RSPCA asks us to think about #DogsNotAtPollingStations today

Stephen Price

With dog owners across the nation taking their cherished pets to polling stations today, RSPCA Cymru is urging the Welsh public to consider adopting one of the many #DogsNotAtPollingStations in desperate need of a loving home of their own

As Wales goes to the polls for the 2026 #Senedd election, social media pages will be lit up with #DogsAtPollingStations – the popular trend where pet owners across the political spectrum share photos of their canine companions accompanying them on their democratic duties.

But these happy, tail-wagging voting companions tell only one side of the doggy story on election day. Because for countless other dogs in rescue centres still looking for new owners, they are the nation’s #DogsAtPollingStations – many of whom have been waiting weeks, months or longer searching to find a new owner to vote alongside.

Across the RSPCA’s national animal centres at Newport and Bryn-Y-Maen – part of the new Casnewydd Islwyn and Clwyd super constituencies respectively – there’s nine dogs currently looking for new homes. Many more will soon be up for adoption, too – after court proceedings are concluded, or lengthy rehabilitation programmes mean they are ready to leave the centre.

And the RSPCA Llys Nini Branch centre in Swansea – based in the Senedd’s new Gŵyr Abertawe patch – is busy too, with a further 11 dogs ready for adoption.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the charity’s Companion Animals Department, said: “It’s always heartwarming to see so many voters share photos of their amazing dogs outside polling stations, and the 2026 elections across both Wales and England are no different.

“With temperatures warming up, we’d always urge voters to keep their dogs nice and cool – or even consider taking them to vote in the evening depending on how hot it is outside.

“But we know not all dogs are so lucky to have this opportunity with a loving owner. Many RSPCA centres are full to bursting with rescue dogs who we really want to find loving new homes for.

“We’d urge anyone looking to add a dog to their family to check out the RSPCA’s Find a Pet website. You may find your paw-fect voting companion for next polling day!”

Pooches across Wales looking for a voting companion include Reggie – a veteran Staffordshire bull terrier who came into the RSPCA’s care after his previous owner passed away.

The nine-year-old spent years being doted on by his previous owner, but is now looking for a new home – and is one of many #DogsNotAtPollingStations today.

He is based at the charity’s Bryn-Y-Maen Centre at Upper Colwyn Bay, with more information for potential adopters available online.

Tan and white Reggie loves to potter about our outdoor spaces and sniff about. He knows lots of commands, is full of love, and is a big fan of fuss and attention.

Meanwhile, Lady – based at RSPCA’s Newport centre – is a gentle and sensitive Patterdale terrier crossbreed who is looking for a calm, understanding home where she can truly blossom.

She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but with patience and kindness, her true personality shines through.

Once Lady feels safe and comfortable, she becomes incredibly affectionate and forms strong bonds with her people. She absolutely loves a snuggle and will happily curl up beside her new owner.

Lady would thrive best as the only pet in the home, where she can have all the attention and space she needs to feel secure. Anyone who thinks they could make Lady join the #DogsAtPollingStations trend in time for the next election can find out more about adopting her online.

At Llys Nini in Swansea, two-year-old Chow Chow Bear is also looking for a new home.

Bear is looking for a loving forever home where he can share his gentle spirit and quiet loyalty. He’s a dog with bags of character – and loves long walks and food.

Chow Chows can have very long coats – which is something any new owner would need to be mindful of – with plenty more information available on the Llys Nini Branch website.

RSPCA Cymru published its own manifesto ahead of the 2026 Senedd election – and members of the public have had the opportunity to let Wales’ political parties know that animal welfare matters to them and take online action to help give animals a voice.

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, added: “According to our Animal Kindness Index, Wales has the highest proportion of animal lovers of any UK nation – and voters have welcomed hearing from political parties’ plans for animals of every kind. We look forward to working with Wales’ 96 new Senedd Members to ensure animal welfare is a top priority.”

More information on adopting a pet from the RSCPA, including a search tool for animals near you, is available on the charity’s website.