Tag: Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust welcomes Holyrood debate on greyhound racing

Following Thursday’s debate in Scottish Parliament on the future of greyhound racing in Scotland, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at Dogs Trust said: “We’re really pleased to hear the issue of greyhound racing being debated in the Scottish Parliament and would like to thank Mark Ruskell MSP for lodging the motion.

“Whilst the Scottish Government’s commitment to reviewing the activities of the greyhound industry as part of its upcoming consultation on extending the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations is a step forward, we firmly believe the industry must come to an end. We are concerned that licensing the industry would not be sufficient to protect racing greyhound welfare.

“Greyhound racing in Scotland has been significantly reduced since 2020, and with only one operational track, any phase-out period should be considerably shorter than elsewhere in the UK.

“Just last week, Dogs Trust called for an end to greyhound racing across the UK. While we have worked closely with the greyhound industry for many years to try to improve welfare conditions for the dogs, progress has not been made quickly enough, or on a big enough scale.

“It is simply not acceptable that in Great Britain over 2,000 greyhounds died or were put to sleep over the last four years, with close to 18,000 injuries recorded, all in the name of entertainment.”

On 27th September, three of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations – Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and the RSPCA – called for greyhound racing to come to an end as soon as possible to put a stop to the unnecessary and completely preventable deaths of hundreds of dogs every year.

In Scotland, there are two greyhound racing tracks, one licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) at Shawfield in Rutherglen and an independent “flapper” track at Thornton in Fife. Shawfield has been non-operational since March 2020, with racing at Thornton considerably reduced.

The charities have, as part of the Greyhound Forum, worked with the greyhound racing industry for many years to try to improve conditions for the dogs involved. While this has led to some improvements, there are still significant welfare issues for racing greyhounds which have not been resolved and cannot be resolved.

This announcement sees the organisations aligned with Scottish SPCA, One Kind, League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation who have all called for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland.

Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved. Running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs, and in some cases the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanise the dog.

The GBGB * is the self-regulating organisation that governs licensed greyhound racing in Great Britain. Data from GBGB show that over 2,000 greyhounds died or were put to sleep and nearly 18,000 injuries were recorded from greyhound racing between 2018 and 2021**, with additional dogs injured on independent tracks.

Comprehensive internal reviews conducted by Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Blue Cross highlighted serious concerns at every stage of a racing greyhound’s life including issues around inadequate welfare standards in kennelling and transporting the dogs.

Some of the dogs used in racing are kept in poor, barren conditions, with little if any enrichment and fed a poor diet. The reviews also highlighted concerns around the general health of the dogs including the number and severity of injuries sustained during racing.

There are also serious issues around the racing of greyhounds in extreme weather and the number of puppies that are unaccounted for between birth and racing registrations, so often referred to by the sector as the “wastage”.

The reviews also found there to be disjointed and ineffective regulation within the sector, a lack of transparency regarding industry practices, and additional concerns around the enforcement of regulatory standards.

There’s also concern around the absence of a sustainable and consistent source of income for the industry which has grossly impacted any meaningful change for the dogs involved. However, even if the considerable finances needed to continue were made available, a complete overhaul of the sport is necessary to ensure it is compatible with good welfare.

Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Blue Cross want to see an end to greyhound racing announced as soon as possible and expect the phase out across Great Britain to be feasible within five years to allow the racing industry and animal welfare organisations to carefully plan and coordinate the care of the many dogs affected.

In 2021 there were in excess of 18,000 licensed greyhounds eligible to race in GBGB races, with additional greyhounds racing on the independent tracks.

Dogs Trust calls on people to give older dogs fur-ever homes

With this weekend marking the International Day of Older Persons (Saturday 1st October 2022) and Grandparents’ Day (Sunday 2nd October 2022), Dogs Trust West Calder is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) in the hope that people will open their homes as well as their hearts by rehoming an older dog.  

 Whilst many people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners and these refined older pooches make the perfect canine companions for people looking to provide a cosy retirement home for them to spend their golden years in.   

Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said:  
“Sometimes older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups, but they deserve just as much attention and care from new owners as their younger counterparts.     

“There are lots of benefits of rehoming an Old Age Pooch. Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.    

“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks.   

“They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening”.  

