Dogs Trust shares Annual Report for 2024
More than 47,000 people enquired about giving up their dog.
Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has released its Annual Report for 2024, revealing insights into the pressures faced by the organisation.
Statistics reveal that more than 47,000 people contacted the charity throughout the year to enquire about giving up their dog.
Among the most common reasons people considered giving up their dog were feeling unable to cope with owning a dog (6.1 per cent) and the dog’s ‘unwanted behaviours’ (6.07 per cent). Other reasons included a change of job/working pattern, a change in accommodation and financial difficulties.
Dogs Trust has sought to prevent dogs being given up through its free Dog Trust Behaviour Support Line.
In 2024, the charity’s behaviour experts provided advice to over 8,000 dog owners to support them with keeping their pet. This is 2,000 more callers than the previous year.
The Community Clinical Animal Behaviour Team also provided intensive, one-to-one support to a further 2,259 dogs and owners.
Across 22 rehoming centres in the UK and Ireland, Dogs Trust has cared for over 11,700 dogs. Through the help of volunteer foster carers, it has gone on to rehome 9,914 of these dogs.
This is lower figure than 2023, when 10,612 dogs were rehomed.
Dogs Trust attributes this to an increase in dogs with complex behavioural and medical needs. These dogs require a longer stay in care, and so take longer to be ready for rehoming.
The charity, which receives no government funding, has also disclosed a £4.6m deficit in the past year. It explains that this deficit was planned, with the reserves used to develop new services.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “There’s no doubt that the rise in dog ownership since the pandemic, combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, has shifted the landscape for dogs and their owners. As a result, the animal welfare sector is continuing to experience unrelenting pressure.”
He added: “Despite the pressure on our services, we remain committed to supporting dogs and their owners. If you are struggling, we can offer support, training and advice to help keep you and your dog together. We’re here for you and your dog; please give us a call before you reach crisis point.”
Image © Shutterstock
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
