Forced to temporarily close due to confirmed cases of a disease that could be fatal to dogs, Dogs Trust Kenilworth is re-opening its doors this weekend to visitors and is urgently searching for new owners for dogs who have spent much longer in the care of the charity than first expected.

Dogs Trust Kenilworth will re-open to the public on Saturday, 28 September, resuming rehoming and adoption services after temporarily closing on 10 September due to confirmed cases of Canine Parvovirus (Parvo).

The temporary closure has meant that many of the dogs that were ready to find a new home have had to spend much longer in kennels than hoped.

With dogs like Teddy the Lurcher, and Peter the Crossbreed, ready to settle into new homes; Dogs Trust Kenilworth is now issuing an urgent rehoming appeal, calling on people to help find these dogs new homes and change their lives. 

Alison Creaton, assistant manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth said: "We want to thank our supporters for their continued support and patience over the last few weeks.

"We are also incredibly grateful to all our staff who have worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to look after the dogs in our care under difficult circumstances. 

"Due to the unexpected temporary closure, we have been unable to rehome our dogs over the last two weeks, and we are now urgently seeking homes for them. 

"We'd like anyone looking to welcome a dog into their lives to come and visit us at the centre, meet our dogs, and help them all find a happy place in a new home in time for Christmas."

The centre, which closed three weeks ago, is now 'back to normal' following its swift measures to contain the virus, such as limiting contact with members of staff, barrier nursing, and keeping the dogs entertained, yet isolated while cleaning the centre.

Throughout the closure, support from the local community played a significant role in keeping spirits high among the dogs, with many supporters donating toys, treats and sensory items from the rehoming centre's Amazon Wishlist.

In a statement, Dogs Trust said: "We are very happy to announce that from Saturday 28September, Dogs Trust Kenilworth will re-open to the public. 

"Swift action to close the centre after a confirmed case of Canine Parvovirus ensured that no other dogs were put at risk. We are pleased to report that none of our dogs are showing symptoms and are doing well. 

"Thanks to the generosity of supporters, and the local community, we were able to provide an extra special time for our dogs during the centre closure with special enrichment toys and even more treats. We can't thank you enough. 

"We continue to practice enhanced cleaning around the centre. As always we would like to remind visitors that ensuring your dogs are fully vaccinated before any visit is always advisable.

"Adoptions will now resume, and we have lots of dogs very ready to meet their perfect match. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm. We look forward to welcoming you back to the centre, with no appointment needed."

For adoption advice, to meet dogs who could be a perfect match, or to find out more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/kenilworth.