The top three breeds of older dogs (aged 8 and over) that were taken in across all Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres between August 2021-22 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreed and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  

One such Staffordshire Bull Terrier at West Calder Rehoming Centre looking for a loving new home to rest their paws is Brooke. 

Brooke is an incredibly friendly and loving girl with people.  She loves attention, getting lots of fuss and is partial to a belly rub and ear scratch.

Brooke may be 11 years old, but she still enjoys going for walks and playing with her toys especially catching her ball or playing tug. Brooke is very clever and knows how to sit, lie-down and give a paw.

She walks well on her lead and will happily jump in the car to go on a new adventure. Brooke is not so keen on other dogs, preferring to keep her distance from them.  She could live with children aged 14 and over.   

If you think you could help Dogs Trust West Calder show that age is just a number by rehoming Brooke or another older dog at the centre, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk    

Over recent months, Dogs Trust has received a record number of calls from people needing to rehome their dogs in the face of the new cost of everyday living.  

To be there for all dogs who need help, the charity is looking for dedicated foster carers who can offer immediate support and help out with cuddles and a comfy sofa until they find their forever home. 

If you’re a dog lover, but not able to take on the commitment of rehoming a dog, but would be interested in fostering a golden oldie, please visit: 

www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering   

Deidre Brock MP meets ‘pawsome’ pooches at Dogs Trust West Calder

Deidre Brock MP was greeted to a wagging tail reception during her recent visit to Dog Trust’s West Calder Rehoming Centre.    

The MP for Edinburgh North and Leith was given a tour by Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner which included seeing the new peaceful garden area designed by the team at BBC’s Beechgrove Garden.  Deidre met with current residents including lurcher Phoebe, who has since gone on to find a loving new home. 

During the visit, Deidre and Susan chatted about the unprecedented numbers of enquiries the charity is receiving from worried dog owners considering giving up their dogs due to current financial pressures, the impact this is having on rehoming and the need for more foster carers so as many dogs as possible can be helped. 

Also discussed was the importance of the imminent return of the Kept Animals Bill to the Houses of Parliament and the impact this change in legislation could have on dog welfare and puppy smuggling.

Speaking about her visit, Deidre Brock MP, said:  “I am very grateful to the staff at Dogs Trust West Calder for taking the time to give me a tour of their wonderful facilities. It was a pleasure to meet Susan and the team who are working tirelessly to provide a better life for their residents as they journey to forever homes. 

“The centre is facing unprecedented demand for their services, with pandemic pups still being handed over frequently as people return to work, and as cost-of-living concerns continue to grow, this may put more pressure on dog owners.

“Further to this, the delay of The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has allowed the illegal trade of puppies to continue, putting the welfare of young puppies and pregnant mums at risk. I fully support Dogs Trust’s recommendation for visual checks for dogs entering the country via ports and the Eurotunnel and hope for this to be introduced as secondary legislation when the Bill returns to Parliament.”

Dog Trust Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner said: “We were delighted to welcome Deidre to West Calder Rehoming Centre. Deidre showed real and passionate interest in the dogs in our care and, also in the issues we are currently facing. 

“It was a pleasure to show Deidre some of the specialist behavioural work our four-legged friends require before they are made available for rehoming and to chat about our vital Home from Home fostering scheme which enables us to rehome more dogs throughout Scotland.  We are extremely grateful to have her support, interest and understanding in our work finding new homes for rescue dogs.”

Dogs Trust is urgently seeking foster carers in particular for dogs that are more difficult to find forever homes for, such as big dogs and dogs with challenging behaviour. If you think you can offer a dog in need a temporary home while the UK is in financial crisis, please call 01506 874 028 or email HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk

Anyone interested in rehoming can click here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/  

Dogs Trust: Families are in danger of losing their dogs to the financial crisis

  • Dogs Trust warns many families are in danger of losing their dogs to the financial crisis this winter
  • 43% of dog owners in Scotland think it is now more difficult to give their dog all they need, compared to before the cost of living crisis began. 

As new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget looms, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, which has a rehoming centre in Glasgow and West Calder, has warned that it is receiving unprecedented numbers of enquiries from desperate dog owners who feel they’ve run out of options.  

