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ADCH Member Benefits

ADCH Member Benefits

Welcome to the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes – where collaboration knows no bounds and passion unites us.

Having committed to our Member Code of Conduct, you step into a community that thrives on camaraderie and shared dedication, fostering an environment free of hierarchy and division.

As a Member organisation, you unlock a range of exclusive benefits tailored to support the work of your Trustees, staff and volunteers and simultaneously championing our collective mission to create a professional and sustainable sector which improves the lives of dogs and cats.

Further details of what’s on offer is available via the drop-downs.

 

Your ADCH Member Account

To access the full spectrum of benefits, ensure you have your Member Login ready. If you work or volunteer for a Member organisation and haven’t set up an account yet, sign up here.

If your organisation has not yet joined us as a Member, discover details on eligibility and the application process here.


Member Benefits may vary by region and are subject to change due to availability, sponsorship, or local factors. ADCH reserves the right to amend or withdraw member benefits and offers at any time. For the latest information, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Exclusive Offers & Discounts

Access special offers and discounts, generously provided by a wide variety of organisations and suppliers, exclusively to ADCH. Offers and discounts are updated regularly, and we work hard to keep offers relevant and beneficial to our membership.

You can find the full details of our current suppliers and how to claim their exclusive offers and discounts here.


Please note, you will need to be logged into the Members Area to access our exclusive offers and discounts.

Our Events

As an ADCH member, you can attend any of our events, designed specifically to cater to the needs of our membership, in response to sector wide issues and developments. We offer both in-person and virtual events, at no additional cost, to ensure accessibility for all.

Events include:

  • Open Meetings: Open Meetings are an opportunity to for us to keep our members up-to-date on the work of our Board, Committees and staff team. They also allow our sponsors to connect with members and provide an environment for members to share their successes and troubleshoot issues. Open Meetings are paired with interactive and informative sessions, which are delivered based on member feedback and the current affairs of the sector.  Members are entitled to two free places at face-to-face meetings and unlimited places at online meetings.
  • Fundraisers’ Forum: Aimed at ADCH member fundraisers of all levels, the Fundraisers’ Forum is a space for ADCH members to learn from each other, share experiences, and build a supportive fundraising community across the sector. Each forum includes a presentation on an aspect of fundraising as well as time for discussion and questions.
  • Behaviour Lunch and Learn: One-hour interactive webinars, to discuss and learn more about the behaviour of animals in shelter/rescue settings.
  • Topical Deep Delves: Delve into specific topics in an interactive and informative manner, led by professionals in their respective field. These sessions allow Members to pose questions, engage in discussions with experts, and connect with fellow members.

Our events help to elevate your network, keep you informed, and bring together the sector for the benefits of dogs and cats.

You can take a look at our upcoming events and find out how to register here.


Please note, our events are only accessible to ADCH members. To find out how you can become a member, please visit our ‘Join Us‘ page

Our Conference

Our annual Conference is the UK’s largest animal welfare event, bringing together around 500 delegates from across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Every year, we bring together multiple stakeholder groups to share best practice in animal care, welfare, veterinary advances, new technologies, latest techniques, science and research findings, the latest in behaviour and training, as well as regulatory and legislative issues facing the industry. We always feature an excellent mix of exhibitors, that are trade and industry specialists including insurers, pet food manufacturers, nutritionists, scientists, suppliers, contractors and sector specialists.

We design a comprehensive conference programme, featuring sessions on best practices in animal welfare, updates on regulatory and legislative matters impacting our sector, and essential topics for the effective management of your centre, including fundraising and governance.

Gain valuable networking opportunities and celebrate sector achievements at the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards.

Your ticket includes:

  • Access to all conference sessions both days
  • Conference programme and lanyard
  • Tea, coffee and lunch on each day
  • Conference delegate bag, packed with goodies from our sponsors and exhibitors
  • Seat at the Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards dinner
  • Our conference is open to all within the sector, including those outside of ADCH membership, which provides further opportunity to bring the sector together for dogs and cats.

Wellbeing Sessions

Our Wellbeing Volunteer, Gary Fielder, hosts free, weekly, virtual Wellbeing Sessions for all staff and volunteers of member organisations. Sessions take place on Wednesdays and alternate between the morning and the evening. Sessions typically begin with a brief discussion on a wellbeing-related topic, followed by some guidance around mindfulness, and one or two meditation exercises to conclude. No prior experience in mindfulness or
meditation is required.

To find out more about ADCH Wellbeing Sessions, please click here. 

Networking & Community

ADCH Members Facebook Group: With over 160 members, the power of networking and connection that ADCH membership brings, gives members a sense of community and support. As a member, you gain access into our active members-only Facebook group, a thriving community with over 600 users, made up of dedicated staff and volunteers from within our membership.

