IT is visiting time at the Dogs Trust Re-homing Centre and the sound of 120 different barks echo through the kennels.

As visitors wander around searching for a potential pet, a team of 25 staff and scores of volunteers work round the clock to ensure the dogs meet the grade before being re-homed.

Over its ten year history, the centre, at Sadberge, near Darlington, has taken dogs from across the North-East and further afield, with the majority coming from Dearness Kennels, in Langley Moor, near Durham.

Some arrive at the refuge following marriage break-ups or house moves, others as a result of violence and neglect, but whatever their background, all dogs are treated the same.

Sarah Shreeve, from the Dogs Trust, said the moment a dog arrives, it is assessed for at least seven days before being available to potential new owners.

"We ensure all dogs are fully vaccinated, vet-checked and healthy, and, before being released into someone's care, they are micro-chipped and neutered," she said.

The Sadberge centre has four blocks of 11 kennels, each with floor heating and able to accommodate up to three dogs. There is also a puppy block, isolation block and new arrivals block, as well as an education centre, vets room and reception.

The centre has its own training and behaviour advisor. Dave Fish works with dogs that are aggressive or need to learn basic skills, and holds weekly classes for dog owners.

It is not only the dogs that receive a thorough check - potential owners have to complete a questionnaire, introduce all the family to the dog and undergo a home visit before they are allowed to adopt.

On average, 130 dogs will come to the centre and 90 will go to new homes in any month. During their stay, they are fed, exercised and cared for every day under the management of Catherine Gillie, who lives on site.

The dogs' home relies entirely on donations and legacies to allow it to continue its work.

Kenco, a four-year-old terrier, is one dog who is unlikely to be re-homed due to a serious behaviour problem, but he can be sponsored and visited by anyone unable to handle the full-time responsibility of a pet.

To contact the centre, call (01325) 333114. There will be an open day on Sunday, June 20, between noon and 4pm.