Trustees’ Annual Report
Rescue Me Dogs
Charity Registration Number: 1204702 For the period: 1 February 2024 – 31 March 2025
Prepared for submission to the Charity Commission for England and Wales
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Explanation for Administrative Delay
For reasons outside of the charity’s control there was a slight administrative delay in the publication of this return. Rescue Me Dogs identified and rectified a technical issue which temporarily affected the preparation of the report. The trustees confirm that the matter has now been resolved and are pleased to present the completed annual report.
Objectives and Activities
Rescue Me Dogs exists to advance the welfare of dogs in need by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs that are abandoned, neglected or at risk. The charity focuses particularly on dogs from southern Italy, where welfare resources can be limited, while also assisting with cases within the United Kingdom and occasionally other European countries.
This report covers the extended accounting period from 1 February 2024 to 31 March 2025.
During the reporting period the charity continued to operate across the United Kingdom and southern Italy, working with trusted rescue contacts and welfare partners to identify dogs in need of assistance.
Rescue Me Dogs operates as a rescue and rehoming network rather than maintaining a physical rescue facility. Dogs are rescued in partnership with trusted rescue partners and veterinary professionals overseas and are prepared for rehoming in accordance with applicable UK import requirements and animal welfare regulations.
Each dog undergoes veterinary health checks prior to travel and receives appropriate vaccinations. Dogs are also tested for diseases beyond the minimum legal requirements wherever possible in order to safeguard animal welfare and the health of animals within the United Kingdom. Where appropriate, dogs are neutered prior to transport.
Rescue Me Dogs actively promotes sterilisation initiatives within the areas in which it operates in order to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned dogs. In line with the charity’s governing policy document, all dogs rehomed through the charity must be neutered if they have not already been sterilised prior to transport. This requirement is clearly set out within the charity’s adoption agreement and forms part of the charity’s commitment to responsible rehoming, preventing future suffering and improving long-term animal welfare outcomes. Promoting sterilisation also helps address the root causes of stray dog populations and contributes to the charity’s wider public benefit by reducing future abandonment and preventable suffering.
Transport of dogs to the United Kingdom is organised carefully with animal welfare as the primary consideration. The charity utilises a purpose-built transport vehicle and the journey from southern Italy to the United Kingdom takes place over several days. Transport is undertaken by experienced charity volunteers who oversee the welfare of the dogs throughout the journey and ensure that appropriate rest stops, monitoring and care take place.
Once veterinary and travel requirements are met, dogs are transported to the United Kingdom and placed directly into carefully selected adoptive homes or, where necessary, short-term foster placements.
The charity places significant emphasis on responsible rehoming. Prospective adopters are carefully assessed and comprehensive home checks are carried out before any adoption is approved. Dogs are matched to homes based on temperament, lifestyle compatibility and welfare considerations.
Rescue Me Dogs also provides ongoing support and advice to adopters following placement. In circumstances where an adoption cannot continue, the charity provides full rescue back-up and will take responsibility for the dog, assisting in finding an alternative suitable home.
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Rescue Me Dogs operates strictly in accordance with its governing document and maintains a strong not-for-profit ethos. The charity relies on independent donations to support rescue operations, veterinary care, transportation and the welfare of dogs assisted by the charity.
All individuals involved in the charity’s activities contribute their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.
During the reporting period the charity successfully rescued and rehomed a significant number of dogs, achieving a high level of successful placements and positive adopter feedback.
Achievements and Performance
Rescue Me Dogs acknowledges and appreciates the dedication of its volunteers during the reporting period. Their commitment has enabled the charity to continue its rescue work and develop initiatives that support both volunteers and the dogs in their care.
The charity has joined forces with a UK-based organisation in order to utilise a nationwide network of home checkers. This partnership enables Rescue Me Dogs to expand its area of operations and carry out thorough home checks on potential adopters and their properties.
A strict home checking policy is applied to every potential adopter and foster carer in order to ensure that dogs are placed into safe and appropriate homes.
