Dogs First, a local charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need, was founded in 2014 by two devoted dog lovers: former nuclear medicine technologist Pat Heard and former social worker Pat McGovern. Their mission was simple but powerful: to help unwanted or abandoned pets with nowhere else to turn. The pair initially helped friends who could no longer care for their pets. Over time, their efforts expanded, and Dogs First officially became a trust in 2018, achieving charity status in 2021.
Rescue crisis
Today, ten years after its inception, the charity’s services are in greater demand than ever. Nationally, the aftermath of lockdown led to a surge in pets being surrendered for rehoming. This ongoing ‘rescue crisis’ continues to overwhelm animal charities, with reports of a significant drop in adoption figures. Campaigns aim to reverse this trend, but capacity concerns persist amid rising costs of living. In this challenging environment, local rescue charities like Dogs First have become essential.
One of a kind
The core mission of Dogs First is to rescue, care for, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs. The charity takes in strays, owner surrenders, and even dogs that veterinarians have been asked to euthanise. They also receive referrals from GPs and social services when pet owners are ill or have passed away.
Beyond rescuing and rehoming, Dogs First provides comprehensive care for its dogs, including veterinary treatment, microchipping, neutering, crate training, socialisation, and finding foster homes. Additionally, they run a pet food bank to support struggling pet owners.
Based in Cramlington, with additional volunteers in Durham and West Scotland, Dogs First operates primarily as a foster-based charity, setting it apart from other rescue organisations. “Our dogs live in a home environment, experiencing everyday life,” says Pat Heard. “This makes them ready to fit straight into new homes, and we know each dog’s personality and needs inside out, ensuring a perfect match with potential adopters.”Adopting a dog from Dogs First is a thoughtful and thorough process. Prospective adopters complete a detailed form, providing information about their family, pet experience, and preferred type of dog. A home visit follows to assess whether the environment is safe and suitable for the new addition. The dog is then introduced to the family, including any other pets, and may make several visits before the adoption is finalised.
In return for securing a new best friend, adopters make a minimum donation of £250, with reductions for older or multiple dogs. To ease the transition, Dogs First provides a starter pack that includes food, a collar and lead, bowls, a bed or blanket, toys, and five weeks of free insurance.
What truly makes Dogs First special is their commitment to building a community around their work. “If you adopt from us, you’re part of the Dogs First family,” Heard explains. “We’re always available for backup and advice, and we love to catch up with the dogs adopted from us.” This sense of community extends far and wide, with Dogs First dogs finding homes across the UK, including the Scottish islands.
Chronic challenges
Like many rescue organisations, Dogs First faces significant challenges. “Animal rescue is in crisis right now,” says Heard. “Most rescues are full and have to turn animals away daily. As a foster-based charity, our biggest challenge is finding enough suitable foster homes. Fundraising is also a constant necessity to cover vet bills, insurance, vehicle costs, and repairs.”
Fortunately, Dogs First has partnered with local businesses such as Jollyes Blyth and Pets at Home in Gateshead, both of which provide much-needed food and equipment. The charity also raises funds through grants—such as a recent £25,250 grant from the Pets Foundation for a new van—and community initiatives like football cards, auctions, raffles, and dog shows. Dogs First is also partnered with Northumberland Lottery, receiving 50p from every ticket purchased by supporters nominating the rescue charity. Additionally, the charity is partnered with Agria, which provides free insurance. Dogs First receives £2 for each free policy, and 10% of any full policy set up.
Making a difference
Despite the challenges, Dogs First has made a substantial impact. Initially rehoming a variety of animals, including cats, birds, and reptiles, the charity decided in 2023 to focus solely on dogs (though they still help the occasional cat or guinea pig). The numbers tell the story: 54 animals were rehomed in 2019, 102 in 2020, 154 in 2021, 213 in 2022, and 245 in 2023. So far in 2024, the charity has already rehomed 106 dogs and two guinea pigs.
Behind each rescue is a story of resilience and hope. Take Faith, a Saluki cross who came to Dogs First with a severe skin condition. At just seven months old, she looked old and sad, with skin resembling rhino hide and painful, oozing sores. Her condition was the result of her previous owners’ failure to treat her for fleas—a condition that could have been prevented with a £20 flea treatment.
“Even in her appalling condition, we knew she was beautiful,” recalls Heard. After months of specialised care, many vet visits, and hundreds of pounds spent on her treatment, Faith’s hair began to grow back, revealing her true beauty. Now living in Scotland with her new family and renamed Rey, she is thriving.
Then there’s Marvin, a tiny Jack Russell puppy who came to Dogs First three years ago. Sold at just three weeks old—far too young to be separated from his mother—Marvin was a fragile, dehydrated scrap when he arrived. “We were worried he wouldn’t make it,” Heard admits. Marvin needed intensive, round-the-clock care, including two-hourly syringe feeds and careful monitoring. For days, he slept against Heard’s neck so he could feel her pulse, and for his own safety, he slept in a hamster cage when she couldn’t be with him.
“It was hard work, but he thrived,” she says. Marvin grew into a lively, cheeky Jack Russell, unfazed by his small size around larger dogs. Today, he is known as Milo, living a full and happy life.
Looking forward
Many Dogs First volunteers balance full-time jobs with dedicating their free time to the charity. According to Heard, it’s a labour of love: “We would love to see every dog living the life it should – in a loving environment, safe and happy. Sadly, we can’t save every dog; some are too damaged by their past experiences. But seeing the changes we make, and the joy when an adopted dog see us again, makes it all worthwhile.”
Dogs First continues to push forward, inspired by the vision of a better life for every dog they rescue. “So many dogs come to us neglected or abused,” Heard reflects. “We are here to make them safe, restore their faith in humans, and help them find their forever homes.” It is, quite literally, a charity that puts dogs first.
To support Dogs First or find out more about their work, visit https://dogsfirstanimalrescue.co.uk/how-can-you-help/
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