Woodgreen returns to the small screen in Channel 4’s ‘The Dog House’

Last summer, Woodgreen worked intensively with the television crew at Five Mile Films to showcase the intricate rehoming process and create another heart-warming watch for Channel 4, despite challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic and extreme weather conditions. In a mammoth collaborative effort, nearly 50 families and dogs met each other – following both COVID-19 regulations and the highest welfare standards.

Viewers of ‘The Dog House’ are first introduced to aspiring new owners and dogs in Woodgreen’s care. When a potential match is found, their first meeting is captured using fixed-rig cameras in a private ‘meeting pen’. Series one captured the heart of the nation, with more than a million viewers, and has since been streamed internationally. Series two will begin airing on Thursday 11th March, with eight weekly episodes shown at 8pm on Channel 4. The full series will also be available up-front on All 4.

Clive Byles, Chief Executive Officer at Woodgreen, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, and I can’t wait to share our stories with the nation once again. COVID-19 not only changed how we work, and how the show was filmed, but also caused a huge surge in demand on our services. Whilst our doors have been closed to visitors during lockdown, ‘The Dog House’ gives viewers an insight to what goes on in our beautiful corner of the Cambridgeshire countryside.” 

Of course, the show provides merely a glimpse into the work carried out by Woodgreen. The charity rehomes around 700 dogs every year, as well as almost 1,800 cats and small animals. Dogs, in particular, are coming to Woodgreen with increasingly complex needs, often needing extensive veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation.

Despite the fact that around 10,000 people enquire about rehoming a dog every month, the charity has a duty to match each dog with a new home that is equipped to manage their ongoing medical and training requirements. Unfortunately, this means Woodgreen cannot help everyone looking to welcome a dog into their life.

However, Woodgreen is here for all pet owners, especially new dog owners who are confronted with challenging behaviours that affect their relationship. Whether pet owners need behavioural advice, training classes or even financial support to help cover the cost of pet care (subject to assessment), the charity’s specialist team is dedicated to help.

Anyone seeking help with any aspect of pet care is encouraged to visit woodgreen.org.uk or call Woodgreen’s friendly team on 0300 303 9333.