Record numbers 

In recent months, the charity has received a record number of calls from people asking it to take in their dogs. August surpassed its previous record for the most enquiries in a single month, with almost 5,000 (4,993) owners enquiring about its handover service – a 14% increase on July this year, and a 26% increase from August 2021.  

September YouGov poll 

The number of people looking to give up their dogs is placed in context by Dogs Trust’s September poll of the UK’s dog owners, run by YouGov. This month’s poll shows that 43% of respondents in Scotland thought they would find it more difficult to give their dog all they needed, compared to before the cost of living crisis began. 

Vet bills continued to cause the most worry; 52% of dog owners in Scotland said vet bills were currently their biggest financial canine concern for the coming year. 23% of respondents were most worried about the cost of dog food, while 10% named insurance as their lead worry. 

Meanwhile, when non-dog owners were asked, as part of the September poll, whether the rising cost of living would prevent them from adopting or buying a dog, more than 6 out of ten (65%) said it would.  

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust CEO, says: “Dogs Trust has been receiving a shocking and unprecedented number of calls from dog owners asking us to take in their dogs because they feel they won’t be able to see them through this crisis. 

“Over the last month, we received on average 17 handover calls an hour from desperate owners feeling they’ve run out of options.  

“Combine this with the fact that 65% of people in Scotland told us, in our new cost of living poll, that they wouldn’t be prepared to take on a dog right now, and it’s clear to see we’re about to have a serious animal welfare issue on our hands.” 

How you can help 

As the nation faces its worst financial crisis in decades, Dogs Trust is urgently seeking help for the dogs who will feel the impact. The charity is calling out, in particular, to people with space in their homes and hearts for dogs that are more difficult to find forever homes for, such as big dogs, un-housetrained dogs, and dogs with challenging behaviour.

If you think you can offer a dog in need a temporary home while the UK is in financial crisis, please contact us at www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering 

Beechgrove Garden team design Woodland Garden for rescue dogs

A new garden area at Dogs Trust West Calder, designed by the team at BBC Beechgrove Garden, has been given the doggy seal of approval by some of the charity’s current canine residents.

The team behind the popular BBC programme transformed a previously unused woodland area at the charity’s West Calder Rehoming Centre into a doggy paradise for sniffy walks and precious relaxing time away from the kennels.

Avid viewers of Beechgrove Garden will have seen Dogs Trust staff, volunteers and current residents of West Calder Rehoming Centre feature on two recent episodes of the show. 

Working with the charity’s staff and volunteers, the team at Beechgrove planted lots of dog friendly plants to create a really peaceful, sensory area which is now being enjoyed every day by the 50 dogs currently looking for new homes.

Speaking about the garden, Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner says: “We wanted to turn an unused woodland area at the centre into a dog friendly garden area that could be enjoyed by our dogs, staff, volunteers and potential adopters. 

“Our Maintenance Operative, Stephen McLean, contacted Beechgrove Garden to ask what type of plants they would recommend that were safe for dogs and would flourish under the trees.

“To our amazement presenter Kirsty Wilson (above )got in touch asking if she could visit and, once she had seen the area, they offered to design the garden and film the transformation for their programme.

“We were of course delighted and said yes please!

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the finished garden, which is a really peaceful sensory area which is now being enjoyed every day by our dogs and staff.  

“Everything we do at Dogs Trust West Calder is about enriching the lives of our dogs while they are with us, and this new woodland garden very much helps us to achieve this aim.”

Dogs Trust encourages dog owners to go ‘Bark to School’!

Charity prepares for influx of dogs being given up as new school year begins

As millions of children across the country return to the classroom after the summer break, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is encouraging dog owners to head Bark to School with their pups in a bid to reduce the number of dogs potentially being handed into rehoming centres.

The charity, which is already experiencing its busiest period on record in terms of handovers due to the rise in the cost of living, is preparing itself for a possible further spike as families return to a post-holiday juggle of work and school, and their young dogs struggle to cope with being left home alone, causing them to exhibit bad behaviours.

Many pups acquired during the pandemic are now well into adolescence, a tricky stage for any dog owner, particularly those short on time and juggling family life, and many families may feel they are unable to cope with problematic behaviour. Many of these issues can be resolved through basic training and education of dog owners.

