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We're Changing Our Name – Same Mission, Fresh New Look!
As of 5th May 2025, Chained Dog Rehabilitation & Rehoming NZ will officially become The Dog Rescue Project.
This change marks an exciting new chapter for us. While our name and look are evolving, our mission remains exactly the same. We’re still 100% committed to helping as many dogs as possible live the safe, happy lives they deserve through our work with SPCA, local councils, vets, rescues, and private owners.
You’ll continue to find us doing what we do best: rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need across New Zealand.
You can still find us here at thedogrescueproject.org.nz — same website, same passion, new name.
Our work has also grown beyond our humble beginnings. While freeing dogs from life on the chain remains a key part of what we do, we also now focus equally on prevention, advocacy, and ensuring dogs don’t just survive — they thrive.
Through desexing initiatives like Desex in the City and Too Many Puppies, we’re working to reduce the number of unwanted dogs entering already overwhelmed rescues. Our Fix Your Friends program brings this support directly into communities, making education and support services more accessible where it’s needed most.
We also collaborate with the SPCA, local councils, vets, and rescues to create long-term, sustainable change.
Together, we’re building a future where every dog has the chance at a better life.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next chapter!
Who Are The Dog Rescue Project
The Dog Rescue Project are an Auckland dog rescue that work with owners of life-chained, neglected and/or abused dogs to help improve their lives, and provide the tools so they can become responsible dog owners. We are a team of nationwide volunteers who educate and empower these owners to help improve their dogs living conditions.
We also rehabilitate and rehome any dogs relinquished into our care, along with working closely with many Council Animal Shelters across New Zealand.
We believe in helping ANY dog we can, no matter the size, breed or situation.
We are predominantly based in Auckland, however can help nationwide.
Please have a look round our website to find out more about our Auckland dog rescue, our missions, and how you can help those who can't help themselves.
Our Missions
To advocate for and support dogs in our communities to achieve better health and wellbeing for the dogs through:
Empowering dog owners by providing them with the tools necessary to remove the need for dogs to be life-chained, neglected and abused
Acting with integrity, and work alongside any other organisations needed, to provide a unified response to each case
Identifying opportunities to provide rehabilitative care and rehoming to any dogs that are relinquished so they can live a happy, fulfilling life, no matter their size or breed
Providing education and community initiatives centred on reducing the number of unwanted dogs and improving the health of the dogs who need it the most.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something
Where do our dogs come from?
This is a common question, and while we can't provide exact details due to privacy issues, we do keep statistics which may help you understand how dogs enter our care.
These stats are for the 2024 year.
"You can't change a dog's past, but you could rewrite his future"
Current Fundraisers
Thanks to all our Amazing Sponsors
We are so grateful to all those who sponsor our work
These businesses help provide support in so many ways, so please go and show them some love and support their business too!
Want to become a sponsor?
Email info@thedogrescueproject.org.nz to find out more!
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