What are donations used for? 

Rescuing a street dog or cat and bringing it to the UK is a complex and costly process, but it's a labour of love for the volunteers at Penny's Ark. This Southport UK based charity is dedicated to rescuing dogs and providing them with the care they need, before finding them forever homes. 

The journey of a rescue dog often begins with medical treatment. The costs associated with medical treatments depend on the overall health state of the dog. Routine consultations and vaccinations can cost around £27 to £54.75. More severe cases, such as orthopaedic surgeries abroad, can add up to thousands of pounds. 

Once the dog's health is stabilised, the next step is rest and rehabilitation. This involves building the confidence of frightened animals, teaching them how to behave using positive training techniques, and showing them how good life can be. The cost of housing and the rehabilitation can vary greatly depending on the needs of each individual dog. 

Feeding and care are also significant expenses. The cost of food has risen by record amounts, with some brands up by more than a third in the last few months. Rescue organisations like us need to ensure that dogs are well-fed and taken care of throughout their stay at the shelter. Running out of these funds is one of our greatest fears. 

Traveling from overseas to the UK also involves significant costs. A pet passport, which includes microchipping, rabies vaccination, a health certificate, additional vaccinations if required, and parasite control. We test all our animals for diseases before they travel. The transport and fuel costs involved in bringing the dog from Romania to its new home in the UK are high. 

Once in the UK, life for a rescue dog changes dramatically. In contrast to the harsh conditions on the streets of Europe, pet dogs in the UK live much more comfortable lives. They have warm beds, regular meals, and most importantly - love. They are part of families and are cared for in ways that would be unimaginable for a street dog in Europe. The rewards are incredible. Once a street dog loves you, they really love you, so we are incredibly careful when considering a new home. We carry out house checks and interviews because we want a happy ever after for the whole family, not just the dog. As a very small charity, we aim to find foster homes for animals before they travel. We support all our foster homes as much possible including access to a behavioural expert. 

The work of Penny's Ark volunteers doesn't end once a dog has been adopted. They continue to raise awareness about the plight of street dogs in the U.K. and Europe and fundraise to cover the costs of rescue operations. Every donation helps cover these costs and gives another dog a chance at a better life. 

Please consider supporting Penny's Ark in their mission to rescue and rehabilitate homeless animals. 

Your contribution can make a significant difference in these dogs' lives.