Every Dog Deserves a Second Chance
For over 20 years, we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs across Ireland.
When our dogs are ready to be rehomed, we open applications to caring owners who can offer them a safe, loving home.
Become a foster carer and help our dogs adjust, recover, and prepare for their forever homes in a safe and loving environment.
As a volunteer-run charity, every euro you donate helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for our dogs in need.
Our Dogs Waiting for Adoption
Meet our amazing dogs looking for loving homes. Every adoption gives a rescue dog a second chance
Success Stories
Daisy has become my best friend
Real Experiences
Stories from Our Dogs in Distress Family
How It All Began
Our Story - From One Visit to a Lifesaving Mission
Dogs in Distress began over 20 years ago when our founder, Marie Hannon, visited a Dublin pound and saw countless healthy, loving dogs with no chance of survival. With just a digital camera and determination, she began photographing the dogs, naming them, and sharing their stories online — giving them visibility and hope.
What started as a small effort soon grew into a nationwide rescue network. Offers of help began pouring in, and Dogs in Distress was born — built on compassion, community, and the belief that every dog deserves love and safety.
Ready to Adopt?
Give a Rescue Dog the Loving Home They Deserve
What We Do
How We Help Dogs Every Day
Rescue Operations
We rescue dogs from pounds, shelters, neglect situations, and owner surrenders, giving them a safe place to begin again.
Veterinary Care
Every dog receives essential medical treatment, vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, and ongoing health support.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
We help dogs rebuild confidence through patient care, socialisation, behavioural support, and a stable environment.
Foster Home Programme
Our network of foster families provides temporary loving homes where dogs can adjust and prepare for adoption.
Responsible Rehoming
We carefully assess adopters and match each dog with a home that suits their personality, needs, and lifestyle.
Education & Advocacy
We promote responsible dog ownership, adoption awareness, and animal welfare throughout communities across Ireland.
Our Mission
Giving Dogs a Second Chance Through Rescue, Care & Rehoming
At Dogs in Distress, we rescue dogs from neglect, abandonment, and difficult circumstances, providing them with the care, medical attention, and rehabilitation they need to recover and regain confidence. Every dog is given personalised support in a safe and loving environment while we learn about their unique personality and needs.
Our work doesn’t stop at rescue. We carefully match each dog with a suitable adopter or foster family, ensuring the best possible outcome for both the dog and their new home. Through education, community support, and responsible rehoming practices, we help create brighter futures for dogs across Ireland.
Years of Rescue
Dogs Rehomed
Volunteer Run
Why Choose Us
Why Trust Dogs in Distress With Your Dog?
With over 20 years of rescue experience, we understand the needs of dogs and work hard to find the right homes for them.
We take time to learn about each dog's personality and needs, helping us find a family that is the right fit.
Our support doesn't end when a dog is rehomed. We remain available to offer advice and assistance whenever needed.
Pet Advice & Blog
Why Rescue Dogs Make Amazing Pets
There’s a common misconception that rescue dogs come with problems or are more difficult than other dogs. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Every dog is an
How to Help Your Rescue Dog Settle Into Their New Home
Bringing a rescue dog home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the beginning of a big adjustment for your new companion. Everything is unfamiliar, from the sights and sounds
How to Adopt a Rescue Dog in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bringing a rescue dog into your home is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Every dog deserves a safe, loving place to call home, and by adopting
