The Rainbow Rehoming Centre was first established by Helen Davies in 1997 in response to the desperate 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. We do not take in peoples pets (unless very special circumstances) but we can advertise them on our Pets seeking homes section if you email us a photo and description. All pets must be vaccinated and neutered.
The Centre now accommodates up to 20 dogs and a cattery for 30 cats and 16 cages for kittens and convalescing cats.
The centre is run by a team of experienced and dedicated animal lovers. We have 6 part time staff and 10 volunteers and a number of much valued dog walkers.
13 years on the Rainbow Centre has been a well known and much needed refuge for thousands of dogs and cats in the North West, saving the lives of many and giving them the second chance at life they deserve.
In 2008 we rehomed and cared for over 1000 dogs and cats and we continually strive to find the best homes for our animals. We have a “no-kill” policy which means we will never put a healthy dog or cat to sleep.
2009 here are the rehoming figures:
- Dogs rehomed: 390
- Cats and kittens rehomed: 375
- Dogs sent to Dog's Trust: 170
- Dogs sent to other rescue centres: 19
- Dogs taken Derry Pound and rehomed: 85
- Dogs taken Strabane Pound and rehomed: 18
- Lost dogs reclaimed by owners: 42
- Feral cats trapped, neutered and released: 349
Destruction rates of healthy dogs in Northern Ireland is amongst the highest in the UK and Ireland which is something we should not be proud of. We must recognise the need for responsible pet ownership in order to see a decrease in the destruction rates and improve animal welfare standards here in the North West and in Northern Ireland.
At the Rainbow Centre we take the rehoming of our animals very responsibly by neutering all of the dogs that come through our doors. This responsible rehoming policy over the years will have undoubtedly had an impact in the amount of dogs being destroyed in local pounds and will continue to have in the future.
In more recent times we have been working in partnership with the Dogs Trust in England and the Derry pound (Pennyburn Dog Kennels) which has seen the lives of many more dogs saved and this will continue in the future.
The centre has a few fundraising events each year to raise vita funds for the centre, such as bag-packs, a sponsored walk and flag day collections. We also have a charity calendar and christmas cards which are sold locally to raise money for the centre. If you would be interested in helping the centre in any way - please email us.
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. |
