Woodgreen Pets Charity is a registered UK animal charity. It rehomes dogs, cats and small pets from a single centre in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire. It also supports owners who are struggling to keep their pets. Woodgreen’s adoption process works differently from many other UK rescues. Knowing how it works in advance saves time and disappointment.
This guide explains how Woodgreen works, what adoption costs and whether there is still a Woodgreen centre in London. It also covers how the charity is funded and how it compares with other UK rehoming charities. Every fee and policy here comes from Woodgreen’s own pages or the Charity Commission register.
Independence note: Pet Rescue Blog is not affiliated with Woodgreen Pets Charity. Fees and policies are set by the charity and can change, so always confirm details on the official Woodgreen website before you apply.
Key Takeaways
- Woodgreen Pets Charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under charity number 298348.
- Woodgreen rehomes pets from one centre at Kings Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.
- Woodgreen closed its London and Heydon centres to focus on one site, so there is no Woodgreen adoption centre in London.
- Woodgreen charges £285 to adopt a single dog and £115 to adopt an adult cat, with vaccinations, microchipping and four weeks of Petplan insurance included.
- Woodgreen dogs and cats are not open to general visitors, and you only meet a pet once the team has matched you.
- Woodgreen only contacts applicants who are a potential match, and your seeker form stays active for six weeks.
- Owners who are struggling can get free behaviour advice and other support from Woodgreen before deciding to give up a pet.
Woodgreen Pets Charity at a Glance
Woodgreen Pets Charity is a national animal welfare charity founded in 1924 and based in Cambridgeshire. The table below summarises the core facts most people search for, with sources linked in the sections that follow.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Woodgreen Pets Charity |
| Previous names | Wood Green Animal Shelters; Wood Green, The Animals Charity |
| Founded | 1924, in north London, by Louisa Snow |
| Charity number | 298348 (England and Wales) |
| Company number | 02073930 |
| Rehoming centre | Kings Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, PE29 2NH |
| Animals rehomed | Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and hamsters |
| Dog adoption fee | £285 (single dog), £400 (pair) |
| Cat adoption fee | £115 (adult), £140 (kitten up to 16 weeks), £180 (pair of adults) |
| Viewing policy | No general visiting; matched applicants meet the pet by appointment |
| Phone | 0300 303 9333 |
Woodgreen Pets Charity is a UK charity that takes in unwanted and lost pets, cares for them and finds them new homes. It also teaches responsible pet ownership and offers advice to owners. The Charity Commission register lists it as a charitable company, recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid.
The history of Woodgreen, from 1924 onwards
Woodgreen began in 1924, when Louisa Snow opened a shelter in north London for animals left homeless after the First World War. According to Woodgreen’s centenary history, Dr Margaret Young later saved the shelter from closure and opened a countryside centre for animal rehabilitation. The Godmanchester site in Cambridgeshire opened in 1987 and grew into the charity’s headquarters.
Woodgreen, Wood Green or Woodgreen Animal Shelter?
All three names refer to the same charity. The Charity Commission register lists Wood Green Animal Shelters and Wood Green, The Animals Charity as previous names. Woodgreen Pets Charity is the working name. People still search for “Woodgreen animal shelter” and “Woodgreen dogs home” because those older names stuck. They all lead to the same organisation and the same Godmanchester centre.
What animals does Woodgreen help?
Woodgreen helps dogs, cats and a wide range of small pets. Its small pets page lists rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats and hamsters for adoption. Woodgreen describes itself as one of the few UK charities that rehomes rodents. That matters if you want a small pet from a rescue rather than a pet shop.
Is There a Woodgreen Centre in London?
No. Woodgreen no longer has a rehoming centre in London. The charity closed its London site in Lordship Lane and its Heydon site to focus on Godmanchester. A government response recorded in Hansard confirmed the London closure and noted that Woodgreen would keep serving the area with an animal collection service.
This is why “Woodgreen London” searches cause confusion. The charity’s name comes from the Wood Green area of north London, where it started. Some third-party adoption directories still list “Wood Green, London” as if a shelter operates there. Treat those listings as out of date.
Londoners can still apply to adopt from Woodgreen. You will need to travel to Cambridgeshire to meet a matched pet. Woodgreen advises that adopters may need to visit more than once and that the centre is not easy to reach by public transport.
Rescue options closer to London
Londoners who want a centre nearer home have other established options. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has centres in London, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch, and Dogs Trust runs a West London centre at Harefield. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes rescue finder lists accredited rescues by area.
