Quick answer (updated October 2026)
The biggest UK animal charities for adopting a pet are the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea, Cats Protection and Blue Cross, along with the Scottish SPCA in Scotland. Specialist charities such as the Greyhound Trust and Redwings rehome particular animals. You can also adopt from hundreds of smaller independent rescues. Use our directory to find rescue centres near you.
Adopting from a reputable charity means your new pet will usually have been health checked, vaccinated, microchipped and, where appropriate, neutered, and the charity will help match you with an animal that suits your home. Here are the main UK animal charities that rehome pets, and how to find their centres near you.
1. RSPCA
Founded in 1824, the RSPCA is the oldest animal welfare charity in the world. It rehomes dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets and sometimes horses through its national animal centres and local branches across England and Wales.
See RSPCA centres in our directory (43 listed) →
2. Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, best known for its message that “a dog is for life”. It runs rehoming centres around the UK and only rehomes dogs, so it is a great place to start if you are looking for a canine companion.
See Dogs Trust centres in our directory (21 listed) →
3. Battersea
Battersea has been caring for dogs and cats since 1860. As well as its famous London centre, it has centres at Old Windsor in Berkshire and Brands Hatch in Kent.
See Battersea centres in our directory (2 listed) →
4. Cats Protection
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat charity, founded in 1927. It rehomes thousands of cats and kittens through adoption centres and a large network of volunteer branches.
See Cats Protection centres in our directory (5 listed) →
5. Blue Cross
Founded in 1897, Blue Cross helps sick, injured and homeless pets. It rehomes dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets, and also horses, through its rehoming centres.
See Blue Cross centres in our directory (12 listed) →
6. Scottish SPCA
The Scottish SPCA has been Scotland’s animal welfare charity since 1839 and rehomes animals of all kinds through its centres across Scotland.
See Scottish SPCA centres in our directory (7 listed) →
7. Greyhound Trust
The Greyhound Trust finds homes for retired racing greyhounds and lurchers through its network of centres around the UK. Greyhounds are often calm, gentle companions that are happy with a couple of walks a day.
See Greyhound Trust centres in our directory (8 listed) →
8. Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Redwings is a horse welfare charity that cares for horses, ponies and donkeys. Through its guardian scheme, suitable horses and ponies can go to live with new carers.
See Redwings Horse Sanctuary centres in our directory (6 listed) →
9. Mayhew
Mayhew is a London animal welfare charity, founded in 1886, that rehomes dogs and cats and runs community programmes to help pet owners.
See Mayhew centres in our directory (1 listed) →
10. National Animal Welfare Trust
The National Animal Welfare Trust rehomes dogs, cats and small animals through its rehoming centres in England.
See National Animal Welfare Trust centres in our directory (4 listed) →
Don’t forget independent rescues
Alongside the big national charities, there are hundreds of smaller independent rescues across the UK, from breed-specific dog rescues to cat, rabbit and wildlife rescues. Many are run by dedicated volunteers and foster carers, and they can be a wonderful place to find your new pet. Search our directory by county to find rescues near you, for example in Kent, Devon, the West Midlands or Greater London.
How to choose a rescue charity
- Check they are registered: reputable charities are registered with the Charity Commission (or the Scottish or Northern Irish equivalent).
- Expect questions: a good rescue will ask about your home, lifestyle and experience, and usually carry out a home check.
- Ask about support: many charities offer advice after adoption and will take the animal back if things do not work out.
- Look at what is included: adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, microchipping and neutering.
Frequently asked questions
Which UK charity is best for adopting a dog?
Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, Battersea and Blue Cross all rehome dogs, and there are many breed-specific rescues too. The best choice is the one near you that has a dog suited to your home and lifestyle.
Which UK charity is best for adopting a cat?
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, and the RSPCA, Battersea, Blue Cross and many independent cat rescues also rehome cats and kittens.
How much does it cost to adopt from a charity?
Adoption fees vary by charity and animal, and are usually published on each charity’s website. The fee helps cover the care the animal has received, such as vaccinations, microchipping and neutering.
Can I adopt if I rent my home?
Usually yes, but most charities will ask for written permission from your landlord before you adopt.
