Assisi Animal Sanctuary is Northern Ireland's largest independent animal welfare charity providing shelter for up to 200 companion animals - cats, dogs and rabbits.
Charity Reference No: NIC104594.
Bringing a new dog home from a Sanctuary isn’t just as simple as giving it ‘extra’ love and a comfy bed at night, it is much, much more than this. Rescue dogs can be challenging, quite often they have come from bad situations and are bringing their own baggage from past experiences into their new homes. Some dogs settle in to their new homes straight away while others take a bit longer, they may throw various behavioural problems at you and leave you at your wits end. It is always better to expect the worst, this makes it easier to deal with the problems as they crop up. Ask for help too, you haven’t failed the dog if you have to ask for a bit of guidance.
Do not expect the dog to be grateful. They don’t understand that we have rescued them.
If your dog recently passed away don’t expect your new dog to behave in the same way your previous dog did. They are as individual as we are. It is usually best to go for a different sort of dog.
If you are having personal problems or are harbouring emotional issues for any reason don’t take on a dog who also has ‘baggage’. It will be no good for either of you and could make a difficult situation worse.
Be prepared to work hard. Research dog behaviour, look into training classes and local socialisation classes and have time set aside for attending these when you bring your new dog home.
Treat your new dog like he doesn’t know anything and begin as you mean to go on. Having a good routine is key as it helps increase the feeling of security and will allow the dog to settle in quicker. Don’t be harsh but boundaries do need to be set from the very start, it is much easier to relax the rules than to get tough when things get out of control. To start with keep the dog in just one or two rooms, preferably the room with access to the garden for toileting. Many dogs will not be house trained so being close to the garden will help with this training, most dogs catch on within a couple of days of reward based training.
Be aware of the ‘settling in period’ where the dog may appear to be very well behaved, it could be that it is unsure and is not yet confident enough to try and test the boundaries. After a few weeks you may see a change in the dog and it may begin to test the boundaries, not every dog will do this, but it is something to be aware of. With careful guidance those that test the boundaries should quickly settle down again.
During the first few weeks keep everything as low-key as possible, try not to fuss over the dog too much, don’t shower him with excessive attention and love and make sure any visitors do as you ask. If there is too much going on this can confuse the dog and put too much pressure on him which can lead to anxiety issues. The aim of keeping everything calm with a consistent routine is to make him feel comfortable with what is going on and develop greater emotional independence.
As your dog settles in over the coming weeks your bond will grow stronger as you experience new things together. Your dog will look to you for guidance and support, reassure him when he needs it and show him the right way. Overcome the problems as they crop up and enjoy the experience. The end result is very rewarding.
I would love a miniature dachound,smooth hair or long hair or mix.Please get in touch.A rescue dog..
Pat. Sorry no dachounds. You can view the dogs we currently have on the dog section of this website.
Hi how do look at the dogs you have on the website? Thanks
Neil. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the dog they feel would best suit your lifestyle. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
I would really like any dog as long as it is not too big as I would love to have it on the sofa or my bed i would really like a companion.
I would really like a dog or a puppy i would like a rescued dog as it would make me feel great pride in helping out a dog in need I have donated to the Assisi animal centre for 2 years and I would really like to adopt one of your dogs as i feel really lonely and would love a companion.
Mary, if you are looking to adopt a dog or puppy please call in to the Sanctuary, fill out an application form and see what we have available.
looking westie dog contact me on 07544742720 thank you
Tamara. Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to contact everyone looking for a particular type of pet. Keep an eye on our website and facebook page and call to the sanctuary on a regular basis.
Hi I was wondering if you had any basset hounds at the moment. We have one he is 6 and he’s brilliant with other dogs. We would love him to have a companion who lives outside with him. We have a corgi who’s 8 but he lives indoors. They get on brilliant but basil the basset loves company and we would love to get another hound to stay out with him. If any becomes available I would be very interested. Please call me if you have time, on 07775604150 if ones becomes available or if you know of anyone trying to re-home one. Many thanks. Barbara
Barbara. We don’t have any at the moment and unfortunately don’t have the resources to contact everyone about specific requests. Please keep an eye on our website and facebook page.
Hi me my partner and kids are looking for a dog that needs rehoming I would like to know what the process and fees involved in it thanks
Mark. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehomign form and have a chat with the staff. They will then introduce you to the dog(s) they feel would best suit your family.
I would love any small dog?please get in touch
Hi Cora, If you’re interested in rehoming a dog please call up to the Sanctuary and fill in an application form.
Hi just wondering if its possible to put your name down for a dog that is left after christmas as we all know sadly this happens every year
I would prefer a jack russell as we already have two miniture jack russells a male and female
Many thanks
Deborah
Deborah. When you are ready to rehome a dog call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will recommend the dog or dogs best suited to your lifestyle.
I am looking for a Scottish Westie if you could help me please.
We don’t have any at the moment but keep an eye on our website or call to the sanctuary.
I would like a wee jack russel/mini schnauzer. Have you any?
Evan, we don’t have any small dogs that particular breed. Please have a look at the dogs we have on our website or alternatively you could call up to the Sanctuary.
Hi I would be most interested in giving a dog a new start in life where he/she will know nothing but love and companionship..I live in an apartment but I own the building so there would be no issues there I’m not very mobile in my own walking buy have the Jeep and car to enable me to take him/her to the fields nearby my home for play also I own my own company so they could come to work with me and not be stuck indoors all day I would preferably like a dog with a long life expectancy and the only reason I say this is because I simply could’nt bear if anything were to happen to them so in closing please keep me in mind if you think I can be of any benefit to rescue one of these little rascals. Blair.