How to Adopt a Dog From Woodgreen
To adopt a dog from Woodgreen, you apply online for a specific dog listed on its website, then wait to hear whether you are a match. Woodgreen dogs are not on view to general visitors. Woodgreen is known as the home of Channel 4’s The Dog House, and its adopt a rescue dog page sets out the full process.
The Woodgreen dog adoption process, step by step
- Browse the dogs: read each dog’s profile carefully, including their needs and the type of home they suit.
- Apply for one specific dog: click “Get Started” on that dog’s profile and complete the registration form.
- Complete the questionnaire: this covers your home, lifestyle and experience. You only need to repeat it if six weeks have passed or your circumstances change.
- Wait for the matching team: if you are a match and first in the queue, Woodgreen calls you to discuss next steps.
- Meet the dog: matched applicants meet the dog at the Godmanchester centre, sometimes on more than one visit.
- Take your dog home: pay the fee, collect your dog and use the lifelong behaviour support if you need it.
If you are new to rescue dogs, our checklist of things to know before adopting a dog is a useful read before you apply.
Woodgreen dog adoption criteria
Woodgreen does not exclude applicants with blanket rules. Applicants must be at least 18, or live with someone over 18 who gives permission. You must also confirm the household is allowed to keep a dog. There is no upper age limit. Woodgreen says it has rehomed dogs to people living in flats and homes without gardens, although matching takes longer for households with young children.
Many Woodgreen dogs have behavioural or medical needs. Lurchers, terrier crosses and dogs who need a calm, patient owner appear often on the adoption pages. Being open-minded about breed, size and age improves your chances of a match.
Recommended viewing: Woodgreen’s Behaviour and Training specialist explains why lurchers, one of the most common dogs in its care, make great pets.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Woodgreen?
Woodgreen charges £285 to rehome a single dog and £400 for a pair. The fee includes:
- Neutering, if required
- The first course of vaccinations
- Flea and worm treatment
- Microchipping
- Four weeks of free Petplan insurance
- A safety bundle with a harness, ID tag and car seatbelt
Woodgreen also offers free behavioural support for the rest of the dog’s life. Remember that the adoption fee is the smallest cost of dog ownership. Food, insurance and vet care add up quickly, and our guide to adopting a dog in the UK breaks down the ongoing costs.
Can you adopt a puppy from Woodgreen?
Puppies are rare at Woodgreen and are rehomed very quickly when they arrive. Woodgreen says it is unlikely you will find a puppy, though you can submit a general application so the team knows you are looking. If you want a specific breed, Woodgreen suggests contacting a breed rescue through The Kennel Club instead.
How long does Woodgreen take to reply?
Woodgreen only contacts applicants who meet the needs of the dog they applied for. It receives hundreds of applications at a time, so it cannot reply to everyone. Your seeker form stays active for six weeks and is checked daily against new dogs. You can reapply for a specific dog after six weeks.
How to Adopt a Cat From Woodgreen
Adopting a cat from Woodgreen follows a similar online process, with one useful difference: you can apply without a specific cat in mind. Woodgreen’s cat adoption FAQs explain both routes and the conditions attached.
Two ways to apply for Woodgreen cats
- A specific cat: click “Get Started” on the cat’s profile, complete the registration form, then the questionnaire.
- No specific cat in mind: submit a generic cat seeker form. It stays active for six weeks and the matching team checks it against cats as they become ready.
As with dogs, Woodgreen only contacts potential matches, and members of the public cannot visit the cats. Visits happen by appointment once you are matched.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Woodgreen?
| Cat | Woodgreen fee |
|---|---|
| Adult cat (over 16 weeks) | £115 |
| Pair of adult cats | £180 |
| Kitten (up to 16 weeks) | £140 |
The fee covers neutering if needed, at least the first vaccination, flea and worm treatment, microchipping and four weeks of free Petplan insurance. You may need to pay for the second vaccination at your own vet.
Does Woodgreen rehome indoor-only cats?
Generally, no. Woodgreen rehomes cats with the expectation that they will have regular outdoor access, because indoor-only living can restrict natural behaviour. It makes exceptions where indoor life is in the cat’s best interests, such as cats with sight or hearing problems. A cat flap is not essential if the cat can get outside through a door or window.
Before your cat arrives, read our guide on preparing your home for a new cat.
