Are plans in place for pet if worst happens?

CALLS FOR DOG OWNERS TO GET FREE CARE CARD

A Dog charity is urging owners to think ahead and make provisions for the care of their pet in case they become seriously ill or die.

Dogs Trust is calling on owners to carry a free Canine Care Card so their pet can be automatically cared for by the charity should the worst happen unexpectedly.

Over half (59 per cent) of dog owners in the East Midlands have not made any plans about who would take ownership of their dog if the worst were to happen, according to Dogs Trust’s research.

The findings suggested owners could be putting their dogs in a vulnerable position by not making provisions for their care, with almost a third (29 per cent) surveyed in the area admitting they had not even thought about what would happen in that scenario.

Half of the respondents in the East Midlands also said that while 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 more than one in 10 said they do not have anyone who would be able to help – which the charity said was a cause for concern.

Dogs Trust’s free Canine Care Card service ensures the dog can be cared for by the charity at one of its rehoming centres.

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 the animal and to sign it over dog to Dogs Trust in the interim if the owner is unable to care for it.

Dogs Trust said it also recommends updating a will to include 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.

Ella Tonge, supporter relations officer at Dogs Trust Loughborough, said: “Recent world events have shown 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 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.”

Twelve-year-old border collie Shepherd arrived at Dogs Trust Loughborough in June after his owner had signed up for the Canine Care Card Service.

Less than a month later, after spending time in a loving foster home, Shepherd was adopted by Stine Van Dijk and Matthew Bridge, from East Leake.

Stine said: “He is really great and he definitely doesn’t act his age.

“He has obviously been very well cared for previously and we are so glad we’ve been able to give him another loving home.

“He is bubbly and lively and loves his walks, as well as playing with all his toys, particularly his tennis balls.

“We have chickens and he just leaves them alone and relaxes in the garden while they do their thing. We just want him to be happy, which he certainly seems to be.”

The charity launched a TV advert this week, encouraging people to consider signing up for a free Canine Care Card.

The advert depicts the close bond between crossbreed Wilf and his owner, Tom, including Wilf’s penchant for stealing Tom’s underpants. Tom dies, but had signed up to Dogs Trust’s Canine Care Card, meaning Wilf was taken in by the charity.