Local Charity Spotlight: AA Dog Rescue Spain

In every community, there are quiet heroes working behind the scenes to make a difference, and AA Dog Rescue Spain is one of them.

Working across the Almería region, AA Dog Rescue operates kennels in Baza and runs two charity shops in Albox and Huércal-Overa. This dedicated charity has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned dogs since 2013, giving thousands of animals a second chance at life.

From humble beginnings to international impact

The rescue was founded by Charley Nathan, who began with just a few dogs in the UK. As the charity grew, Charley witnessed the desperate situation facing dogs in Spain and Romania, where animal welfare laws were weak at the time and abandonment was widespread. The charity began helping stray animals overseas and funding spay and neuter campaigns in Romania in a bid to stop the suffering at its root.

A difficult move for a greater mission

After eight years battling noise complaints from the local council in Essex, even though they passed all the noise tests, the UK kennels closed. That’s when Charley made the decision to relocate fully to Spain, where she already had kennels in place. On arrival, the team was faced with a steady stream of cases, up to 20 puppies a week, many just days or weeks old, and numerous adult dogs requiring medical attention for untreated injuries or illness.

Saving lives every day

AA Dog Rescue now cares for over 100 dogs at any one time, and since opening, has saved tens of thousands. Each month, around 40 dogs are transported to the UK and placed directly into loving homes. The charity is fully registered in Spain and operates as a non-profit in the UK. They rely entirely on donations to cover monthly costs of around €3,000, which go towards vet bills, food, staff wages, transport, and general upkeep.

Helping through shops and donations

To help fund their work, they also run two charity shops. The Albox shop is located on Calle Asturias, and the second is in Huércal-Overa on Carretera Estación, opposite the bus station. Both accept donations of clothes, household items, and even large furniture or working electrical goods. Collections can be arranged.

How you can get involved

For more information or to get involved through volunteering, fostering, or fundraising, visit aadogrescue.org.uk or email aadrspain@aadogrescue.org.uk.

‘Rescue is exhausting and heart-wrenching,’ the team admits, ‘but if you’re an animal lover, it leaves you emotionally richer than money ever could.’

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