Saving Dogs. Restoring Hope. Changing Lives.
For over 20 years, Dogs in Distress has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and unwanted dogs across Ireland — giving every one of them a second chance at life.
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.
Our Mission & What We Do
Fill out our online application form and join our incredible network of fosterers across Ireland.
Rescue & Rehabilitation
We take in dogs from pounds, shelters, and private surrenders — providing medical care, love, and stability.
Foster & Adoption
Every dog is placed in a foster home until they’re ready for adoption, ensuring a smoother transition into their forever home.Every dog is placed in a foster home until they’re ready for adoption, ensuring a smoother transition into their forever home.
Education & Advocacy
We promote responsible ownership, neutering, and adoption awareness to reduce dog homelessness.
Our Impact So Far
350+ Volunteer Fosterers
Providing love and temporary homes For Distress Dogs across Ireland.
100% Vet Care Provided
Every dog receives full medical treatment before adoption.
International Adoptions
Dogs have found homes in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Germany, and beyond.
How We Care for Every Dog
Every Dog Gets the Care They Deserve
Core Veterinary Care
Microchipped
Each dog is safely microchipped and registered so they can always be identified and reunited with their family.
Vaccinated
Fully vaccinated to protect against common canine diseases before adoption.
Neutered / Spayed
All dogs are neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted litters and promote better long-term health.
Wormed & Flea Treated
Regular parasite prevention ensures every dog is healthy and comfortable.
Health & Behavior Assessments
Microbiome Assessment
A growing part of our wellness process — helping us understand each dog’s gut health and improve their nutrition and immunity.
Behavioral Assessment
Our team evaluates every dog’s personality, comfort levels, and needs to ensure the best match with adopters.
Health Screening
Vets perform a full check-up to ensure each dog is fit for rehoming and any medical issues are addressed early.
Our Promise to Every Dog & Every Adopter
We maintain a strict rehoming policy to ensure every dog’s happiness and safety. Should anything go wrong, each dog must return to Dogs in Distress — no exceptions.
We remain available for advice and support long after adoption, helping families and dogs settle happily together.
Our high standards and transparent practices have earned us a trusted reputation across Ireland and internationally.
How You Can Help
You Can Make a Difference
Adopt a Dog
When our dogs are ready to be rehomed, we open applications to caring owners who can offer them a safe, loving home.
Foster a Dog
Become a foster carer and help our dogs adjust, recover, and prepare for their forever homes in a safe and loving environment.
Make a donation
As a volunteer-run charity, every euro you donate helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for our dogs in need.
How You Can Help
You Can Make a Difference
Adopt a Dog
When our dogs are ready to be rehomed, we open applications to caring owners who can offer them a safe, loving home.
Foster a Dog
Become a foster carer and help our dogs adjust, recover, and prepare for their forever homes in a safe and loving environment.
Make a donation
As a volunteer-run charity, every euro you donate helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for our dogs in need.