The charity has also developed and implemented a system of veterinary checks for every dog transported to the United Kingdom. These checks are essential for identifying various Mediterranean diseases that may affect the long-term health of the dog and the wellbeing of potential adopters.
Rescue Me Dogs carefully selects experienced long-distance transporters to ensure the safe collection and transportation of dogs. Double manning is required during transportation journeys to ensure that appropriate safety procedures and welfare standards are maintained throughout the journey.
The charity has also helped to purchase mobile kennel units to provide temporary shelter for street dogs and puppies in areas where support is limited.
Rescue Me Dogs continues to raise funds to purchase and distribute dog food, including significant quantities of puppy milk. This support is vital for many dogs and puppies who might otherwise struggle to survive.
In addition to supporting dogs in southern Italy, the charity has also provided food and support to UK-based organisations that require assistance.
During the reporting period Rescue Me Dogs has significantly developed and enhanced its social media presence, particularly through Facebook. The charity has also completed and launched its website, which is now fully operational and supports communication, awareness and fundraising activities.
The charity is actively developing strategies to increase the number of dogs being sterilised within the areas where it operates, recognising that this is an important step in addressing the wider problem of stray dog populations.
The trustees are proud that, despite limited resources, the charity and its volunteers have helped save the lives of hundreds of dogs and puppies during the reporting period.
Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership
Rescue Me Dogs is committed not only to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need but also to promoting responsible dog ownership and animal welfare awareness.
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Through careful matching of dogs to adopters, thorough home checks and ongoing support following adoption, the charity seeks to ensure that dogs are placed in safe, appropriate and long-term homes.
The trustees believe that responsible rehoming practices, education and ongoing support for adopters play an important role in improving animal welfare and reducing the likelihood of abandonment.
Structure, Governance and Management
Rescue Me Dogs is governed by its charitable constitution and managed by a board of trustees responsible for governance, strategic direction and financial oversight.
The trustees ensure that the charity operates in accordance with its governing document, charity law and relevant regulations relating to animal welfare, transportation and charitable activities.
Trustees serving during the reporting period were: Tony Banks Angela Cogan Patricia Richardson Linda Cracksford
Trustees meet periodically to review the charity’s activities, operational procedures and financial position. Day-to-day activities are carried out by a network of dedicated volunteers who support the charity’s rescue, welfare and rehoming work.
The trustees review the charity’s policies and procedures periodically to ensure that operations remain consistent with the charity’s objectives and relevant legislation.
The trustees are grateful to the charity’s volunteers, foster carers, transport volunteers and supporters whose commitment makes the charity’s rescue and rehoming work possible.
Financial Review
The charity relies primarily on voluntary donations and supporter contributions to fund its activities.
Funds raised are used to support rescue operations, veterinary treatment, vaccinations, disease testing, transport costs and the general welfare of dogs assisted by the charity.
As all individuals involved contribute their time on a voluntary basis, the majority of funds raised are directed towards the charity’s core welfare activities.
The trustees monitor expenditure carefully to ensure that charitable funds are used efficiently and in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.
Plans for the Future
Rescue Me Dogs intends to continue rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, with a particular focus on assisting dogs from southern Italy and facilitating responsible adoptions within the United Kingdom.
The charity will continue to strengthen its network of volunteers, foster carers and adopters while maintaining high standards of veterinary preparation, animal welfare and transport compliance.
The trustees will also continue promoting responsible dog ownership and animal welfare awareness through the charity’s rescue and rehoming work.
Public Benefit Statement
All trustees, including executive decision makers, are aware of and have regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit.
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The trustees recognise the importance of ensuring that the charity’s activities deliver meaningful benefit to the public and to the communities it serves.
Rescue Me Dogs continually reviews and develops its approach to supporting adopters and improving outcomes for dogs in need. This includes initiatives aimed at supporting a wide range of adopters, including assisting former members of the UK Armed Forces in finding well-matched dogs.