Our Facebook group is a collective of wisdom, shared experiences, and collaborative opportunities. Engage in meaningful conversations, seek advice, and forge connections with like-minded organisations or people who share your passion and commitment. The active nature of our group ensures a constant exchange of ideas, insights, and opportunities, creating a supportive environment.

To make your journey with us even more enriching, click here to join the conversation on Facebook and tap into the collective strength of ADCH membership.

ADCH Regional Groups: Our Regional Groups aim to provide ADCH members with opportunities to communicate and work together to:
– Enhance peer support for staff and volunteers
– Share knowledge and best practice
– Promote collaboration and joint opportunities (e.g. training and funding) within their local communities
– Address difficulties and issues arising with their local communities with a solution-focused approach

Our Regional Groups are facilitated by our wonderful team of Volunteer Regional Coordinators who organise regular, usually quarterly, meetings which alternate between virtual and in-person meetings.

If you are a Member and you’d like to find your nearest Regional Group, click here.

News & Updates

Stay ahead of the curve and well-informed as an ADCH member, by subscribing to emails from us. Our newsletter, ‘The Scoop,’ gives you a wealth of essential information on a monthly basis. Delivered straight to your inbox, ‘The Scoop’ is your go-to source for legislative updates, sector news, member and sponsor highlights, event announcements, and exclusive discounts.

Be in the know about industry shifts and emerging issues through updates from our legislative committee, covering topics ranging from recent legislation changes to sector-specific developments. As a member, you can ask questions and access support on significant matters, including on the ban of American Bully XL dogs, microchipping laws, licensing requirements, and importation regulations.

If you work or volunteer at an ADCH member, click here to subscribe to ‘The Scoop’ and other updates, to stay connected with the latest happenings that matter most to you and your organisation.


If you are not an ADCH member, but want to receive updates from us, you can sign up to receive our conference newsletter here, ensuring you are well-prepared for our annual conference.

Advertise your Paid & Voluntary Opportunities

As a member, you can advertise both paid and voluntary positions from within your organisation on our dedicated webpage. Providing a cost-effective method for advertising an unlimited amount of positions, save time and fees by submitting a job or volunteer vacancy with us.

Showcase your organisation’s openings on a site dedicated to the rescue and rehoming sector, enhancing the chances of finding candidates who are specifically looking to work within the sector.

You can click here to advertise a vacancy for paid work or you can click here to submit a voluntary position.


Please note, you will need to be logged into the Members Area to submit a paid or voluntary position.

Templates & Toolkits

Gain access to our library of templates and toolkits, produced to help you develop your own written policies and procedures, particularly those required by our Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards.

Created in-house by our Trustees and Committee members, and verified by our Standards and Animal Welfare Committee, templates and toolkits are available to view and download for members who do not have, or wish to revise, aspects of their policies and procedures.

Templates and toolkits are continuously being uploaded and updated, covering a range of areas, from socialistion, feeding and cleaning, to emergency plans and staff policies.

You can browse the full library or download any of our templates and toolkits here.


Please note, you will need to be logged into the Members Area to access our templates and toolkits.

Recognised Commitment to Best Practice

ADCH is the leading representative charity for dog and cat rescue and rehoming organisations across 8 jurisdictions. Promoting best practice in animal welfare for dogs and cats, ADCH is the major force in raising the standards of animal welfare across the sector. As a member of ADCH, you can showcase your dedication to animal welfare and get recognised by prospective adopters and other stakeholders, for your commitment to best practice.

Members undergo an external assessment by our dedicated volunteer assessors, to ensure their organisation and the work they do, align with our Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards. ADCH membership showcases your commitment to best practice, evidenced by receiving a certificate of membership and an exclusive ADCH member logo to display on your documentation, digital platforms and inside your centre. This not only signifies your alignment with our standards, but also serves as a powerful tool to enhance your credibility and establish your organisation.

You organisation can also join our ‘Find a Rescue’ search, the most highly-trafficked page on our website, allowing prospective adopters or those wishing to rehome, to easily discover and connect with you. This not only amplifies your visibility but also reinforces your commitment to best practices in animal welfare, making you a trusted and reputable charity within our community and beyond.

If you are an ADCH member, and have not yet added your organisation to our ‘Find a Rescue’ search, please click here to get in touch.

Expand your Knowledge

All staff and volunteers of ADCH members can expand their knowledge by revisiting recordings, presentations and resources from our archive. Re-watch content from previous Conferences, webinars, forums and meetings, delivered exclusively for ADCH members.

This wealth of information allows you to revisit and reinforce key learnings, ensuring that you stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. As an ADCH member, you’re not just part of a community; you’re equipped with the tools and resources to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills.

You can view our archive of materials from our previous events here.

Please note, you will need to be logged into the Members Area to access our archive.