For The Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond renewed for third series
It will return in 2026
Last updated 23rd Dec 2025
Following the sad passing of TV presenter and animal lover Paul O'Grady, ITV/STV bosses announced back in January 2024 that Alison Hammond would be taking over the role, becoming the brand new presenter for the hit show.
Alison, who also presents shows such as This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, headed off to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help the animals in their care look for a new place to live, also returning for a Christmas special and a second series. Following the success of the show, with Alison presenting, it has now been renewed for a third series. Find out more about the show below...
Will Alison be back for a third series?
With series two coming to an end on Tuesday 6th May 2025, fans were wondering if For The Love Of Dogs would return for a third instalment with Alison.
In December it was revealed that the show would be returning for a third series in 2026. For The Love Of Dogs will see Alison return to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home as she meets 'the latest animals in need of care, comfort, and most importantly, a loving new family'.
According to ITV: 'The 2026 series celebrates why we truly love dogs and why they’ll always have a home at Battersea.'
When is it on TV?
The exact dates for series three have not been confirmed, however they have announced it will be in Q2 of 2026, which means it will air between April and June.
The second series started on Tuesday 1st April 2025 at 8.30pm, with episodes airing every Tuesday night until 6th May 2026.
Speaking about why people should watch the show, Alison said at the time: "We’re a nation of dog lovers, so this show is for everybody. You know, if you're thinking about getting a dog, you're going to love this show. If you're thinking about fostering, you're going to love this show. This show is universal. It's for absolutely everybody who wants to be around the love and loyalty these beautiful animals give us. This is the show for you. And guess what? We've got some cats too."
Following the series two finale, Battersea wrote on Instagram: 'That's a wrap 🎬
'Thank you to everyone who joined us and our girl @alisonhammond55 on our #ForTheLoveOfDogs journey this series! We’ve loved bringing you brand new stories of the fantastic rescues in our care, and highlighting all the amazing work of our staff and volunteers, who put so much into finding each of our animals their perfect match. 🐶
'Let’s show some love for rescue in the comments 🙌'.
What happened in series two?
Alison returned to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home where she was on hand to get stuck in with the walking, feeding and training as she helped the expert staff and volunteers take care of the animals as they continued their rescue journey.
Speaking about her love of working on the show, Alison said: "The best thing about working on For the Love of Dogs is obviously the dogs. They are everything. They're so kind. It's like therapy being here, to be honest with you.
"You get lots of hugs. It's emotional at times because, you know, some of the dogs come in really ill and they have to have operations. But ultimately, when you see a dog that is really, really shy, it goes from being really shy to getting its confidence. It is one of the most amazing feelings you could possibly feel ever."
How many episodes?
Series one and two were made up of six episodes.
Series three will also be made up of six episodes, each 30 minutes long.
What channel is it on?
The show airs on ITV1 and ITVX, and STV1 and STV Player for viewers in Scotland.
Satmohan Panesar, Commissioning Editor for ITV added: "We are thrilled to be able to confirm that the series will return in the spring and that the dogs have a brand-new champion in Alison Hammond. As Paul O'Grady always said himself, the stars of the show were the dogs themselves, but the impact that he had and the legacy he leaves will never be forgotten by any of us. We can't wait to welcome back the series with Alison; there will be all the fun and warmth that our viewers have come to expect whilst continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea.”
Peter Laurie, Battersea Chief Executive, said: “Everyone at Battersea is excited to embark upon a brand-new series of For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond. Over the last twelve years, For the Love of Dogs has shared with viewers the love and expert care Battersea dedicates to all the animals that need our help. Alongside our beloved Ambassador, the late, great Paul O’Grady, we've enjoyed showing how much joy rescue animals can give, and we’re pleased we can continue to shine a light on the work our charity undertakes every day to improve the lives of dogs and cats. We’re looking forward to welcoming Alison to Battersea and introducing her to the incredible animals in our care as we help them on their journey to finding loving, new homes.”
How can I watch it?
You can catch up on all episodes from series one and two now on ITVX and STV Player.
When was the Christmas special?
For The Love Of Dogs At Christmas with Alison Hammond aired on Thursday 19th December 2024 on ITV1/STV1.
The episode is now available to watch on ITVX and STV Player.
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Who previously presented the show?
The show's host and former presenter Paul O'Grady sadly died "unexpectedly but peacefully" at the age of 67 in March 2023.
Paul's partner Andre Portasio said in a statement at the time: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Paul created the show back in 2012 after volunteering at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for six months. The show ended up having 11 amazing series before Paul's sad passing, picking up various awards over the years.
For The Love Of Dogs With Alison Hammond is available on ITVX and STV Player.
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