Staff from the charity’s London centre took the dogs to some of the busiest stations along the Elizabeth line, giving them a chance to experience new sights and smells in the heart of the capital.
The trip was part of Battersea’s campaign as part of the Look Ahead competition, which champions rescue and showcases the journey of a Battersea animal, from being cared for at one of the charity’s three centres, to finding their perfect match.
During the outing, the dogs visited Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations.
They were able to see some of their furry companions’ names up in lights in stations along the dog-friendly Elizabeth line, while greeting some of the city’s commuters.
Among the dogs was three-year-old Pomeranian, Nemo, who came to Battersea due to a change in his owners’ circumstances.
Described by the charity as having a “big personality with an even bigger heart”, Nemo has since been rehomed and is “enjoying receiving all the fuss he can get from his new family”.
Alice Rotti, Canine Behaviour and Training Lead at Battersea, said: “We had a great time taking rescue dogs like Nemo into central London for a special day out, he really enjoyed visiting new places and using his nose to explore. Expert care is at the heart of what we do and taking our dogs out for fun experiences like this helps us get to know their personalities even more and find the right match for a loving new home.”
The dogs’ trip was made possible by Transport for London (TfL), which welcomes dogs on its bus, tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line services, provided they do not take up a seat.
Dogs must be carried on escalators, unless they are service dogs, and should use the wide gates or be carried through the gates.
Chris Reader, head of commercial media at TfL, said: “The Look Ahead competition is all about bold ideas that make a lasting impact, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have delivered a campaign that’s both creative and memorable.
“We were delighted to welcome some of the dogs and their handlers from Battersea onto the Elizabeth line, so that they could see these new ads up close.
“I’m sure the creatives will bring a smile to everyone travelling on the network this month.”
The campaign, part of Battersea’s We’re All in for Them, was created alongside New Commercial Arts and mirrors the journeys of passengers with the journeys of rescue dogs and cats to their new homes.
The Look Ahead competition, organised by Contagious and Global, aims to inspire creative agencies and advertisers to design for out-of-home media.
The campaign’s success earned Battersea media space on TfL’s network.
For more information about Battersea and its work to support animals in its care, visit the charity’s website.