Approval
Approved by the trustees:
Tony Banks – Trustee
Angela Cogan – Trustee
Patricia Richardson – Trustee
Linda Cracksford – Trustee
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Rescue Me Dogs
Charity Number: 1204702
For the period 1 February 2024 – 31 March 2025
The following documents accompany the Trustees’ Annual Report:
-
Accountant’s Cover Letter
-
Trial Balance
-
Profit and Loss Statement
-
Balance Sheet
Wendy Grant Book-keeper & Accounts
38 Avenue Road, Seaton Delaval, Whitley Bay NE25 0EG 07498323942 Wendyluis188@gmail.com
Trustee and Founder Mr Tony Banks 7 Church Street Wooler NE71 6BZ 07790315999 07816218596
Date 26th February 2026
Charity Number 1204702 Rescue Me Dog
Please find attached the paperwork for the year end accounts that have been checked and reconciled.
Included reports are as follows:
Trial Balance Profit and loss Balance Sheet
Regards
Wendy Grant (Bookkeeper) Contact details: 07498323942
Rescue Me Dogs Trial Balance Report
From: 22/07/2024 To: 31/03/2025
25 Feb 2026 14:52
This period only
| Category Code |
Category Name | As Of 31/03/2025 | As Of 31/03/2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debit | Credit | |||
| 1200 | RESCUE ME DOGS | 8,705.83 | ||
| 4001 | Donation's | 54,521.45 | ||
| 5000 | Cost of Sales - Goods | 5,539.43 | ||
| 5030 | Cost of Sales - Delivery | 19,963.00 | ||
| 5060 | Other Direct Expenses | 180.40 | ||
| 5110 | Import Duty | 1,070.00 | ||
| 7300 | Vehicle Fuel | 277.76 | ||
| 7400 | Travelling | 6.30 | ||
| 7510 | Postage and Carriage | 3.50 | ||
| 7550 | Computer & Software | 200.00 | ||
| 7900 | Bank Charges | 51.83 | ||
| 8200 | donations | 18,517.00 | ||
| 8240 | Refreshments | 6.40 | ||
| TOTAL | £54,521.45 | £54,521.45 |
Produced by Sage Business Cloud Accounting
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Rescue Me Dogs
Profit and Loss Report
01 April, 2024 - 31 March, 2025
| Sales | |
|---|---|
| 4001 - Donation's 54,521.45 |
|
| Total Sales | £54,521.45 |
| Direct Expenses | |
| 5000 - Cost of Sales - Goods 5,539.43 |
|
| 5030 - Cost of Sales - Delivery 19,963.00 |
|
| 5060 - Other Direct Expenses 180.40 |
|
| 5110 - Import Duty 1,070.00 |
|
| Total Direct Expenses | £26,752.83 |
| GROSS PROFIT / LOSS | £27,768.62 |
| Overheads | |
| 7300 - Vehicle Fuel 277.76 |
|
| 7400 - Travelling 6.30 |
|
| 7510 - Postage and Carriage 3.50 |
|
| 7550 - Computer & Software 200.00 |
|
| 7900 - Bank Charges 51.83 |
|
| 8200 - donations 18,517.00 |
|
| 8240 - Refreshments 6.40 |
|
| Total Overheads | £19,062.79 |
| NET PROFIT / LOSS | £8,705.83 |
25 Feb 2026 14:52
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Rescue Me Dogs
Balance Sheet Report
To: 31 March, 2025
| ASSETS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Total Fixed Assets | £0.00 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| 1200 - RESCUE ME DOGS | 8,705.83 | |
| Total Current Assets | £8,705.83 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | £8,705.83 | |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Total Current Liabilities | £0.00 | |
| Future Liabilities | ||
| Total Future Liabilities | £0.00 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | £0.00 | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | £8,705.83 | |
| EQUITY | ||
| Net Profit / Loss | 8,705.83 | |
25 Feb 2026 14:51
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| Net Profit / Loss (current year) | 8,705.83 | |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL EQUITY | £8,705.83 |
25 Feb 2026 14:51
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