DSPCA

DSPCA Ireland's oldest & largest animal rescue. We rescue, rehabilitate & rehome cats, dogs, equine & other

The DSPCA would like to acknowledge and formally thank the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, for the 2024 A...
14/01/2025

The DSPCA would like to acknowledge and formally thank the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, for the 2024 Animal Welfare Grant.

Can you help a mother and her 6 pups?We are urgently seeking a foster home with no other animals for a mother and her pu...
13/01/2025

Can you help a mother and her 6 pups?

We are urgently seeking a foster home with no other animals for a mother and her pups. They are currently living in conditions not ideal for a family so young.

This lovely mother just needs a safe space where she can relax and continue to raise her babies.

At 3 weeks old the puppies will still be feeding from mom however they will be ready to start weaning soon. They will be starting to explore the world and being in a home environment is crucial for their well being and socialisation.

They will need to return to the shelter for regular check ups with our vets to ensure everyone is happy and healthy.

At 10 weeks of age and depending on how the pups are doing at time they can be separated from mom and go off to their own foster homes. Mom usually comes back into the shelter at this stage to find her forever home.

Everything you will need will be provided while you have this little family on foster.

If you can help and offer a foster please email [email protected] urgently.

It’s all just too much for poor Nova 🙁In August last year Nova was surrendered by her family to the DSPCA as sadly they ...
11/01/2025

It’s all just too much for poor Nova 🙁

In August last year Nova was surrendered by her family to the DSPCA as sadly they could no longer care for her. She had a wound on her leg that was swollen and very painful to touch. The wound was open and bleeding.Thankfully X-rays showed no signs of any breaks.

It soon became obvious that Nova was very stressed and would constantly bite at her wound.

For weeks her wound was cleaned and bandaged and after she she chewed through the bandage and started to bite her toes she could no longer be left alone without a cone. This sadly added more stress.

Nova went out to a wonderful foster family over Christmas and she was an angel in the house. She didn’t bite at her leg and wasn’t anxious at all. We were so happy to hear of her progress and her wound had pretty much healed by the time her foster time ended. Her foster family were just amazing but they could only foster and were not in a position to keep her. On the first day Nova returned to the shelter she started biting at her leg again 😞

Shelter life it all just too much for Nova and we are urgently seeking a foster or a forever home for her.

Nova is 5 years old. She can be a little lead reactive to other dogs but she is able to socialise with other dogs off lead with the right owner. She is best suited as the only dog in her home with someone around most of the time and no cats. She’s a playful fun girl and so smart.

Is there anyone out there who can help Nova?

You can register your interest to adopt through our website ( link bio ) or simply visit the shelter. We are open all weekend from 12 until 4pm and you do not need to make an appointment.

One very special adoption 🧡 Rex was removed from a house in February 2023 by our inspectors. He was confined in a small ...
10/01/2025

One very special adoption 🧡

Rex was removed from a house in February 2023 by our inspectors. He was confined in a small cage in a shocking state with his whole body severely matted. In October 2024 his owner avoided jail but was fined €150 after pleading guilty at Dublin District Court to neglecting her dog Rex and not safeguarding his health and welfare.

Our veterinary team were very concerned about Rex and the affect of being kept in a small space for so long had on him. For almost 2 years Rex was constantly spinning in circles and chasing his tail. He was given medication to help with this behaviour and his amazing foster family helped him get through this very tough time.

This week, almost 2 years since he was rescued, Rex was finally adopted. He is in a loving home with wonderful owners who adore him. He is doing great with only a few spins now and then. His forever family keep in touch with his foster which is so lovely to hear. 🐾

The DSPCA works tirelessly to help neglected and vulnerable animals like Rex. Our team are dedicated and will go above and beyond to protect and give animals a reason to live.

Attention all XL Bully OwnersAs the deadline approaches for an exemption certificate to own an XL Bully type dog in Irel...
09/01/2025

Attention all XL Bully Owners

As the deadline approaches for an exemption certificate to own an XL Bully type dog in Ireland, we would like to offer our support and help to owners who may be struggling with completing the form or unsure whether they should apply for an exemption.

You can make an appointment using the link below to visit the DSPCA with your dog and chat to a member of our team. This is all new to us too and we will do our best to help guide you in the situation that we all find ourselves in.

Please be advised that in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption, your XL Bully type dog (male or female) must be neutered.

Appointments are limited - https://calendly.com/dog-adoption-consultation/xl-bully-exemption-muzzle-training-support

In addition to this if you are struggling with muzzle training or choosing the right muzzle for your dog stay tuned as we will be hosting a Muzzle Training Day at the DSPCA on the 18th January. Link to book a place to follow soon.

