Rescue dogs from leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, packed up their treats and headed out for their very own adventure into the capital on a special day out to check out the charity’s takeover across some of the busiest Elizabeth line stations.
Dedicated staff from Battersea’s iconic London centre took rescue dogs for an exciting trip into the big city to help them get used to new experiences and spot some of their furry companions’ names up in lights at stations across Transport for London’s dog-friendly Elizabeth line. During their visit, the dogs enjoyed exploring plenty of new sights and smells, as well as greeting some of the city’s commuters on their journeys through London.
The rescue dogs visited TfL's Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations to celebrate the charity’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.
Among those who attended on the day was Nemo, a three-year-old Pomeranian who came to Battersea due to a change in his owners' circumstances. During his time at Battersea, Nemo proved to be a charming young dog, who the charity’s staff described as having a big personality with an even bigger heart and loved nothing more than chasing his beloved tennis balls. Nemo has now found a loving home where he has been 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. We hope Londoners and those visiting the capital will enjoy spotting our dogs and cats on their commute as they make their own journeys home.”
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.”
Dogs are welcome on TfL’s bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line services but must not take up a seat. At TfL stations, dogs must be carried when on escalators (unless they are service dogs), and anyone travelling with a dog should use the wide gates or carry it through the gates.
The campaign, created in collaboration with New Commercial Arts as part of Battersea’s We’re All in for Them, mirrors passengers’ journeys with the journey of rescue dogs and cats to their new homes, and how Battersea have helped them get there thanks to the expert care they provide to animals at their three rescue centres and even more beyond their gates. The campaign won Transport for London media space as part of Contagious and Global’s “Look Ahead” competition that aims to inspire creative agencies and advertisers to design for out-of-home media.
To find out more about Battersea and what we do to support the animals we care for, visit the charity’s website: https://www.battersea.org.uk/
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk
Notes to editors
Dogs are welcome on TfL’s bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line services. All the information regarding travelling with a dog on the TfL network can be found in TfL’s Condition of Carriage. It can be accessed here: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-conditions-of-carriage.pdf
About Battersea
At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.
About Transport for London (TfL)
Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the capital's public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Trams, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as promoting walking and cycling and managing London's main roads. TfL does all it can to keep the city moving, working and growing and reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services.