THE DOG’S Trust Kenilworth is reaching full capacity as more people are forced to give up their pets due to the spiralling cost of living.
And as a result, the dog shelter, based in Honiley, is not only calling for dog foster carers to help out but is joining with other animal welfare charities to urge the Government to provide urgent, targeted support for pet owners. This would involve removing VAT on dog food and veterinary services, including medicines, for an initial period of 12 months.
This, say Dog’s Trust, could be critical to many pet owners at a time when interest rates as well as costs for energy, food and fuel have all rapidly increased.
Dog’s Trust research has found that 77 per cent of pet owners have seen the cost of pet food rise, with 43 per cent saying the same for veterinary care, while ten per cent have delayed seeking veterinary treatment due to the cost.
The average price of a tin of dog food has gone up by around 35 per cent in the last year and the annual cost of keeping a dog now sits at £2,000.
Sarah Hobbs, from Dogs Trust Kenilworth, told the Observer they had received a record number of enquiries from people looking to hand over their dogs as they could no longer afford to look after them.
She continued: “We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched. We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible. ”
As a temporary solution, Dog’s Trust Kenilworth is calling on dog lovers to become volunteer foster carers and provide temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes who have nowhere else to turn.
Sarah explained: “Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own. We cover the essential costs and you’ll be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home.”
Foster carers open their homes to dogs on a temporary basis until they are able to be matched to their forever families. Dogs Trust Kenilworth currently has 29 volunteer foster carers, one of which is Elaine Rawlinson who began fostering in 2021 and has gone on to look after 18 dogs large and small, from elderly Terriers to two-week old puppies and now Norwegian Elkhound, Casper.
Elaine said: “I love the company of animals and have always had dogs in my life, so I decided I wanted to help those in greatest need.
“Being a foster carer is absolute joy and it is the best feeling to know that you’ve given a dog stability and love while they are waiting for their forever family to come along.”
To apply to become a volunteer foster carer visit dogstrust.org.uk/foster or call 020 7837 0006.