Please call up to the Sanctuary and fill in an application form. The staff can then show you which dogs we have available that would suit your lifestyle. Our opening hours are 11-4pm tues-sun.
Blair. If you are interested in rehoming a dog, please call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the dog they feel would best suit your lifestyle. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. Unfortunately we cannot contact individuals regarding dogs as we don’t have the resources to do this.
Hi do u have any puppies or dogs looking rehomed at the min ?
Michelle. We only have one pup at the moment and plenty of dogs. If you are interested in rehoming a dog, call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the dog they feel would best suit your lifestyle. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi
I know that your all very busy at the sanctuary, I check online constantly for dogs or puppies we would love to come and live with our lovely and loving family but it hasn’t been updated much recently.
Could you tell me if you have many small breed dogs there as I do not drive so we have to get public transport there which is a bit of a trek but well worth the constant changing of buses.
Sharn. Small dogs are very popular and sometimes get booked before they get photographed to get on the website. Keep an eye on our facebook page as well and give the sanctuary a call on 028 9181 2622 to check on what we have.
We are 2 full time working females, work at different times so dogs would only be left alone for a short while, a few hours.. We have a mini yorkie pixie, she is lovely, well trained, smart, cute as hell and fun! We want a little suitable friend for her and to join our family. Pixie can get lonely when we are at work, even though she gets to sprawl out on our bed!
Tina. If you are interested in getting a dog, call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the dog they feel would best suit your home.
Hi. I would love to rehome a pup or dog. However we have a 2 year old cat. Would this be a problem? Thanks
Chloe the young collie.. What way does it work? is there a cost etc?
Kev. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff. If you are successful in your booking we ask for a minimum donation of £60 for dogs which covers the dog being vaccinated, wormed and deflead, neutered, and you get 4 weeks insurance.
We are looking for a small / medium sized dog to join to my parents house. Gentle / good temperment / good with children a must as would be with grandchildren ranging in ages 2 to 16 years old. More setttled, house trained and easy to walk on lead would be preferable – size / type approx cocker spaniel would be perfect. Any help / advise would be appreciated
Cathy. All our dogs are on our website and facebook page so you can view them there. I would suggest you call to the sanctuary and bring your parents with you as they will need to complete the rehoming form and have a chat with the staff who will then introduce them to the dog(s) they feel would best suit their home. If there is no suitable dog at that time, the staff will keep the rehoming form on file so the next time you see a dog you don’t have to complete the form again. The form will be held by the staff for 6 months. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
just wondering if you have any small dogs like a Maltese
Lily. Small dogs are very popular and sometimes don’t even get photographed to put on the website before they are booked. Suggest you call to sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the dog unit staff and they will introduce you to the dog they feel would best suit your lifestyle. They may also have an idea of what type of dogs are due to come into the sanctuary in the next few weeks.
Just wondering have you got any springer spaniels?
I am looking for a whippet or whippet type of dog as our dog past away last year. Thankyou
Hi Guy, We don’t have any whippets at the moment but we do have a few lurchers available. Clyde, Connie and Jette are all on the website here. Please have a look and if you are interested please call up to the Sanctuary.
Hi,
We have a black bitch Labrador and we was looking for another dog for our house for company. Any dog would be considered
Brett. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will help you choose the right dog for you. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi, I was wondering if you have any puppies atm.
Ruth. None at the moment but keep an eye on our web page and facebook page.
Do you have any westies in the sanctuary at the minute
Deborah. We do have a westie called Bobby but he is booked. Keep an eye on our website and facebook page for dogs available for rehoming.
Hi I am interested in one of Santa’s little helpers. Could someone please contact me
Regards
Lesley
Lesley. The pups featured on TV are all booked but we have more out on foster and dogs in the sanctuary looking for a home. If you are intersted in getting a dog, call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and then the staff will have a chat with you and help you choose the best pet for your family.
Hi,I seen Santas little helper on utv live they are just adorable,I have a 8yr old male Rottweiler who is very quiet and good with other dogs(female).i have a bit of space as I live in countryside
Jeanette. The pups featured on TV are all booked but we have more out on foster and dogs in the sanctuary looking for a home. If you are intersted in getting another dog, call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and then the staff will have a chat with you and help you choose the best pet for your family.
Hey im just wondering if you have any king charles or springer spaniels dogs like that type not to big that we could take on?
Daniel. None at the moment but keep an eye on our website and facebook pages for dogs coming into the sanctuary for rehoming. We do have some small dogs at the moment that have just come into the sanctuary in the last few days and no photographs yet. Small dogs get booked very quickly and sometimes before we get them photographed and posted on the web and facebook. If you are looking to rehome a dog we would advise calling at the sanctuary and completing a rehoming form and then the staff will have a chat with you and help you choose the right pet for your family. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Sundays.
Is there any bichon frise pups from 6 months to 1year old
To coral
Edgember
hi, i would love an american akita or german shepard or alaskan malamute, fully trained. plzzzzz!
John. Sorry don’t have any of those dogs. You will see the dogs we have on our website.
Is Bambi still available
I would love a british bulldog, please get in touch.
Hi Sophie, we do not currently have any British Bulldogs. You can view the dogs we have available on the dog section of the website.
Hi I am enquirring about the dogs you need reforming from puppy farm
Hi Monica, if you are interested in rehoming a dog from us please call up and fill in an application form.
I would like a Labrador x puppy or a jack Russell puppy. Can you please advise.
Hi there, we currently don’t have either of the breed you specified. If you keep an eye on our website and facebook you will be able to see all the dogs that are up for rehoming.