International Homeless Animals’ Day: 7 Ways to Help Rescue Dogs

call their own. Yet many dogs still find themselves abandoned, homeless or waiting in rescue centres for their second chance.

International Homeless Animals’ Day is an opportunity to think about the animals still waiting for their happy ending – and the simple things we can all do to help.

At Scrappy to the Rescue®, this cause is particularly close to our hearts. Our own Scrappy was abandoned on the streets of Las Vegas before being rescued and eventually finding his forever home with us. You can read Scrappy’s rescue story and discover how his journey inspired everything we do today.

Here are seven ways you can make a difference.

1. Consider adopting a rescue dog

If you’re thinking about welcoming a dog into your family, consider adoption.

Rescue centres across the UK care for dogs of different ages, breeds and personalities, all looking for the right home. You can browse dogs currently looking for homes through Dogs Trust or search the RSPCA’s animals available for adoption.

Remember that adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, so take the time to make sure the dog’s needs, temperament and lifestyle are a good match for your household.

2. Foster a dog

Not ready to adopt permanently? Fostering can still make an enormous difference.

Foster homes provide dogs with a safe, loving environment while they wait for their forever family. They can also give rescue organisations valuable insight into how a dog behaves in a home environment.

Many rescue organisations rely on foster carers. You can find out more about fostering for the RSPCA or contact a local dog rescue to ask about opportunities in your area.

3. Donate to a dog rescue

Rescue organisations rely heavily on donations to provide food, veterinary treatment, shelter and everyday care.

You don’t necessarily need to make a large financial donation. Many rescues welcome practical items such as dog food, bedding, toys and other supplies.

Check your local rescue’s website or social media pages, as many publish wish lists showing exactly what they need most.

4. Volunteer your time

Sometimes your time can be just as valuable as money.

Dog rescues may need volunteers to walk dogs, help at fundraising events, transport animals, support administration or simply spend time with dogs waiting for homes.

If you’d like to get involved, Dogs Trust has information about volunteering opportunities across its rehoming centres and other programmes.

Even a few hours can make a difference.

5. Check your dog’s microchip details

International Homeless Animals’ Day is also a good reminder to make sure your own dog can find their way home if they ever become lost.

Microchipping can help reunite lost dogs with their families, but it’s important that your registered contact information remains correct.

If you’ve moved home or changed your telephone number, take a few minutes to check your dog’s details. In the UK, dogs must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they are eight weeks old. The official GOV.UK microchipping guidance explains the rules and how to keep your information up to date.

6. Support businesses that give back

The choices we make when we shop can also help animals in need.

Scrappy’s rescue story inspired us to create Scrappy to the Rescue® – a dog care brand where looking after your own dog can also help another.

That’s why 20% of our profits help support dog rescues. You can learn more about our dog rescue donations and the organisations we’ve supported.

Our dog shampoos and balms are designed to care for your dog’s coat, skin, paws and nose, while every purchase also helps us continue our wider rescue mission.

Luxury Care. Rescue Heart. 🧡

7. Share rescue stories

Helping doesn’t always require money.

Following a rescue, sharing an adoption post or telling friends about a dog looking for a home can introduce that animal to someone who may become their forever family.

One share really could change a dog’s life.

The rescue dog who started our story

For us, International Homeless Animals’ Day is personal.

In 2018, Scrappy was abandoned on the streets of Las Vegas and ended up facing an uncertain future. A rescue organisation stepped in and saved him.

We adopted Scrappy the following year, and eventually he travelled across the Atlantic with us to start a new life in the UK.

His story became the inspiration behind Scrappy to the Rescue® and our commitment to helping other dogs get the second chance he was fortunate enough to receive.

If you’d like to know more, meet Scrappy and read his story.

Today, give your own dog an extra cuddle – and spare a thought for all the Scrappys still waiting to find their person. 🐶🧡