Three Animal Rescues You Should Consider Adopting A Dog From In Ireland

If you are thinking about getting a new pet, take a moment to consider the possibility of rescuing a dog rather than purchasing one.

Recent statistics from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government show that on average 30 dogs are abandoned each day in Ireland. 

Annually, last year alone saw 11,559 dogs entered into Irish pounds, a drop of 8% from 2016 figures, which saw 12,549 registered.

Although figures have been steadily decreasing since record figures in 2008, the latest dog control report released by the Department of Rural and Community Development estimates that 916 dogs were put down in 2017, a 40% reduction from 1,522 dogs that were put down in 2016.

It is thanks to animal rescues around the country that strays are saved from an early demise and offer a second chance to join a new family. 

So before you decide to buy a new dog, take a moment to look at the great work being carried out by dog lovers and volunteers at your nearest animal rescue centre. 

Here are three of Ireland’s top animal rescues:

1. Husky Rescue Ireland

Husky Rescue Ireland (HRI) was set up to alleviate the suffering caused to huskies by irresponsible ownership, abuse and neglect in Ireland. HRI also aims to reduce the social impact of abandoned and un-neutered huskies in communities around Ireland. Some of the key objects of HRI are to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome healthy neutered dogs responsibly and to educate and provide support to the general public on responsible dog ownership and dog welfare.

Husky Rescue Ireland offers family’s considering a dog the option to foster one of their adoptees for a short period to offer the dog an opportunity to spend time outside of the kennels and to give potential suitors a chance to get comfortable with a dog before committing to the responsibility of caring for a pet. 

You can arrange a visit to the Husky Rescue facilities in Coolnacrutta, Co. Laois on Saturday and Sundays, 12pm-4pm.

2. Kildare Animal Foundation

Founded in 1994 by on the outskirts of Kildare town by Geraldine O’Hanlon and a group of very dedicated volunteers, the Kildare Animal Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of cats, dogs and small animals.  Located in an ideal setting, the Foundation today cares for almost 100 animals, providing sanctuary to injured, sick and abused animals.

The shelter is open daily from 2 to 4pm and offers an adoption service for its cats and dogs that are ready for rehoming.

3. DSPCA

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruety to Animals is located on Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham in Dublin. Opened in 2003, it is a state of the art facility offering shelter and care to a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, ferrets, gerbils, budgies, snakes, terrapins and all manner of farmyard fowl.

People interested in arranging a visit to the shelter to view the animals available for adoption may visit between 11.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and 11.00am to 4.30pm, Saturday & Sunday.