Dogs Trust urges owners to think ahead and make provisions for the care of their dog should they become seriously ill or pass away
- Almost half (49%) of dog owners in Scotland have not made any plans or thought about who would take over ownership of their dog if they became seriously ill or passed away
- More than half (54%) of dog owners in Scotland think a friend or family member would take over ownership of their dog but have not discussed it with them
Almost half (49%) of dog owners in Scotland have not made any plans about who would take over ownership of their dog if the worst were to happen, according to data from Dogs Trust’s brand-new research.
The findings, released today, suggest owners could be putting their dogs in a vulnerable position by not making provisions for their care should they fall seriously ill or pass away, with 29% of the dog owners in Scotland surveyed by the charity admitting that they have not even thought about what would happen in that scenario.
Worryingly, 54% of respondents in Scotland also said that whilst they think they have a friend or family member who would take over ownership of the dog, they have not discussed it with the person in question and a further 8% said they do not have anyone who would be able to help – a cause for concern for the charity.
Dogs Trust is urging the public to sign up to their free Canine Care Card Service, to ensure their dog can be cared for by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity at one of their state-of-the-art rehoming centres, should they become too ill to be able to keep them or pass away.
The charity is also encouraging dog owners to appoint a ‘dog guardian’, this could be family member, friend or even a neighbour or vet who agrees to take care of your dog and sign over your dog to Dogs Trust in the interim should you no longer be able to.
Dogs Trust also recommends updating your Will to include your Canine Care Card information and notifying friends and family of your wishes to ensure the process is dealt with as smoothly as possible when the time comes.
Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, said: “Recent world events have shown that we never know what is around the corner and that life can be unpredictable. As a nation of dog lovers, we know the little quirks that make our dogs unique and I for one enjoy having the peace of mind that if the time ever comes when I can’t be with my dog, Dogs Trust is the next best place for her to be and they will never put a healthy dog down.
“We want to normalise making plans for the care of your dog should the worst happen, so that dog owners can have peace of mind that their four-legged friend will be given the best possible care if they no longer can.
“We would urge dog owners to think about signing up to a free Canine Care Card, so that should the worst happen Dogs Trust can take your dog in and make sure they are looked after as you would at home.”
Jock, Maurice and Reece, Rough Collies
Mum Reece, and her two sons Maurice and Jock, arrived at Dogs Trust’s Rehoming Centre in West Calder after their owner sadly passed away. Being a Canine Care Card holder, their owner ensured all three dogs would be taken care of should the worst happen. When they first arrived, all dogs were in need of some TLC and were very shy but sweet, loving and gentle.
Susan Dunstan, from New Galloway, became aware of the trio after receiving a call from the team at Dogs Trust West Calder. Susan and her husband had adopted many dogs from the centre before and often more than one at the same time; and the team at West Calder wanted to ensure the trio were placed in the care of a family with the time and space to look after them all.
In the last three years Susan and her husband have adopted 10 dogs from Dogs Trust, usually dogs that are very old or in need of palliative care. Having spent most of her life caring for dogs and with four acres of land for dogs to play in, the Dunstans were more than happy to open her heart and home for another three dogs.
Mrs Dunstan said: “I wasn’t aware of the Canine Care Card and how dogs are taken care of in the event that something happens to their owner and they can no longer look after them. It is such a rewarding feeling to know that I have given Reece, Maurice and Jock another chance as part of a loving family, as it could have been difficult for them to find a new home together.
“All three have settled in very well since coming home with me and they have been sticking to a healthy routine. I am delighted to be able to say they are all doing well and looking great. They also get on very well with my other two rescue dogs and while it was a big adjustment for all dogs, have developed a real bond.”
This important message comes as the charity launches a heart-warming TV advert this week, encouraging people to consider signing up for a free Canine Care Card.
The advert, with a voice over from dog-loving actor, Jonathan Pryce, depicts the close bond between crossbreed, Wilf and his owner, Tom – including Wilf’s penchant for stealing Tom’s underpants. Unfortunately, Tom passes away, but luckily he had signed up to Dogs Trust’s Canine Care Card, meaning that Wilf and all his quirks, were taken in by the charity.
The advert will be airing across UK TV screens for eight weeks and can be viewed https://youtu.be/kSs9_RIJzjg
For more information or to sign up for a Canine Care Card visit:
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