Dogs Trust Ballymena ready to help more dogs find loving homes in 2026

Siblings Christopher, Eeyore and Tigger, along with Robin (second left) was the first dog to be adopted from Dogs Trust Ballymena in 2026

Dogs Trust Ballymena has begun 2026 with renewed determination to help more dogs find loving, permanent homes, after successfully rehoming 455 dogs during 2025.

With demand for kennel spaces remaining high, the charity is encouraging people from across Northern Ireland to visit its Ballymena rehoming centre, where there are currently 31 dogs available for adoption.

Staff say meeting dogs in person and speaking directly with the experienced team can make all the difference when it comes to finding the right match.

Although only a few weeks into the new year, Dogs Trust Ballymena has already celebrated its first successful rehoming of 2026.

Labrador puppy Robin has found a new home after arriving at the centre from the stray pound alongside his siblings Christopher, Eeyore and Tigger — a heartening start to the year for the local team.

Finn awaits a new home at Dogs Trust, Ballymena

However, many dogs are still waiting patiently for their forever families. Among them is four-year-old Shih Tzu Finn, who is currently thriving in foster care.

Described as affectionate and playful, Finn enjoys curling up on the sofa as much as he loves playtime, showing off his skills with ball games and tug-of-war. He could happily share a home with another dog and with children, making him an ideal companion for the right household.

While full details of all dogs available for rehoming can be found online at www.dogstrust.org.uk, Dogs Trust is keen to stress the value of visiting the centre in person.

Prospective owners can meet the dogs, speak to the people caring for them and ask any questions they may have about the adoption process or responsible dog ownership.

The Ballymena centre is open to the public five days a week, and no appointment is required to visit, seek advice or apply to adopt. As every dog has individual needs and circumstances, the charity explains that finding the perfect match can take time — sometimes several months.

Adoption applications last for three months, during which staff work closely with applicants to ensure the best possible outcome for both dog and owner.

Conor O’Kane, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to have rehomed over 450 dogs in 2025, but every day we continue to care for many wonderful dogs who are still waiting to find their forever homes. As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, we know there is still so much work to be done.

“We’d love to welcome more people from across Northern Ireland to visit our centre, see our dogs, meet our dedicated team, and see first-hand how we match dogs with the right homes. Whether you’re ready to adopt or simply want to learn more about responsible dog ownership and the support Dogs Trust offers, visiting the centre is a great place to start.”

For more information about Dogs Trust Ballymena, the dogs currently available for rehoming and the wider support the charity provides, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ballymena.