Adopting Small Pets From Woodgreen
Woodgreen rehomed rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and hamsters, each with its own application process. Fees are lower than for dogs and cats, and rabbits are always neutered and vaccinated before rehoming.
| Small pet | Woodgreen fee |
|---|---|
| Rabbit | £45 (£22 per additional rabbit) |
| Guinea pig | £28.50 (£14 per additional guinea pig) |
| Rat | £17 (£8 per additional rat) |
| Mouse | £12 (£5.50 per additional mouse) |
| Hamster | £12 |
Woodgreen also runs a mixing service, where your existing rabbit, guinea pig, rat or mouse can stay at the centre to be introduced to a new companion on neutral ground.
Giving Up a Pet to Woodgreen
If you are struggling with a pet, Woodgreen asks you to call its team on 0300 303 9333 as early as possible. Its giving up your pet page explains that rehoming is not always the only option. The team offers expert advice, practical help and, in some cases, financial support to keep owners and pets together.
Owners whose pets have behaviour problems can book a free phone consultation with Woodgreen’s Behaviour and Training Specialist Team. Where rehoming is the right choice, Woodgreen cares for the pet at Godmanchester or with one of its foster volunteers until a new home is found.
Other Woodgreen Services for Pet Owners
Woodgreen’s work goes well beyond adoption. Its pet owner services focus on preventing problems that lead to pets being given up. Services include:
- Community outreach officers: support for owners in the community, including home visits within its Cambridgeshire catchment area.
- Pet health and wellbeing checks: free checks carried out in the owner’s home.
- Foodbank support: Woodgreen supports foodbanks, including the Trussell Trust, to help owners who are struggling with pet food costs.
- Behaviour helpline: free phone appointments with behaviour specialists.
- Events and courses: workshops on good pet care and common problems.
In a single year, Woodgreen reports reaching around 220,000 people with advice and helping 5,744 pets in their homes, according to its impact page. In the same period, 1,884 pets came directly into its care.
How Is Woodgreen Pets Charity Funded?
Woodgreen is funded mainly by public donations and gifts left in wills, followed by income from its charity shops. Government funding is a very small share. The figures below come from the Charity Commission financial history for Woodgreen Pets Charity.
| Financial year ending | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total income | £18.37m | £21.13m |
| Donations and legacies | £12.84m | £14.54m |
| Of which legacies | £6.01m | £7.10m |
| Other trading activities (including shops) | £4.80m | £4.89m |
| Total expenditure | £20.89m | £21.09m |
| Spent on charitable activities | £9.97m | £10.25m |
| Spent on raising funds | £10.92m | £10.84m |
Two points help with reading these figures. First, “raising funds” in charity accounts usually includes the running costs of charity shops as well as fundraising, so it is not all marketing spend. Second, a single year can be skewed by large legacies or one-off building projects. For a full picture, read Woodgreen’s annual report on the Charity Commission register rather than relying on one number.
Woodgreen vs Other UK Rehoming Charities
Woodgreen’s fees sit in the middle of the range charged by the large UK rehoming charities. The biggest differences are how you apply and whether you can visit. Use the table below to compare, then check each charity’s own page, because fees are set by the charity and can change.
| Charity | Animals | Where | Adult dog fee | Adult cat fee | How you apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodgreen Pets Charity | Dogs, cats, small pets | One centre, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire | £285 | £115 | Apply for a specific pet; no general visiting |
| Dogs Trust | Dogs only | Rehoming centres across the UK | £300 (£287.50 in Northern Ireland) | Not applicable | Apply once and be matched; most centres open to visitors |
| Battersea | Dogs and cats | London, Old Windsor, Brands Hatch | £230 | £100 | Register interest and be matched within three months |
| Blue Cross | Dogs, cats, small pets, horses | Rehoming centres in England and Wales | Varies by age | Varies by age | Apply for a specific pet online; no walk-in appointments |
| RSPCA | Most species | National centres and local branches | Set by each branch | Set by each branch | Apply for a specific animal through Find a Pet |
| Cats Protection | Cats only | Branches and centres across the UK | Not applicable | Set by each branch | Contact the branch about a specific cat |
RSPCA requirements and fees vary more than most people expect. Our RSPCA adoption requirements guide explains how branch rules differ.
Which charity suits you best?
- You want to visit and meet dogs before applying: most Dogs Trust centres let visitors in without an appointment, which Woodgreen does not.