Last year on September 6th, the start of the new school year in England, Dogs Trust saw an uplift in enquiries from dog owners looking to rehome their dog. The charity received 163 enquiries to handover their dogs on the first day of term – more than any other day during September – and during the first week of September, saw an uplift in enquiries from struggling owners compared to the previous week.

John-Paul Maguire, Head Coach at Dog School Glasgow, explains: “Whilst the majority of dog owners see their dogs as much-valued family members and have loved spending time with their four-legged friends over the holidays, sadly we do see an uplift in handover enquiries as soon as children go back to school.

“In many cases, dogs are not equipped to deal with this sudden change in routine where they suddenly have to get used to having less attention which means they may start displaying undesirable behaviour.”

Aside from the rise in the cost of living, one of the main reasons dogs are handed over to Dogs Trust is because of behaviour-related issues that may have been prevented or managed with training. Which is why the charity is urging dog owners to go ‘Bark to School” and take action now by signing their puppy or adult dog up to training classes to avoid future problems so they can live happily together.

Dogs Trust runs affordable dog training and puppy classes in locations across the UK. Dogs Trust Dog School classes operate nationwide and are available throughout the year. At these classes, owners will learn how to teach their dogs how to meet and greet other dogs politely, walk nicely on the lead, come back when called, overcome chewing and mouthing as well as understand dog body language and what your dog is trying to tell you.

John-Paul adds: “Dogs Trust is always here to help families who are struggling to care for their dog, for whatever reason, but we hope that anyone that is finding their dog’s behaviour challenging after the summer holidays will consider heading Bark to School and sign up to Dog School classes to help their dog fulfil their potential and make sure families and four-legged friends can continue to live happily together.”

To find out more, including how to register for a place at Dog School classes in Glasgow, Edinburgh or West Calder, or to book a 1-2-1 session with a trainer, please visit Dog Training Classes, Courses & Help | Dog school | Dogs Trust

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

Dogs Trust is spending the summer honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

The charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are collaborating throughout the summer to share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.

Over the next six weeks, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages. Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.

“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder. “We’re thankful for everything our carers do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too!”

Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved in the scheme. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment. Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.

The event will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021, Dogs Trust West Calder have recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Dogs Trust Dundee launched earlier this year, rehoming their first dog in the northeast of Scotland in May.

Susan Tonner, West Calder’s Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”

The six-week-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 12 August between 2pm-3.30pm. These events will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.

People based in the Lothians and Scottish Borders can attend an event on 12 August between 2-3.30pm at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder. Those based in the northeast of Scotland can join Dogs Trust Dundee at The Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry on 12 August between 2-3.30pm.

Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee

Anyone interested in fostering or finding out more about the #TDIFF event should contact HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk or HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk for more information.

Miles Briggs MSP and Tómas get Pawlitical to be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022

On Monday 9th May, Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian and his sister’s five-year-old rescue dog, Tómas will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022.

Following a three-year hiatus, dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will head to Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh with their two-legged MSP owners to see who will be crowned Holyrood’s top dog.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for Miles Briggs MSP to show off the lovely, Tómas.

With the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership as well as celebrating the unique bond between dogs and their owners. Not only is responsible dog ownership integral to improving dog health and welfare throughout Scotland, it also helps ensure the nation’s dogs lead happy and healthy lives. 

The event also encourages open dialogue on dog welfare issues with MSP’s having the opportunity to meet with dog welfare experts from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club.

Proud dog lover, Miles BriggsMSP explains: “Tómas is a Spanish rescue dog who had a hard start in life but has now become a much-loved member of the family and dog brother to my niece, Skye.

“Tómas puts up with me dressing him up every Christmas and he has a huge life skill of managing to find and destroy the squeak in any dog toy within two minutes.   

“Tómas is always super excited when you come home – he gives the best welcomes in the world.  He will always be a winner to me and proves very popular in Lothian when out campaigning and meeting constituents.

“This fun event will be a great chance to celebrate the essential work MSPs are doing to improve dog welfare in Scotland while highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

MSPs are also calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companions online in a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote. There will be additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year’ title.

The Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 competition starts at 10.00am on Monday 9th May at the Scottish Parliament Gardens, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX.

To vote for Miles Briggs and Tómas in the pawblic vote please click here:

thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty 

– where you will also find the details of all the MSPs and their four-legged friends entered in this year’s competition. 