We are reminding all pet owners to protect their pets during this extremely cold weather. Met Éireann has forecast freez...
08/01/2025

We are reminding all pet owners to protect their pets during this extremely cold weather.

Met Éireann has forecast freezing temperatures to last all this the week, resulting in hazardous and potentially dangerous conditions for animals. We are urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe.

Top Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Cold Weather:

Indoor Safety: Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and other small animals should be kept indoors where it is warm and safe.

Walks: Be mindful of cold paws during walks. Wash your dog’s paws after outings to remove salt or ice-melting chemicals from footpaths. Wrap them in a warm coat, jumper or blanket for added protection.

Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure all pets have access to fresh water and consider feeding them a little extra to help them maintain energy and stay warm.

Older animals: Older animals or animals that have other illnesses may feel the cold a little more keenly. Older animals with arthritis may be a little stiffer that usual so ensure they are kept inside so they stay warm and dry.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze if commonly used in cars when it gets cold. Antifreeze is highly toxic to animals and can be fatal if ingested. Please keep any antifreeze products in a safe place in your home where your pets can't get access to it.

For Horse Owners:

Food: Grass may not provide sufficient nutrition during winter. Supply fresh hay daily or use a large round bale for bigger groups. Additional hard feed may be needed depending on horse’s breed, type, age, and workload.

Water: Horses should always have access to fresh water. During the cold snap, troughs and automatic water drinkers can freeze over. Therefore it is very important to check that they have access to fresh water throughout the day as temperatures may not rise above freezing point during the next few days.

Shelter: Horses living outdoors must have access to natural or man-made shelter. All horses should have rugs on them if the temperature drops below 0 C. There are different thicknesses of rugs required depending if your horse is clipped or has a winter coat.

Check your engines before driving off in case any cats climbed in to get heat while your engine was warm. Might sound si...
08/01/2025

Check your engines before driving off in case any cats climbed in to get heat while your engine was warm. Might sound silly but it happens very often.

06/01/2025

Brr…❄️
Let’s see your pets snuggled up beside you

❄️ Welfare advice for all pet owners ❄️ "A big change in the weather is forecast over the coming days as the relatively ...
04/01/2025

❄️ Welfare advice for all pet owners ❄️

"A big change in the weather is forecast over the coming days as the relatively mild weather of recent weeks is replaced by much colder conditions. Meteorologist Matthew Martin says, “After such a mild November, the upcoming cold spell will be a shock to the system for many."

With weather warnings from Met Éireann we are urging all pet owners to ensure they keep their pets safe.

Keep cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets etc. inside your home where it will be safe and warm. When walking dogs be mindful that little paws can get very cold. Wash paws after walks to remove any chemicals from salt that may have been applied to footpaths to clear ice. Be sure to wrap them up in a warm coat or a jumper.

Pets can often get dry skin during cold snaps as they go from the cold outside to the warmnt of the home. During colder weather pets can burn extra energy staying warn so it's no harm to give them a little extra food providing more calories. Always make sure your pets have access to fresh water.

Horse owners should ensure that their horses have access to adequate food, water & shelter.

Food: The grass at this time of the year is often scarce & may not provide enough nutritional value for horses that are living out all year round. Provide fresh hay on a DAILY BASIS or put out a large round bale for larger groups of horses. The fiber from the hay will also help keep them warm as heat is generated when it is digested. Some horses may also need a hard feed (cereal or grain) so feed according to breed, type, age & workload.

Water: Horses can still get dehydrated in cold weather so please ensure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Shelter: Some horses will do well living out 24/7 however they must have access to either man made or natural shelter. Depending on your horse it may also need to be rugged or stabled at night. If you are putting a rug on your horse make sure it fits well and that it is waterproof.

UPDATE: Owner has been in touch and cat will be reunited with her tomorrow. Thank you all for sharing 🧡Do you own me? T...
30/12/2024

UPDATE: Owner has been in touch and cat will be reunited with her tomorrow. Thank you all for sharing 🧡

Do you own me?

This girl was found yesterday, 29th December in Ballymun area.

Please email [email protected] if you own or recognise her.

Thank you 🐱

25/12/2024

Wishing you all
a very Merry Christmas

Bred for meat, now looking for a loving family.Little Snoop, or ‘Ebenezer Snoop’ as we affectionately call him is the la...
20/12/2024

Bred for meat, now looking for a loving family.

Little Snoop, or ‘Ebenezer Snoop’ as we affectionately call him is the last little bun hoping to find a loving foster home for Christmas.

