About the Rainbow Rehoming Centre

The Rainbow Rehoming Centre was first established by Helen Davies in 1997 in response to the desparate need to find homes for the hundreds of abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats that are found in the Derry and North West every year.

Before 1997 Helen ran an "Adopt A Pet" scheme in Derry for two years and was sponsored by local Derry businesses through poster campaigns. This drew the attention of others and Helen was approached by business man Stuart Keys who offered to provide financial support to build a premises for a shelter.

So in 1997 and with sponsored buidling supplies Helen and volunteers built the first Rainbow Rehoming Centre on White Hill Road in Eglinton. This accommodated 4 pens - 2 for dogs and 2 for cats. But space was limited and in 1999 Helen and rescue pets moved to the current location with 6 large dog pens, 2 outside runs, 3 isolation units for quarantined individuals and a purpose built cattery. The Centre now accommodates up to 16 dogs and 30 cats.

Six years after the Centre first opens its doors to the public we now have 12 adult volunteers and rehome over 400 dogs and cats every year. We continually strive to find the best homes for our cats and dogs and will never put a healthy dog or cat to sleep. All our animals are seen by a local veterinarian (St. Elmo's, Muff) and we safeguard the welfare of our animals by routinely carrying out home visits prior to rehoming (read more in Adoption Procedure).

Over the years the Rainbow Rehoming Centre has been lucky to receive sponsorship and assistance from local businesses and individuals. Stuart Keys still provides some assistance and the group is very grateful to the continued support of the North West Animal Welfare Group (Limavady) for their fundraising activities. The Centre also benefits from schemes run by the National Canine Defence League. If you would like to help the Centre out in any way you can find out more by reading about the type of donations accepted or by offering your services as a volunteer.

To all individuals who have helped Helen and her team over the years we would like to thank you most sincerely for all your help.

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