DogsInDistress

About us

    About us

    When Marie Hannon (Founder Dogs in Distress) visited Ashton Pound, Dublin in 2002 approximately 60% of dogs entering that pound were put to sleep. Appalled by this fact, Marie set about rescuing dogs from the pound. To do this she established a home foster based rescue organisation.  Since then, Dogs in Distress (DID) has rescued thousands of dogs and puppies that would have otherwise been put to sleep.

    DID foster dog Nick (pictured left) enjoying the country-side with Lola

    Dogs in Distress today

    DID now rescues unwanted dogs from individuals who are no longer willing or able to look after them.  By doing this we aim to reduce the number of dogs that are surrendered into the public pound system. DID is based in Dublin and is most active in Dublin city and county, however we rescue and re-home dogs all over Ireland.

    We do not have a physical shelter facility. Instead we use a network of volunteer fosterers who offer short term homes to our dogs. Our fosterers play a key role in caring for our dogs. They provide a comprehensive profile or “CV” for their foster dog which enables us to more effectively match our dogs to the right person or family.

    Our standard procedure is to spay/neuter, micro-chip, vaccinate and worm all of our dogs. Where other medical intervention is required it is provided. We have a strict re-homing policy. We only home our dogs to those who we feel have the attitude, facilities and lifestyle to take on the considerable responsibility of caring for a dog.

    We use the discussion forum on our website as a resource for communication amongst our volunteers and supporters and also as a means of publicising our dogs that are looking for homes to potential adoptors. We have a network of approximately sixty volunteers, who provide services such as dog fostering, providing transport and fundraising. We have no paid staff, all of our income goes directly to caring for and re-homing our dogs.

    Pound dog photo
    Public Pound, Dublin 2009

    Unwanted dogs in Ireland

    According to Department of the Environment figures, over 5,900 dogs were put to sleep in the public pound system in Ireland in 2010, these were mainly healthy dogs. This figure is only the reported number but does not include cruelty cases, euthenasia by vets or by other means.

    Stray dogs are kept in pounds for five days to allow owners to find them, but many are not traced by their owners within the short time given. Surrendered dogs may have only 24 hours to be re homed. Most of these dogs are healthy, well socialised dogs.

    Dogs deserve a chance in life, we aim to give it to them.

    Adoption photo
    A happy DID dog in her new home

    Our approach

    We neuter, worm, microchip and vaccinate all of our dogs during their time in foster care. The fosterer assists with house training, lead training and general socialisation to ensure our dogs are ready for their new life. Most importantly the fosterer provides love, care and attention to their foster dog.

    Some of the dogs that we rescue have not been properly cared for and may need veterinary care. In addition we pay for vaccinations, worming and micro chipping. Our vet bills our considerable and we rely on the generosity of our adoptors and supporters to help us raise the funds that we need to cover our costs.

    All of the dogs listed on our Forum under the Urgent Action Dogs discussion area are at risk. If you can offer help either in the form of a foster home or a donation please contact us. Don't assume someone else will.