This brave little boy has really had a tough life. He is approximately 3 years old and grew up in a meat farm with only one ending it sight for him 🥹

Snoop was thankfully rescued and is now on the road to a happier life. Due to the conditions he was kept in he has required on-going veterinary care and we are looking for a special someone who will continue with his medication to him help during his recovery. He has ulcers on both eyes which is quite uncomfortable for him. He gets daily eye drops, eye lubrication and oral antibiotics, and thankfully we are slowly seeing signs of improvement.

Snoop needs to be the only pet in the home as he currently has 'walking dandruff'. This is a mite that lives on the skin and can be contagious (but not serious) to other animals and humans so a pet free home with no young children is very important. We are treating this with injections every 10 days and with only one more injection to go, the risk has significantly lessened.

Snoop will need to come back to the shelter on the 30th of December for his final injection so we would need the foster family to be available to bring him to the shelter and home again on this date.

We know this is a big ask, but he's has been through so much and it breaks our hearts to think he’ll be the only rabbit at the shelter for Christmas. Snoop has never had the chance to enjoy Christmas, so please, consider doing something extra wonderful and give Snoop the chance to enjoy his first Christmas as a loved little bun.

If you can help please email [email protected] directly.

Thank you 🐰

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Mount Venus Road
Dublin
DUBLIN16

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18 years waiting for the perfect pal 🐢 When Keane was rescued from a park we had no idea there was a very special human out there waiting 18 years to call him her own. It’s been a long road for Keane, the Chinese softshell turtle. He was found abandoned in a park and would certainly not have survived alone. He spent 7 months in the shelter waiting to find a home. We posted appeals for him and he was a big hit with the media with his story being picked up by @dublinlive_ Dublin Live @independent.ie @extradotie @irishcentral and The Irish Sun to name but a few. Keane was adopted on the 8th of December by a wonderful human who had been waiting 18 years to rescue a little guy just like him 🧡 Keane, now called Bao is thriving in his new home and loves interacting with his owner. She said “he’s the best” Thank you to everyone who shared his story, we couldn’t be happier for him. #animalrescue #rescuestory #turtle #dspca #beagoodhuman #animalcharity

Well folks, Santa Paws worked his magic making it through storm Darragh arriving just in time to see all the children and their 4 legged friends 🐾 It really was a magical day and we want to thank everyone who came along and made it so special. It was wonderful to see so many happy faces and waggly tails enjoying their time at the DSPCA with all the staff and our AMAZING volunteers who yet again did us so proud. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas 🎄… until next year! #dspca #santa #christmas #dogs #santapaws

Yuki has been waiting 105 days at the shelter for someone to adopt her 🥹 She is breaking our hearts and we are reaching out to all our friends and followers to help us find her a home. She’s only a year and 5 months old and a shelter is no place for such a young active girl. She’s a playful girl and would be a great addition to a home with another dog of similar energy to play with. She gets so excited when she sees humans coming to spend time with her. Yuki is incredibly sweet, and has so much love to share with the right family. She’s very smart and her new family should continue with training and give her lots of mental stimulation. We have agility classes at the DSPCA and we’re sure she’d be top of her class! Yuki would love to be part of an active family that ideally has experience with her breeds (Staffy Collie cross). Please help us find a home for Yuki #petadoption #dspca #dog #rescuedog #staffy #collie

Tiger & Spike 🧡 This adorable little pair are just 2 of the Guinea Pigs waiting to be adopted. Likes: Snoozing on fluffy blankets Dislikes: When they don’t get a daily treat They would suit a first time guinea pig family who are looking to welcome some furry friends into their home. These two are well handled and very sweet. Come and visit them and their pals at the shelter 🐾🧡 #dspca #guineapig #petadoption #guineapigs

Oscar’s owner had to move house and sadly couldn’t take Oscar with him 🙁 When Oscar arrived he was quite overweight. Over the last 3 months he has been getting lots of exercise and he’s feeling so much better and full of energy. Oscar is always ready for a walk and a game of tug. He is best suited as the only dog in his new home and with older teenagers. Is there anyone out there who can offer him a home to call his own where he can stay forever? You can visit Oscar at the DSPCA. The shelter is open Tues-Sun from 12-4pm 🐾 #dspca #petadoption #dog #adoptme

Stocked up and ready fur your orders 🎁 When you buy from our charity Christmas shop, you are supporting animals in need providing food, shelter & veterinary care for them this Christmas 🐾 Link to online shop in bio 🔗 Thank you for your support 🧡 #christmas #dspca #gift #animalcharity #christmasshop

