Dalmatian Adoption, Rehoming, Help and Advice

Scottish Dalmatian Welfare SC042396

Scottish Dalmatian Welfare Announces Formal Winding Up After Years of Dedicated Service

Scottish Dalmatian Welfare (SDW), a long-standing volunteer-run charity dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of Dalmatians across Scotland, announces with deep regret that it will be winding up its operations.

For years, SDW has worked tirelessly to ensure that Dalmatians in need find safe, loving homes. However, a combination of escalating challenges has made it no longer safe or sustainable for the charity to continue.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the irresponsible and over breeding of Dalmatians, with many dogs being sold to inexperienced or unsuitable owners. This has led to a growing number of dogs arriving at SDW lacking basic training and social development. As a result, we are seeing more dogs displaying anxiety, fear-based aggression, and in some cases, bite-risk behaviour.

These behavioural issues often mean dogs are unsuitable for kennelling – posing safety concerns not only for kennel staff but also for our volunteers. In cases where owners are unwilling or unable to keep the dogs, we are left with few viable options. The cost, risk, and time commitment involved in rehabilitating these dogs are simply unsustainable.

All SDW team members are unpaid volunteers, many balancing other significant personal and family responsibilities. The number of complex cases now far outweighs the number of experienced and suitable adopters. This has created a perfect storm of too many difficult-to-place dogs and too few capable homes.

This crisis is not unique to SDW – it is reflective of a UK-wide breakdown in the dog rehoming system. Dogs have increasingly become viewed as disposable commodities, with ownership decisions often made without understanding the long-term commitment involved.

While this decision has been incredibly difficult, the safety of our volunteers and the welfare of the dogs must come first. We can no longer responsibly or safely continue under these circumstances.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years – from adopters and donors to kennel staff and dedicated volunteers. The lives saved and changed through your support are countless and deeply valued.

We urge anyone considering dog ownership to do thorough research and seek experienced advice before bringing a dog into their home. The welfare of these animals depends on responsible ownership and long-term commitment.

For now, we can continue to be contacted by email at [email protected]

Thank you

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Scottish Dalmatian Welfare is a Registered Scottish Charity committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of Dalmatian dogs and to raising public awareness about the Dalmatian breed in Scotland. We offer practical advice and assistance to Dalmatian owners and, where necessary, find suitable new owners for Dalmatians who need to be re-homed. Whilst we work exclusively within Scotland, covering all areas from the borders to the islands, we also cooperate with British Dalmatian Welfare and North of England Dalmatian Welfare, both of whom provide similar services in the rest of the UK.

Our charity is operated by a small group of volunteers who believe that every Dalmatian deserves a happy and healthy life.

As part of our commitment to Dalmatian welfare we have a strict non-destruct policy and never put a rescue dog to sleep unless under veterinary advice.

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About our photos: Many of the photos used on our website show Dalmatians previously rehomed by Scottish Dalmatian Welfare whilst others are of dogs who belong to our friends and supporters. Please respect the fact that these are real dogs owned by real people. Whilst we cannot fully prevent anyone from downloading our photos we ask that if you do, please do not use them for purposes other than the promotion of the Scottish Dalmatian Welfare charity. Thank you.