- You live in or near London: Battersea and Dogs Trust Harefield are closer than Godmanchester.
- You want a small pet such as rats or mice: Woodgreen is one of the few large UK charities that rehomes these species.
- You live in the East of England: Woodgreen’s Godmanchester centre and its local outreach services make it a strong option.
Is Woodgreen a Good Charity to Adopt From?
Woodgreen is a long-established, registered charity with published accounts, clear fees and lifelong behaviour support for adopted pets. Whether it suits you depends mostly on where you live and how you prefer to adopt. These are the strengths and limitations, based on the charity’s published policies.
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Registered with the Charity Commission, with reporting up to date | Only one rehoming centre, in Cambridgeshire |
| Fees include vaccinations, microchipping and four weeks of insurance | No general visiting, so you cannot browse dogs in person |
| Free behaviour support for the life of the pet | No reply unless you are a match |
| No blanket rules on flats or gardens | Own transport is strongly advised for centre visits |
| Rehomes small pets that many charities do not take | Puppies are rare and rehomed quickly |
The “no reply unless matched” policy frustrates some applicants. It is a resource decision rather than a judgement on you. The six-week seeker form keeps you in the matching pool while you wait.
How to Support Woodgreen
You can support Woodgreen without adopting. The charity offers several ways to help:
- Foster: give a pet a temporary home while it waits for adoption.
- Volunteer: help at the centre or in one of Woodgreen’s charity shops.
- Donate: give money, leave a gift in your will or sponsor a pet.
- Shop: buy from or donate quality items to Woodgreen’s charity shops.
FAQs
Is Woodgreen Pets Charity the same as Wood Green Animal Shelters?
Yes. Woodgreen Pets Charity is the working name of the charity previously called Wood Green Animal Shelters and Wood Green, The Animals Charity. It has the same charity number, 298348, and the same Godmanchester headquarters.
Where is Woodgreen Pets Charity located?
Woodgreen Pets Charity is based at Kings Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH. This is its only rehoming centre.
Does Woodgreen have a centre in London?
No. Woodgreen closed its London rehoming centre in Lordship Lane to focus on its Godmanchester site. Londoners can still apply to adopt, but must travel to Cambridgeshire to meet a matched pet.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Woodgreen?
Woodgreen charges £285 to adopt a single dog and £400 for a pair. The fee includes neutering if needed, first vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, four weeks of Petplan insurance and a safety bundle.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Woodgreen?
Woodgreen charges £115 for an adult cat, £180 for a pair of adult cats and £140 for a kitten up to 16 weeks old. The fee covers neutering if needed, a first vaccination, parasite treatment, microchipping and four weeks of insurance.
Can I visit the dogs at Woodgreen?
No. Woodgreen dogs are not available for viewing by general visitors. If the matching team selects you for a dog, you meet that dog at the centre as part of the rehoming process.
Can I adopt a puppy from Woodgreen?
It is unlikely. Puppies rarely come into Woodgreen’s care and are rehomed very quickly. You can still submit a general dog application so the team knows you are looking.
How long does Woodgreen take to respond to an adoption application?
Woodgreen only contacts applicants who are a potential match. Your seeker form stays active for six weeks, and the team will tell you within that period if you match another pet.
Is Woodgreen a registered charity?
Yes. Woodgreen Pets Charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under number 298348. It is also a company limited by guarantee, number 02073930.
Can Woodgreen help if I can no longer keep my pet?
Yes. Woodgreen offers advice, behaviour support and sometimes financial help to keep pets in their homes. If rehoming is the right choice, call its team on 0300 303 9333 to discuss next steps.
Related Articles
- How to Adopt a Dog in the UK: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- RSPCA Adoption Requirements UK Explained
- 10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Dog (Checklist)
- How to Prepare Your Home for a New Cat
Conclusion
Woodgreen Pets Charity is a strong choice if you live within reach of Cambridgeshire, are happy to apply for a specific pet online, and can wait for the matching team to contact you. Its fees are clear, its accounts are public and its support continues long after adoption day.
If you are in London or want to meet dogs before applying, compare Woodgreen with Battersea and Dogs Trust first. Whichever charity you choose, adopting gives a rescue pet a second chance. A well-prepared adopter is the best start any rescue pet can have.
Insurance Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Policy prices and cover vary by provider, pet, and postcode. Compare policies and read the terms carefully, or speak to an FCA-regulated adviser.
