Two new funds to support vulnerable dogs and their owners have been announced by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT).
The first of the two funds follows the success of the Kennel Club’s ‘Double the Pawprint’ Christmas campaign and will enable organisations to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support dog wellbeing through the following:
- ‘post-Christmas presents’ for rescue dogs – spending the funds on enrichment toys and treats for dogs in rescue and welfare organisations
- post-lockdown training – any charities offering access to dog training classes can apply for a grant
- core costs – to support the costs of necessities like veterinary bills and food for smaller rescue organisations.
Revd. Bill King, chairman of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, commented: “Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of individuals donating to the ‘Double the Pawprint’ Christmas campaign in 2021, £66,000 was raised to support dog welfare in the UK. Seeing the positive impact of the work we were able to facilitate, we were keen to continue beyond Christmas.
“We encourage any charity who cares for dogs to apply by submitting no more than two sides of A4 detailing the purpose for which the grant is sought and approximately how many dogs will benefit. We look forward to helping more dogs through this fund during 2022.”
The second fund - The Chelsea and Mr French Fund - launched earlier this month to help dogs and their owners in difficult situations and give emergency assistance to individuals at risk of being separated from their pets.
Named after two important canine companions, this fund is open to charities that support owners and their pets by providing urgent short-term foster care, allowing owners to focus on their own safety and wellbeing until they can be reunited.
Fund founder Ms Seymour commented: “Through times of personal, physical and emotional crisis, my wonderful dogs would not leave my side. But when I needed care outside the home, I waited an inordinate amount of time to receive this because I had no one to look after my two dogs. It’s an awful position to be in.
“I want to ensure that we can give support to vulnerable people who are in need of temporary care for their dogs. Whether this is due to critical illness or an untenable domestic situation - support should be there for the dogs in a secure, loving and supportive environment until such time they can be safely reunited.”
More information on both funds - including deadlines for applications and how to apply - is available at kennelclubcharitabletrust.org
Image (C) Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
