In a significant turn of events, Dogs Trust has announced that its Newbury rehoming centre will be spared from closure and instead transformed into a dedicated foster care facility, following a large-scale organisational restructure aimed at expanding the charity’s impact while safeguarding its future.
The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust cares for more than 11,000 dogs annually, and employs over 1,700 staff nationwide. In March, it unveiled a strategic overhaul that placed approximately 300 jobs at risk, sparking widespread concern.
After a 45-day consultation with staff, the charity confirmed that 307 roles remain at risk, but emphasised that at least 290 redeployment opportunities would be created across the country to minimise redundancies.
Additional changes include:
- Rehoming centres in Bridgend and Ilfracombe being restructured into fostering hubs.
- The phasing out of in-person puppy and adolescent dog school classes, replaced by a hybrid digital and in-person behaviour support service.
- An ambitious target to assist 57,000 dogs annually by 2026, a significant increase from current numbers.
By expanding foster care and home-based programmes, the charity aims to reduce kennel time and help 27% more dogs by 2027.
CEO Owen Sharp said the changes reflect the need to adapt to “current challenges” and ensure the organisation’s “financial sustainability” while increasing its reach. “These changes will enable Dogs Trust to help even more dogs in the UK and around the world,” he stated.
While the transition comes with difficult decisions, the charity has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting staff through redeployment and preserving its mission to improve canine lives.