Doggy Digital

Case Study

Doggy Dens

Doggy Dens Website

Doggy Dens UK Rescue – A Digital Transformation for a Greater Cause

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Visitors

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Adoption Requests
Doggy Dens

About

Founded by Denise Hardwick-Akbani, Doggy Dens UK Rescue is a volunteer-led dog rescue organisation based in Nottinghamshire. Since 2018, the rescue has successfully saved and rehomed over 500 dogs from the UK, Macedonia, and Romania. However, their operations relied heavily on manual processes and a Facebook group, making it difficult to manage adoption applications, fundraising efforts, and merchandise sales efficiently. Without a website, their reach was limited, and Denise’s team faced growing administrative challenges.

The Challenge

Before working together, Doggy Dens UK Rescue faced several hurdles:

No dedicated website – Relying solely on Facebook for visibility.
Manual adoption management – Forms and enquiries were handled manually.
Merchandise sales inefficiencies – Orders were tracked using Google Sheets, leading to complexities.
Lack of centralisation – No single hub for dog listings, adoption resources, or organisational updates.

With an increasing demand for their rescue services, it was clear that a digital solution was needed to streamline operations and expand their reach.

Doggy Dens Mobile Website
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The Solution: A Fully Integrated Digital Hub

I worked closely with Denise and her team to develop a custom-built website that would serve as the rescue’s central platform. The key objectives were to:

Expand Reach

Create a professional, easy-to-navigate site to attract more adopters and supporters.

Improve Dog Listings

Provide a clear and organised space to showcase available dogs and allow people to register their interest.

Simplify Adoption Processes

Enable visitors to download forms and submit enquiries online, reducing admin work.

Boost Fundraising

Set up an integrated e-commerce store to manage orders seamlessly.

Centralise Operations

Ensure everything from adoption information to updates and donations could be managed in one place.
Doggy Dens Online Shop

Achievements and Results

Following the launch of the new website, Doggy Dens UK Rescue saw an immediate increase in engagement and efficiency. The improved digital presence led to significant positive outcomes, including greater adoption enquiries, streamlined operations, and enhanced fundraising efforts. The key results were as follows:

Increased Online Visibility

Since the launch of the website, over 71,000 users have visited, significantly increasing awareness of the rescue’s mission. With a clear and accessible platform, potential adopters, volunteers, and donors can now easily find the information they need. This has resulted in a higher volume of meaningful interactions, helping more dogs find their forever homes. The website has also provided a professional and trustworthy presence, encouraging more people to engage with the rescue and support its work.

Increase in Efficiency

The previous reliance on Facebook messages and manual handling of adoption enquiries created delays and inefficiencies. With the new website, prospective adopters can now browse available dogs, download and submit adoption forms instantly, and access step-by-step guidance on the adoption process. This has significantly reduced the administrative workload, allowing the team to dedicate more time to the welfare of the dogs rather than managing paperwork. The streamlined system ensures that every application is properly recorded and processed without unnecessary delays.

More Merchandise Sales & Donations

Before the introduction of the website, merchandise sales were manually tracked through spreadsheets and messages, making order management challenging. With a fully integrated e-commerce store, Doggy Dens UK Rescue can now list and sell merchandise efficiently, process secure online payments, and track orders seamlessly. The ease of access has led to increased sales, providing the rescue with a more stable and reliable source of funding to support its ongoing operations and care for the dogs. Donations have also increased thanks to a robust donation system that works with PayPal.

Total Transformation

The introduction of a centralised digital hub has transformed the way Doggy Dens UK Rescue operates. The team can now update dog listings in real time, share important updates and events, and keep all key resources in one easily accessible place. This improved structure has enhanced internal efficiency and communication, reducing the reliance on multiple platforms and manual record-keeping. The streamlined workflow ensures the rescue can continue expanding its efforts while maintaining a high standard of care for the dogs in need.

The digital transformation has not only improved the day-to-day management of the rescue but has also strengthened its ability to connect with adopters, supporters, and volunteers. By modernising its approach, Doggy Dens UK Rescue can now focus more on what truly matters—giving more dogs the second chance they deserve.

My Thoughts

Working with Doggy Dens UK Rescue was not just about creating a website—it was about building a tool that makes a real difference. Seeing the immediate impact, from increased adoption enquiries to smoother operations, was incredibly rewarding.

What stood out to me the most was the passion and dedication of Denise and her team. Despite working as volunteers, they pour their hearts into every rescue, and I wanted to create a solution that truly supported their mission.

This project reinforced my belief that the right digital tools can drive meaningful change. Whether for a business, a charity, or a cause-driven organisation, having an online presence that works for you—not against you—can be transformational.

 

Inspired to Elevate Your Charity?
If you run a dog rescue charity and need a professional, results-driven website to streamline adoptions, increase engagement, and boost fundraising, I’m here to help.

With a tailored approach, I’ll work with you to create a digital platform that maximises your impact and helps more dogs find their forever homes.

Let’s bring your mission to life online. Get in touch today to discuss how we can grow your rescue together!
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