West Calder Rehoming Centre welcomes Christine Jardine MP

Local MP Christine Jardine MP was welcomed to Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre this month where she was greeted by a wagging tail reception.  

As well as a behind the scenes tour of the West Lothian centre, the MP for Edinburgh West chatted with Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner about the charity’s work in Scotland and in particular the recent expansion of the Home from Home fostering scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife.

The charity has recently employed its first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and has just placing its first dogs into foster homes in the Dundee area, with the aim of rehoming over 100 dogs locally every year.

Ms Jardine met some of the centre’s handsome hounds patiently waiting on their forever homes including loveable Shih Tzu, Tilly, who is looking to be rehomed with her best pal, Angel, a friendly border collie. 

Following her visit, Christine Jardine MP, said: “It was a pleasure to visit West Calder Rehoming Centre and to meet not only their dogs but also the excellent team who take care of them and work hard to find them their forever homes.

“The charity goes above and beyond for each individual dog, with some better suited to a foster home while they await their new families. One of the best parts of a great visit was hearing about the foster scheme and how people can get involved.  I would encourage anyone who is willing and able to look after a dog on a temporary basis to get in touch with Dogs Trust to find out more.”

Susan Tonner said: “It is clear Ms Jardine is a real dog lover, so it was lovely to meet her and show her around our Rehoming Centre, introducing her to some of our wonderful pooches.

“It was also a great opportunity for us to discuss the benefits of foster caring which is such an important part of our work. Ms Jardine was a real supporter of our Home from Home foster scheme and its continued growth within Scotland.”

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine. Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk

Anyone interested in rehoming Tilly, Angel or a four-legged friend can click here:

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/

Dogs Trust extends Home from Home Scheme

Dogs Trust has extended its successful Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife and is calling on locals to get in touch.

Megan Wilkinson has just been employed as Dogs Trust’s first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and is hoping to hear from dog loving locals who are willing to become foster carers, opening their hearts and homes to dogs that await their forever home. 

Megan said: ““Our Home from Home foster scheme is a very important part of Dog Trusts work finding new homes for every dog that comes into our care.  Some dogs are more suited to a home environment than kennels and these are the dogs that we look to place into a foster home.

“The long-lasting impact of the pandemic means some dog owners are finding themselves having to make very difficult decisions which may include giving up their pets. We need to be there for as many people and dogs as possible so increasing the number of foster carers we have is a positive way to increase our support during this challenging time.

“Expanding Home from Home into Dundee and the surrounding areas will allow us to provide more support in Scotland. I’m excited to be working within the local community to find forever homes for more dogs within Tayside, Perthshire, Fife and Angus and am keen to hear from locals who want to help us.”

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “Having the option of foster homes locally in and around the Dundee area is fantastic. It allows us to help local dogs more readily and also offers local people the opportunity to adopt a dog closer to home.

“Since the Home from Home scheme started at West Calder at the end of 2016, we have rehomed over 500 dogs through fostering. Last year we found new homes for 130 dogs through the scheme thanks to the wonderful help of 20 fosterers.  We are about to place our first dogs into foster in the Dundee area with our aim being to rehome over 100 every year.

“A lot of our current fosterers don’t want the long-term commitment of owning a dog but miss having a four-legged friend in their life. Fostering can be a perfect solution where you care for a rescue dog on a temporary basis. Thanks to our fosterers, we really get to know our dogs and how they are in a home environment, which enables us to match each individual dog with their perfect new home.

“To foster you must have the time and patience to help the dog adjust to their new surroundings and also be prepared to say goodbye when their forever home is found. As a fosterer you can be assured you have played a pivotal role in the successful happy future life of the dog and your next foster dog could be patiently waiting for your help.  We couldn’t do our vital work without our fosterers and we are so incredibly grateful to have their loyal support.”

Fosterers must have a love of dogs, a secure garden area, be at home most of the day and preferably not have young children.

Dogs Trust will support you every step of the way providing food, bedding and any other practical things you need to make your new canine friend feel at home.

The charity also covers the costs of all veterinary treatment and is working in partnership with Parkside Veterinary Group in Dundee. The length of time a dog is in foster care differs in each individual case.

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine.

Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email:

HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk