65 years of Jerry Green Dog Rescue: Celebrating our Past and Shaping the Future of Dog Rescue

Our story began in 1961 with one man, one inspirational dog and a determination to create a better future for rescue dogs. Since then, we have grown, adapted and pioneered new approaches to dog welfare and rehoming, helping thousands of dogs find safe, loving homes. 

Although much has changed over the past 65 years, the belief at the heart of our charity remains the same: every dog is unique, every dog deserves the best possible care and every dog should have the opportunity to thrive.

Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded by Jerry Green in August 1961, following the death of his beloved spaniel, Rusty. 

Rusty was Jerry’s faithful companion and the inspiration behind the charity. His memory continues to live on today through the spaniel featured in our logo and through every dog given care, support and a second chance. 

At the time, Jerry believed far too many dogs were being put to sleep unnecessarily. He wanted to revolutionise the standard of care available to stray and unwanted dogs, creating safe places where they could receive the support they needed while waiting for loving new homes. 

Jerry was also committed to sharing good practice with other animal welfare organisations. He campaigned for the humane treatment of dogs and sought to influence standards beyond the walls of his own rescue centres.

In 2004, Jerry Green Dog Rescue introduced its pioneering Meet&Match® approach to rehoming. 

Meet&Match® recognises that choosing a rescue dog should not be based on appearance alone. Every dog has an individual personality, history and set of needs, just as every prospective adopter has a different home, lifestyle and level of experience. 

Our expert teams take time to understand both the dog and the potential adopter before arranging carefully managed introductions. This helps to create successful, lasting matches and ensures each dog’s welfare remains at the heart of the adoption process. 

Today, Meet&Match® continues to shape the way we rehome dogs, supported by research, behavioural expertise and everything we have learned through decades of finding dogs new homes. 

The way we support dogs will continue to evolve, just as it has throughout our history. 

We will keep responding to new evidence about dogs’ needs, sharing good practice and developing services that support dogs and people together. Sometimes this will mean investing in our centres. At other times, it will mean providing help through services delivered to support our wider communities. 

Whatever form that support takes, our purpose remains rooted in the belief that inspired Jerry Green in 1961: dogs in need deserve care, compassion and the opportunity of a safe, loving home. 

As we celebrate our 65th anniversary, we want to thank every person who has been part of our story. From those who supported our earliest centres to the families opening their homes to dogs today, you have helped turn Jerry and Rusty’s legacy into 65 years of second chances. 

Together, we can make sure that legacy continues for generations to come. 

1. When was Jerry Green Dog Rescue founded? 

Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded in August 1961. Its first rescue and rehoming centre opened in Broughton, North Lincolnshire. 

2. Who was Jerry Green? 

Jerry Green was the founder of Jerry Green Dog Rescue. Following the death of his beloved spaniel, Rusty, he established the charity to improve the care of stray and unwanted dogs and prevent dogs from being put to sleep unnecessarily. 

3. Why is there a spaniel in the Jerry Green Dog Rescue logo? 

The spaniel represents Rusty, Jerry Green’s adored dog and the inspiration behind the charity’s creation. 

4. How long has Jerry Green Dog Rescue been operating? 

Jerry Green Dog Rescue celebrates its 65th anniversary in August 2026, marking 65 years of caring for and rehoming dogs. 

5. Where are Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s centres? 

Jerry Green Dog Rescue currently operates rescue and rehoming centres in Broughton, North Lincolnshire; Algarkirk, South Lincolnshire; and Blidworth, Nottinghamshire. It also provides community-based support in East Yorkshire. 

6. What happened to the East Yorkshire centre? 

The traditional East Yorkshire rehoming centre closed following a review of its maintenance costs and the investment required to refurbish the building. After a successful pilot, Jerry Green Dog Rescue adopted a community-based model that provides rehoming and practical support directly to dogs and owners across East Yorkshire.

7. What is Meet&Match®? 

Meet&Match® is Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s personalised approach to adoption. It considers the individual needs and personality of each dog alongside an adopter’s home, lifestyle and experience to create safe, suitable and lasting matches. 

8. Does Jerry Green Dog Rescue only care for dogs in kennels? 

No. Depending on their needs, dogs may be cared for at a rescue centre, in a foster home or through the Home from Home® rehoming service while remaining with their current family. 

9. How many dogs does Jerry Green Dog Rescue help? 

Jerry Green Dog Rescue supports over 500 dogs a year. In 2025, we supported 661 dogs and rehomed 528.  

10. How can I support Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s 65th anniversary? 

You can celebrate the anniversary by donating, fundraising, volunteering, shopping in a Jerry Green Dog Rescue charity shop, adopting a dog or sharing the charity’s work with others.