Sadly, sometimes dog owners feel unable to care adequately for their dog anymore, whether it's due to health and welfare or behavioural concerns, or simply an inability to afford the cost.
If you’re worried about being able to care for your dog for any reason, The Royal Kennel Club is here to help and support you. Below we have outlined some of the things you can do, including where to find help during this difficult time.
Behavioural issues
Being at home more, perhaps with more people than usual in the house as well, may have affected your dog’s normal routine. Then, if the situation changed again, it may have caused behavioural changes. This was a common problem throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and we had advice for all owners about how to best care for your dog during the coronavirus outbreak. This included how to keep them stimulated, and advice on helping an unhappy dog.
However, if you are still struggling with your dog’s behaviour, an experienced trainer or dog behaviour expert might be able to help - you can find Royal Kennel Club Accredited Instructors and Good Citizen Dog Training scheme training clubs to assist you. No dog is too old to learn or change their behaviour, and training classes and advice is available for every age and ability - pedigrees, crossbreeds and rescue dogs are all welcomed.
Remember, many behavioural issues have simple solutions and you can work through it together, rather than considering giving your dog up all together.
Our friends at Blue Cross also run a Behaviour Helpline. To reach them, you can call: 0300 777 1975.
Financial concerns
The cost of living crisis is impacting many people. Perhaps you are unable to continue to pay for essentials like food, vets bills or insurance for your dog. If you find yourself in this position, charities like PDSA may be able to help you with vet costs, some insurance policies can be flexible, and often, friends and family can help too. Local food banks may also be able to help with pet food supplies, and some Royal Kennel Club Breed Rescues may be able to offer support to help you care for your dog during difficult times.
Health worries
Vets are there to help if your dog is sick or injured, and to give you advice.
If you are concerned about your own health and the impact it’s having on being able to care for your dog, support is available from various online local community groups and charities, including The Cinnamon Trust. The Cinnamon Trust is a specialist national charity that helps the elderly and vulnerable look after their much-loved and much-needed companion animals. Their network of over 17,000 volunteers across the UK helps owners provide vital loving care for their pets, and helps keep them together, be it through walking dogs or fostering when owners are in hospital or feeling unwell and can't care for their dog.
If you still feel you can no longer keep your dog…
- For a short-term issue, could a friend or family member take care of your dog until you are able to?
- Are there any local kennels that could support you?
- If your dog is still a puppy, please speak to your breeder before making any decisions. Any responsible breeder will want to help and ensure the puppy is cared for
- Giving up your dog need only be a last resort. Charities will do their best to advise and help you to manage your dog. Please speak to our Royal Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations who are dedicated to helping owners and dogs during difficult times. They have specialist knowledge about their particular breeds and can advise on all sorts of issues and care that the dogs require
We understand how difficult the situation is for everyone at the moment, but please don’t just dump your dog or try to re-sell it online – there are many organisations here to support you and your dog however they can. Your puppy’s breeder or a rescue centre will be much better equipped to rehome your dog responsibly – with the right owners – ensuring they get the care they need and a forever home which is suited to them. This is especially crucial if your dog has any behavioural or health issues.
PDSA, Dog’s Trust, Battersea, Blue Cross and the Association of Cats and Dogs Home all have further support and information available on their websites.
