Protecting Pointers with Compassion, Clarity, and Care: A Closer Look at English Pointer Rescue
For over 50 years, English Pointer Rescue has stood as a trusted lifeline for vulnerable rescue dogs across Europe and beyond. As a fully registered UK charity (Charity Commission No. 273168), we remain unwavering in our mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome English Pointers that need us—always prioritising their health, safety, and long-term wellbeing.
In light of recent public debate surrounding the importation of rescue dogs from overseas, we feel it is vital to reaffirm the strict welfare and medical protocols that define our organisation. At The English Pointer Rescue Service, we do not cut corners. We operate with total transparency, work only with proven and reputable partners, and put the welfare of every animal—and every future adopter—at the heart of everything we do.
Our Trusted Global Network
We work closely with a, carefully vetted network of rescue sanctuaries across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Greece (including Rhodes and Corfu), Turkey, Cyprus, and Italy. These partners are not selected lightly—they are trusted individuals and organisations we have built relationships with over years of collaboration. We know their standards, their integrity, and most importantly, their unwavering commitment to the rescue dogs in their care.
Comprehensive Health Screening: Non-Negotiable
Every rescue dog we help is subjected to a full panel of medical checks **before** we commit to their care. This includes exhaustive testing for Mediterranean diseases, including but not limited to:
- Canine Brucellosis (mandatory negative result)
- Leishmaniasis
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Filaria (Heartworm)
- Borrelia
- Rickettsia
- Anaplasma
Each dog also receives **a full biochemistry and haematology workup**, ensuring that any underlying issues are identified and addressed long before they reach UK soil.
Rabies vaccinations are administered in strict accordance with **DEFRA** guidelines. And while a Brucellosis test is not currently a legal requirement under DEFRA laws and regulations, **we require a clear Brucellosis test result for every single rescue dog**—without exception. Take the Island of Rhodes, for example — it has been free of Brucellosis since 1960, yet we continue to mandate additional testing regardless.
We also proactively inform adopters that some veterinary practices in the UK may request a follow-up Brucellosis test three months after their rescue dog arrives. This is a precaution some vets take in case emergency surgery is needed in the future. We believe that being informed means being empowered, so we always share this during the adoption process.
Addressing Leishmaniasis with Compassion
Some of the dogs we rescue do test positive for Leishmaniasis—a condition transmitted by the sandfly, not from dog to dog or from dog to human. While the word “Leishmaniasis” can alarm first-time adopters, the reality is that with proper medication and monitoring, dogs with this condition can live full, happy, healthy lives.
For any rescue dog diagnosed with Leishmaniasis, we provide lifetime medication and clearly note their condition in their adoption profile under “Important Information.” This is part of our core commitment to honesty and care.
For more on Leishmaniasis and how it affects dogs, we encourage adopters to talk to us.
Setting Our Rescue Dogs—and Adopters—Up for Success
Our goal is not just to rescue dogs—it is to place them into homes where they will thrive. That’s why we **do not use UK kennels** as holding environments post-arrival. Kennels can be stressful, noisy and counterproductive, especially after long journeys. Instead, we work directly with adopters to ensure dogs are brought into calm, caring home environments where they can decompress, feel safe, and begin their new chapter with their new family with confidence.
Proud of Our Transparency
English Pointer Rescue is not just a charity—it is a community bound by integrity, trust, and a shared love for this incredible breed. We welcome questions, concerns, and dialogue from anyone considering adoption or involvement with our charity. In fact, we encourage it—because it shows you care.
Our story is told best through the countless dogs who now enjoy lives filled with comfort, companionship, and joy—because someone chose to believe in rescue.
To learn more, get involved, or browse our adoptable dogs, visit:
🌐 [www.englishpointerrescue.co.uk]
English Pointer Rescue — Giving Pointers a Second Chance for Over 50 Years.
Registered Charity in England and Wales | Charity Number: 273168