PEOPLE hoping to rescue a dog can now do so after a charity has updated its rehoming policy due to coronavirus restrictions.

While Dogs Trust Darlington is currently still closed to walk-in members of the public, recent changes in the government guidance mean hopeful dog owners are now able to book appointments to meet the dog they are interested in rehoming.

This is done in an outside play area, or in a spacious area that is separate from the main rehoming centre such as one of our training barns, whilst keeping two metre distance.

Alternatively, dogs are also being matched with new homes virtually, with Dogs Trust staff delivering the pet contact-free as part of a new ‘Handover at Home’ process.

For those dogs who are yet to find their forever home, Dogs Trust Darlington has put together its own Amazon Wishlist, whereby people can buy new toys and treats for the dogs during lockdown and support the centre.

One dog that is currently available for rehoming on the centre’s appointment system is Chase, a "sweet" and "independent" five-year-old Chihuahua who enjoys playing with his toys and gets very excited during playtime.

When he first arrived at the Darlington site, Chase was not the biggest fan of dogs but has since built friendships with some of the other canine residents and is now looking to build a friendship with a human to take him home.

Sue Embleton, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Darlington said: “We are extremely grateful to our supporters for their kind gestures in these uncertain times – and to the overwhelming number of people who have offered their support for the dogs in our care. Without you we wouldn’t be able to do our vital work.

“These are challenging times for everyone, and while we are coping well, we do expect in the coming weeks there will be an increased demand for our services. Being in a position to start placing dogs like Pippin and Dexter with suitable families again is very rewarding for us; and we can’t wait for more of our dogs, like little Chase, to find their forever homes.”

  • Due to the pandemic, the charity cannot accept donations that are dropped off in person. If you would like to donate toys, treats or bedding to Dogs Trust Darlington, you can do so by clicking here or by searching for Dogs Trust Darlington’s Wishlist at www.amazon.co.uk