Volunteering at the Dog's Trust

Allect Design Group has introduced an annual paid volunteer day to help give back to our communities and the world around us. 

We encourage our employees to support a cause close to their heart, be it assisting in dog shelters, food banks, local farms or litter picking in our streets, to name but a few. These volunteer days can be taken independently or as part of a team building exercise.

On a sunny autumnal day, a handful of our dog-obsessed team enthusiastically set out to visit Dog's Trust in Basildon, eager to assist at the centre and spend time with some adorable pups.

The day began with an insightful presentation about the centre's operations, all of their incredible initiatives that help support dogs across the country, and some invaluable information on dog behaviour and training. Following this, we toured the facility and met many of the dogs, learning about each individual's stories.

We then rolled up our sleeves to sweep and mop the new arrival's pen, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for them to socialise and play. Next, we engaged in some gardening - a job that many of the volunteers don't have the luxury of time to do. After lunch, we crafted snuffle mats to stimulate the dogs' natural foraging instincts, which added a creative element to our day.

The highlight was the afternoon, which was spent playing with a few of the dogs. We met a cheerful bulldog, an affectionate pair of huskies, a very calm German Shepherd and a litter of adorable puppies. It was incredibly difficult to leave the centre without taking at least one of them home. This rewarding experience deepened our appreciation for the dedicated work at Dog’s Trust, and we can’t wait to return again next year.

To find out more about the Dog's Trust, volunteering or even adopting, head to https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/