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Our code of ethics

We believe that every animal deserves respect, compassion, and a chance for a better life.

Our Code of Ethics guides our approach to animal rescue, ensuring that we operate with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsibility. Each member of our team, including volunteers, staff, and partners, is committed to upholding these principles in all aspects of our work—from rescuing and rehabilitating animals to educating the community and promoting responsible pet ownership. Thank you for supporting our mission to create a safe and loving world for animals in need.

Animal Care and Welfare

All animals entering our care will always be treated equally and with respect

We endeavour to provide the highest level of care possible to all of our animals

The needs of each individual animal will always be at the forefront of their care

Animal Housing and Medical Provision

  • Our animals are given freedom and will never be confined to small kennels unless it’s in the best interest of the individual.
  • All animals will be given access to food, water, shelter and comfortable bedding as well as suitable outside access in order for them to exercise.
  • Animals entering our rescue centre will be initially checked by our veterinary surgeons for any health problems.
  • Medical attention will always be sought in a timely fashion to avoid suffering.
  • Medical care will be provided for each animal that requires it regardless of cost or complexity.
  • Rushton Dog Rescue will only ever euthanise an animal if it is for the good of that particular animal and only when advised by our vets.

Animal Intake

Rushton Dog Rescue will accept animals into their care regardless of current health or situation.

We can only take in a number of animals to which our facilities allow, but we are unable to accept an animal, we will of course assist, where possible, in finding another rescue centre or safe place.

We occasionally accept animals other than dogs but this is dependant on our facilities and suitability.

Animal Rehoming

  • We have a strict re-homing policy and always retain the right to refuse an application, and if necessary, will remove an animal from a home if we feel the animal is at risk or harm
  • We endeavour to find long term suitable homes for our animals
  • We will only rehome animals to homes where other animals are already neutered/spayed
  • We ask for a minimum rehoming donation fee of £450. This is strictly not refundable under any circumstances

Awareness and Education

Rushton dog rescue is strictly PRO neutering, why is it so important to neuter your dog? 

There are a few reasons as to why it’s so important to ensure you neuter your dog when age allows. 

Health

Neutered dogs are generally healthier and have fewer health problems once neutered. 

Neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer in male dogs, and can increase your dog’s life expectancy by 1-3 years. For female dogs it stops them from developing a serious illness named ‘Pyometra’ (also known as PYO) this is a life threatening condition where the uterus of the dog fills with an infected pus and if an emergency spay is not sought in a timely manner then the dog will most likely not survive. This can all be avoided by just neutering your dogs. 

Behaviour

Neutering can reduce unwanted aggressive behavior, including human and dog aggression. 

It reduces the testosterone and hormones in the dog which can be a big part of unwanted behaviours. 

Stops Breeding. 

Neutering prevents more litters of puppies in this country, we are already extremely overpopulated with dogs in the U.K which means rescues are very overwhelmed with the number needing saving, we do NOT need any more dog pregnancies which in turn make more unwanted dogs. Our dog pounds in the U.K. are full of all breeds of dogs, rescues are also full of all breeds of dogs, there is a common misconception that you do not get puppies/specific breeds in rescues, this is highly untrue as majority of rescues have a variety of breeds that need adopting and rescuing. Many dogs loose their lives due to lack of rescue spaces, so why produce more? 

Please neuter your dogs, by doing so you are helping us rescues more than you will know. 

Be a responsible dog owner, SPAY & NEUTER. 

*always seek professional veterinarian advice