About Us
The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes

The Association Of British Dogs Homes was founded in 1985 by Mr Tom Field-Fisher, who at the time was the Chairman of The Committee of The Dogs Home Battersea. Through the Association members would exchange ideas and information about the collection, shelter and re-homing of lost and unwanted dogs. In 1999 the Association changed its name to the Association of Dogs & Cats Homes due to the large proportion of members who were also dealing with the welfare of cats. Since its birth, it has grown immensely and now has four very productive meetings and a conference each year. There are now 56 members of the Association with new applications coming in all the time. The members comprise charities of all sizes situated throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands. The Association acts as a platform for identifying and disseminating information on best practice and for raising the standards of animal welfare.

The purposes of the Association are to:

1. Develop good practice and influence others working in the rescue and/or rehoming of dogs and cats.
2. Address common problems and issues.

3. Explore and, where appropriate, negotiate price reductions through economies of scale.

4. Exchange information and provide mutual support.
5. Combine resources to encourage workable, welfare enhancing legislation.
6. Exchange knowledge in construction and refurbishment of facilities.

7. Where appropriate and agreed, represent the views of members in furtherance of the work in the dog and/or cat rescue and rehoming community.

On the 19th July 1984, Mr Field-Fisher chaired a meeting of interested parties to discuss the idea of setting up an Association. The rest is history and from a simple but inspired idea, the Association has grown from strength to strength.

To download a copy of the Association's Constitution please click on the link here.