Pepper wars on a Sunday 😄 Staring: Penny in the background keeping well out of the way. Leila who started off with a juicy pepper all to herself before her sister Luna jumped in 🌶️ They finally settled on sharing 🧡 We have lots of super cute and fun guinea pigs for adoption. They make wonderful pets and we will provide you with all the information you need to care for them properly. The shelter is open to visitors Tuesday -Sunday from 12-4pm. You can view all the animals available for adoption, including these three sisters, on our website. See link in bio 🔗 #dspca #guineapig #petadoption

Our Christmas Shop in fully stocked with gifts for everyone 🎁 Our Christmas cards and 2025 Calendars are hot off the press and they look amazing 🎄 We have gifts for all the good humans out there and of course all the very good pets too 🐾 When you buy from our online charity Christmas shop or in-store at our shelter in Rathfarnham Dublin 16, you are supporting the rescue work that we do and helping animals in need 🧡 Start shopping now 🔗 Link in bio Thank you for your support 🐾

Oh Bart… you have the sadness little face 🥲 5 year year old Bart came into the shelter as a semi feral cat with our inspectors through our TNR programme. We knew that this gentle boy could certainly come round to trusting humans. It took some time but after 2 months in our care this shy little boy is ready to go home. Bart is still a little nervous and will need time to settle into a new environment with an owner who will be patient and leave him be until he is ready to come and say hi. Bart has FIV which means he is more vulnerable to infections and disease. To keep him safe and healthy he will need to be an indoor cat. FIV is not transmittable to humans or any other species. It can be passed from cat to cat so he’s best as the only cat in his new home. We would love to tell Bart the good news that there is a kind and understanding human out there for him. If that’s you, please get in touch. You can visit Bart in the shelter Tuesday - Sunday from 12-4pm. The cat rehoming team can answer any of your questions. You can also register your interest to adopt Bart through our website. If you can’t adopt please share his story. Thank you 🧡 #dspca #cats #petadoption #sadcats #adoptme #love

The DSPCA Cattery is open today from 12-4pm 🐱 We have so many beautiful cats ready for adoption. If you’re thinking about welcoming a new cat into your home then come and talk to the Cat Rehoming team. They are a wealth of knowledge and will be sure to find the purrfect cat for you 🧡 #dspca #cat #petadoption #pets #animslshelter #animalshelter

Keane 🐢 We were overwhelmed with the response we received for Keane, the chinese softshell turtle. As the team contact all those who offered him a home, we had a little surprise for him. Stephen who looks after maintenance for the shelter, pet hotel and doggie daycare, is always on hand to put to his DIY skills into action to help enrich the lives of the animals in our care. Check out Keane’s new enclosure that he made! We are very excited to fill it with lots of enrichment before he packs up his shell and heads off home. If you’d like to contribute to helping us make this new enclosure a wonderful home for the next turtle or terrapin please email Caroline ➡️ [email protected] and she’ll let you know what goodies you can buy or you make a donation through our website dspca.ie. We’ll also put a list up on our stories. Thanks everyone 🐢 #dspca #turtle #reptile #animalshelter #animalcharity #animalrescue

‼️ Urgent Urgent Urgent ‼️ Late yesterday afternoon our inspectors rescued a Mum and her puppies that were found in a back garden. Junebug and her 9 puppies are now safe and in a warm bed for tonight. The puppies have tested positive for parvovirus and we are desperately seeking to get them out into a foster home where they are away from a shelter environment. Junebug is still feeding her puppies and so she needs to be with them. We know this is a big ask, but we’ve had amazing people who have helped us before, and now we need another very special person to foster Junebug and her 9 puppies. Our vets and fostering team have all the guidelines that you’ll need to know when fostering young puppies with parvovirus. Their mom does not have the virus. Is there anyone out there who can open their hearts and their home to this little family who desperately need a safe and quiet environment to get better and be together? They will need a home with no other dogs. If you can help, please email [email protected]. Sharing this video will also help! Thank you everyone 🧡#dspca #puppies #foster #fosteringsaveslives #help

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History of the DSPCA

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established in 1840 and is the oldest and largest animal charity in the Republic of Ireland.

In its early days the Society was known as the Dublin Auxiliary of the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals and it was founded the year the RSPCA received Royal Patronage, over the years it has had many names including “The Dublin Home for Starving and Forsaken Cats”.

The Society was based at Grand Canal Quay in Dublin City from its formation in 1840 up until 1990, and generations of Dublin people were familiar with it as “The Dogs and Cats Home” and at times as “The Cats & Dogs Home”.

In 1990 the Society moved to the Potterton Restfields at Stocking Lane in Rathfarnham, a suburb of Dublin. The land was bequeathed to the Society in the 1930s as a place to graze retired working horses.