Dogs Trust Ireland appoints Karla Dunne as Chief Executive Officer

Dogs Trust Ireland has announced the appointment of Karla Dunne as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter for Ireland's leading dog welfare charity. 

Karla has been part of Dogs Trust Ireland for the past eight years, holding a number of senior leadership positions before serving as Interim Executive Director over the past several months. During that time, she has led the organisation through an important period of transition while continuing to strengthen its impact for dogs across Ireland. 

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Dogs Trust Ireland as the charity embarks on an ambitious new strategic review, exploring how it can create even greater impact for dogs through education, advocacy, collaboration and systems change, alongside its established rehoming and rehabilitation work. 

Announcing the appointment, Louisa Simons, Chair of the Dogs Trust Ireland Board, said: 

"The Board is delighted to appoint Karla as Chief Executive Officer. Over the past eight years she has made an exceptional contribution to Dogs Trust Ireland, demonstrating compassionate leadership, strategic thinking and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of dogs. 

"Karla has already shown outstanding leadership during her time as Interim Executive Director, and we're excited for the future under her direction. Dogs Trust Ireland has never been in a stronger position, and with a new strategy taking shape, this is an incredibly exciting time for the organisation. We have ambitious plans to increase our impact, strengthen our voice for dogs and continue building a future where every dog can enjoy a happy, healthy life." 

Commenting on her appointment, Karla Dunne said: 

"I'm honoured to become Chief Executive Officer of Dogs Trust Ireland. Having spent the past eight years working alongside such committed colleagues, volunteers and supporters, I know what an extraordinary organisation this is. 

"Together, we've achieved so much, but I believe our greatest opportunity lies ahead. While rescuing and rehoming dogs will always be at the heart of what we do, our ambition is to create an Ireland where fewer dogs need rescuing in the first place. 

"That means continuing to educate and empower dog owners, strengthening our advocacy, working in partnership with communities and influencing lasting change in how dogs are valued and cared for across Ireland. By tackling the root causes of poor welfare as well as responding to its consequences, we can create an even brighter future for dogs. 

"I'm incredibly excited to lead Dogs Trust Ireland into this next chapter and to work alongside our fantastic staff, volunteers, supporters and partners to make an even greater difference for dogs and the people who love them." 

Since opening its doors in Ireland in 2009, Dogs Trust Ireland has grown into the country's leading dog welfare charity, helping thousands of dogs every year through rehoming, rehabilitation, education, training, community engagement and advocacy. 

With a strong track record of innovation and impact, the organisation is now looking ahead to its next phase of growth, building on its success while exploring new ways to improve dog welfare across Ireland and working towards its vision of creating a country where every dog can live life to the full.