Earlier this year we launched a Regional Rehoming Programme, which enables us to rehome dogs throughout Munster and Connacht. Prior to the launch of this scheme our rehoming capabilities were restricted as we have one Rehoming Centre located in Dublin. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and travel restrictions were put in place, we had to re-evaluate the procedures we used for rehoming dogs.

During the initial lockdown period we were inundated with kind offers to foster dogs from families all over the country. This meant that dogs could be fostered close to where they were rescued and then could be rehomed directly to their Forever Homes. Thanks to the support of these caring foster families, and several trusted boarding kennels, we were able to reduce the number of dogs needing to travel to the Rehoming Centre and have been able to help more vulnerable dogs find the loving homes that they need.

Eimear Cassidy, Assistant Operations Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland said: “Lockdown made us look at our rehoming process with a fresh pair of eyes. We are thrilled to have been able to rehome more dogs throughout Ireland and reduce the number of dogs who have to travel our Rehoming Centre in Dublin by placing them with local foster families. This programme is still in the very early stages, and depending on its success, we hope to continue it. We would encourage anyone living in Connacht or Munster, who may have previously thought they couldn’t adopt from us, to visit our website and look at all the beautiful dogs in their area who are searching for their Forever Homes. We are also seeking more foster families in these areas, so if that is something you think your family would be interested in we ask you to please get in touch."

One very special dog reaped the benefits of this pilot programme already. Minor was very nervous when around other dogs but quickly found his Forever Home with a kind-hearted person in Munster. After spending just two days in the family home, Minor’s potential adopter contacted Dogs Trust to say: “Minor seems to be settling in really well. Today I took him to a privately owned fenced beach and Minor really enjoyed it there. He just kept on rolling in the sand and running in and out of the lake. I am really happy to have Minor and he seems to like it here too. I am already convinced that this is where Minor belongs.”

So far, the pilot Regional Rehoming Programme has proved very successful, with the 100th dog, a beautiful Border Collie named Nell, was adopted through the programme this week. We hope to build upon its success and carry it on into 2022 so many more dogs can find be matched with loving families throughout the country. However, we need more foster families and potential adopters throughout Connacht and Munster. If your family can open their home and their heart to a dog in need, please contact [email protected] to register your interest.