‘A Dog Is For Life®, Not Just For Lockdown’

Dogs Trust asks the nation: is now really the right time for you to get a dog? 
 Charity concerned about impending puppy crisis as online searches to ‘get a puppy’ rise by 120% 

​DogsTrust is asking the public to weigh up if they  are actually  ready for the realities of dog ownership before taking the leap, as searches to get a dog have shot up in the past month  while the country is on lockdown.  

image (c) The Dogs Trust
The charity is concerned there may be a spike in people giving up their dog when normality resumes and reality sinks in. This is the sad state of affairs  that often follows Christmas when people also get dogs on a whim. 
 
Dog ownership can be rewarding, but caring for a dog when you are at home 24/7 is not the norm, so the charity is temporarily tweaking its famous slogan to ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’ to get everyone to think twice before going ahead with a puppy purchase. 
 
In the long-term, are you ready… 

• To completely change your schedule (& give up lie ins!) 

• For more time spent at home or the expense of a dog sitter/walker  
• For walks in all weather  
• To devote time to training, games and fun with your furry friend 
• To spend £££s every month on food, treats, insurance & other doggy essentials 
• For furniture covered in hair

• To think for two - a night out, a holiday or a weekend away all mean planning for your pooch too! 
• To be chief pooper scooper 
• To learn the language of your dog so you can give them everything they need​

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Dogs Trust’s Chief Executive, Owen Sharp, said: 
 “Dog ownership can be so rewarding, but it’s also a huge responsibility which is why we are reminding people today that ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’.  
 Like Christmas, when people are at home more, they might think now is the perfect time to get a dog. For some people this will be the case, but we’re asking people to consider when the lockdown lifts how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend.  
 We’re encouraging potential dog owners to carry out our test (see below) to find out if you’re Dog Ready. Are you ready to be chief pooper scooper? Are you ready to forego a lie in ever again? As well as more serious questions around vet treatment and preparing for emergencies. If there is still a dog- shaped space in your life, then it may be the right time for you.” 

Graham Norton, owner of Labradoodle Bailey, TV presenter and Dogs Trust supporter said: 
 “As a dog owner myself, I know how much joy four-legged friends bring to our lives. I’ve certainly found that my gorgeous dog, Bailey, has taken the boredom out of lockdown for me, and I’ve really enjoyed spending even more time with him than usual.   However, whilst the thought of introducing a cute, fluffy pooch to your family right now might be appealing, I fully support Dogs Trust’s important message,  ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’. Don’t forget that you still have to walk a dog on a rainy evening and pick up their poo in the dark!  
 
Please remember that life will go back to ‘normal’ at some point with people returning to work and school, and when this happens you need to think about whether you can still fit a dog into your life. Taking a look at Dogs Trust’s ‘are you dog ready’ test is a great place to start if you’re thinking seriously about getting a dog.” 
 
Dogs Trust are asking people to take the test and see how ‘dog-ready’ they actually are. If you think you are ready for a dog, although centres are closed to the public, rehoming is happening on a limited basis. Please see website for details.  Take the fun test here.