Volunteering For Dog Rescue Charities In Edinburgh

Why Volunteer at a Dog Rescue Charity in Edinburgh?

While most consider dogs to be man's best friend, there are unfortunately many canines across the UK who are not living the happy lives they deserve to. This could be for a number of reasons, from being born strays, being abandoned later in life or having owners that are simply no longer able to care for them due to economic or personal issues.  

It's a sad fact that hundreds of dogs are found living on the streets of Edinburgh each and every year. However, thanks to dog rescue centres in Edinburgh and other local charities that strive to help animals, they're able to either be reunited with their owners or found safe forever homes.   

From charities that provide vital medical care to those that rehabilitate and rehome abused dogs, there are plenty of organisations in need of volunteers in Edinburgh. You could also show your love of our four-legged friends by playing People's Postcode Lottery. That's because our players' contributions go towards some amazing causes all around the UK, including local charities in Edinburgh.  

Dog Charities in Edinburgh That Need Your Support

Dogs Trust

This fantastic organisation launched in 1891 and has gone on to become the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Operating nationally, it has 20 rescue homes (including one just outside of Edinburgh, in West Calder) that take in abandoned or neglected dogs and provide them with a clean, safe and warm home until they're fostered or adopted.  

People's Postcode Lottery players have managed to raise over £14 Million for the organisation to date. While playing is a fantastic way to show your support, there are many other ways that you can get involved with Dogs Trust in Edinburgh.  

Giving a rescue dog a new home or becoming a temporary foster carer are some of the best ways you can help. If that's not possible, why not sponsor a dog or volunteer your time at the organisation's West Calder rescue centre? Open six days a week, they look after dozens of dogs at any one time and are always after extra assistance.  

PDSA

PDSA (The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) is another national charity that provides free, expert medical care to pets in need, including dogs rescued from abusive owners or those found living on the streets. It has 48 hospitals across the UK and has helped hundreds of thousands of pets recover from life-threatening illnesses, while also providing services such as vaccinations and neutering.  

As well as treatment, PDSA also has numerous resources around pet care and nutrition. It aims to educate owners about how to responsibly look after their animals and ensure they have the happiest lives possible. Since the charity was founded in 1917, it has provided over a hundred million treatments and carried out valuable research on pet health and wellbeing.  

If you live in Edinburgh and are keen to help PDSA with their vital work, why not volunteer at the local PDSA hospital? As well as general assistants, they're always on the lookout for qualified vets and veterinary nurses willing to give up their time to aid sick or injured animals. You could also volunteer at the PDSA charity shop in Edinburgh Old Town, join their fundraising group or organise your very own charity event in the city. 

How Can You Help?

Becoming a People's Postcode Lottery player is an easy and fun way to help out some wonderful charities across the UK. If you'd also like to show your support in a more hands on way, see what's happening in your area with our Local Causes directory.