link. It’ll lead you to a form that serves as an initial questionnaire.

Overnight boarding

Fees: £16 to £25

Avail of their boarding services by contacting them by phone.

For more information, click here.

Support them

Volunteer

Got the passion for helping animals? Then, you’ll be perfect as a volunteer. Apply here.

Donate

They’ll be pleased to receive your generosity. Find out how to donate.

For further reading: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#8: Woodside Animal Sanctuary

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 137

Contact details

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

Address: Elford Leigh, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 5ED, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +441752347503

Email: generalenquiries@woodsidesanctuary.org.uk

Opening hours

Weekdays: 1 PM to 4 PM

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Kindly go to this page to adopt a dog. That serves as an all-in-one page. It shows the rescues and has the adoption form.

Support them

Check out this page. It shows every available way to help ’em out.

Sponsor

Support the life of a rescue by being their sponsor.

Donate

Make a single donation or sign up for the monthly one. Read about it here.

Amazon wishlist

Help them out by purchasing their needed supplies. Check out their Amazon wishlist.

#9: RSPCA

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 134

Contact details

Website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/west-hatch-animal-centre

Address: West Hatch Animal Centre, Cold Rd, Taunton TA3 5RT, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 0300 123 0747

Email: whdomcen@rspca.org.uk

Phone operating hours

Every day from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Then, 1 PM to 4 PM.

Opening hours

Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 4 PM

Sunday: 11 AM to 1 PM

You can also follow them on Facebook.

Services

Adopt

Find your next fur baby here, then submit an application.

Only then will you be able to meet the pooch by appointment.

If you need more information, just contact them.

Support them

Kindly check out this page for the different ways to help RSPCA.

Donate

Fund their cause by donating here.

Amazon wishlist

Check out their kennel Amazon wish list.

Volunteer

Contribute to RSPCA through volunteer work. Here’s how.

#10: Happy Landings

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 128

Contact details

Website: http://www.happy-landings.org.uk/

Address: Pye Hill, Pylle, Shepton Mallet BA4 6TG, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01749 860350

Email: enquiries@happy-landings.org.uk

Operating hours

Every day from 11 AM to 1 PM. Then, 2 PM to 4 PM.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Take a look at their adoptables on this list.

For you to know the adoption process, go here.

Boarding

Dog boarding rate: starting at £25

They also offer boarding services.

And did you know? Their proceeds are used as funding for the shelter.

How to help

Volunteer

Offer a helping hand by becoming a volunteer. Read more about it here.

For inquiries, contact: volunteering@happy-landings.org.uk.

Donate

Read about how to make a donation here.

#11: S N Dogs

Rating: 4.2

Reviews: 107

Contact details

Website: http://www.sndogs.uk/adopt-a-dog/available-dogs/

Address: 12 Sycamore Grove, Swindon SN2 1SE, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 07940268101

Email: sndrescue@gmail.com

Opening hours

Weekdays: 9 AM to 5 PM

You can also follow their Facebook page.

Services

Adopt

Dogs up for rehoming can be found here. And if one catches your eye, apply to adopt them by submitting this form.

Rehoming

Reach out if you need help in rehoming your pooch.

Show your support

Sponsor

Read more about their sponsorship programs on this page.

Heads up, it’ll cost £20 per month.

Foster

Temporarily welcome a rescue to your heart and home. Apply to be a foster carer.

#12: Margaret Green Animal Rescue – Wingletang

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 106

Contact details

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

Address: Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Tavistock PL19 0LF, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: 01822 810215

Email: wingletang@mgar.org.uk

Opening hours

7 days a week from 12 NN to 3:30 PM.

Social media presence

Services

Adopt

Here’s every resource for their adoption services:

Boarding

By boarding your dog with them, you’re helping to save another. Read more about their boarding services.

#13: Somerset & Dorset Animal Rescue

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 68

Contact details

Website: http://www.somersetanddorsetanimalrescue.co.uk/

Address: Common Ln, Wincanton BA9 9RB, United Kingdom (Google maps)

Phone: +44196332279

Email: liz.sdar@hotmail.co.uk

You can also send them a message by submitting this contact form.

And lastly, don’t forget to follow their Facebook page.

Opening hours

They’re open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

Services

Adopt

Find out the necessary information about adopting:

Support

Help them make animals’ lives better. You can do so by donating. Find out how.