Pet Remedy launches map of vetted dog rescues

Pet wellbeing company Pet Remedy has created an online map highlighting dog rescues that meet an ethical welfare framework, in response to what it says is growing confusion among owners about training and behaviour advice.

The interactive UK Charity Partners Map lists organisations that have agreed to follow the company’s standards on responsible care and training. 

Groups already included range from Dachshund Rescue UK to Labrador Lifeline Trust and Greyhound Trust Mersey and Cheshire, with further organisations expected to join as they sign up to the criteria.

The tool is intended to help people identify reputable rescues at a time when social media is filled with conflicting training methods and so-called “quick fix” content. 

The company said rescue centres are also facing added pressures linked to irresponsible breeding and higher abandonment rates.

The launch follows an incident reported by the RSPCA in which seven 10-week-old terrier-cross puppies were found in a metal crate outside the charity’s Doncaster and Rotherham branch during stormy weather. 

Each charity listed on the map has committed to the Pet Remedy Pledge, which requires organisations to avoid tools or methods that cause fear, pain or psychological distress, and to use approaches that support a dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing. 

The pledge is also used within the company’s network of trainers and behaviourists.

Pet Remedy, whose calming products are used by veterinary practices, said the map forms part of its broader aim to promote accessible, evidence-based dog welfare. 

It hopes the resource will help people adopt responsibly as abandonment and behaviour-related problems continue to rise.

Daniel Cartwright, branch manager, said: “They are doing really well and all appear healthy. It is heartbreaking to think that someone has just discarded them like this.

“The puppies were in a crate at the side of a main road, not even close to our building. They were left in conditions that put them in harm’s way, especially with the cold and rainy weather we were having at the weekend.” Pet Remedy said such incidents underscore the need for consistent, welfare-led guidance for prospective adopters.”

Andrew Hale, behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy, added: “There is such a minefield of conflicting dog information out there that many owners simply do not know who or what to trust.

“Our rescue map exists because we wanted to build a network people can rely on, where every organisation listed puts the animal’s wellbeing first. Ethical rescues are doing extraordinary work under increasing pressure, and it has never been more important to help the public find the right support.”