DOGS Trust has seen an increase in the amount of rehoming enquiries despite lockdown restrictions still being in place.

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the country shutting down in March and the Dogs Trust’s rehoming centre remains closed to the public.

However, during these uncertain times, Dogs Trust Basildon has still rehomed an impressive 47 canines.

Lisa Cooper, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, said: “We have seen an increase in rehoming enquiries since lockdown began and whilst our rehoming centre is currently still closed to walk-in members of the public, we are now able to continue to rehome dogs through our ‘handover at home’ process or appointments at the centre for those dogs who need to get to know their owners a bit better before going home.

“Since lockdown began we have successfully rehomed 47 dogs from Dogs Trust Basildon. We would like to say a big thank you to all of our wonderful staff and supporters during these difficult times.”

Dogs - such as crossbreed Lily, Patterdale Terrier Pablo and Chihuahua Charles - are still available for adoption from Dogs Trust Basildon on Nevendon Road, Wickford.

Ms Cooper added: “Our wonderful staff have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that we continue to provide an exceptional level of care to our dogs.

“When lockdown first happened, we planned for all eventualities as we weren’t sure exactly how it would affect us.

“We were inundated with offers of support from the fantastic local public and were able to get a number of dogs into foster homes to free up kennel space so we could continue to take in the dogs that need us most.”

For more information or to donate, visit dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/essex.