More than a rescue

Helping dogs starts before they need rescuing

The Best Dog Trust began with a small community rescue in Ruakākā. Today, we're focused on practical support that helps prevent unwanted dogs and puppies before they reach a crisis point.

Our story What we stand for

Our story

From Ruakaka Dog Rescue to The Best Dog Trust

What started as a small local rescue has grown into a wider community initiative focused on preventing unwanted litters, supporting owners and helping dogs find better outcomes.

♥

Our Ruakaka roots

The Best Dog Trust's journey started in 2014 as Ruakākā Dog Rescue. Two friends, united by a passion for improving the lives of dogs in Ruakākā Village, created Ruakaka Dog Rescue to support, educate and help dogs and their owners.

Growing across Northland

Over time, our efforts expanded to cover the entire Whangārei region. We've fostered and rehomed hundreds of dogs over the years and supported owners with education, food and advice.

→

A new direction

In 2023, our founding trustee stepped back and we transitioned from direct rescue operations to a broader initiative.

Dog being supported by The Best Dog Trust

From rescue to prevention

We want to change what happens before the crisis

Rather than working as the 'ambulance at the bottom of the cliff', we want to be proactive in curbing the overwhelming number of unwanted dogs and puppies.

Why we changed

Prevention can make the biggest difference

Our primary focus shifted to offering support to low-income dog owners and those facing financial hurdles in desexing their dogs.

We no longer operate a rescue or foster dogs, which wasn't an easy decision to make. We believe we can make the most significant impact by desexing as many dogs as possible across Whangārei and Kaipara.

This shift in focus highlighted that our work was much larger than Ruakākā and our team was based across Whangārei and further afield. We needed a name that better reflected who we are and what we do.

The Best Dog Trust

Three parts of our mission

Explore our programmes →

Desex

Desexing is the key step in stopping unwanted litters, keeping dogs out of pounds and rescues, and helping dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Learn about desexing →

Support

We support dog owners who need a helping hand with things like food and collars, as supplies allow.

Meet our supporters →

Rehome

We promote desexed dogs needing new homes across our social media network, advocating responsible pet ownership and helping find loving homes.

See dogs needing homes →

What we believe —

Desex. Support. Rehome.

These three words capture what The Best Dog Trust is about. By preventing unwanted litters, supporting owners through difficult circumstances and helping dogs find suitable homes, we can create better outcomes for dogs and the communities they live in.

Support us

Help us keep the mission moving

Though small, we are immensely grateful for the support of our skilled trustees, volunteers and people across New Zealand.

Make a donation

Help fund desexing and practical support for owners who are facing financial or practical barriers.

Donate

Volunteer with us

We always welcome volunteers to assist with administration, fundraising and the work that keeps our programmes moving.

Volunteer

Support as a business

For businesses looking for a great cause to get involved with, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Help a dog find a home

Looking to adopt? Explore the dogs we're currently advertising on behalf of their owners.

View dogs

Every dog deserves a chance —

Let's make a difference together

Follow The Best Dog Trust on Facebook and Instagram for updates, dogs looking for homes and news from our community.