55% of NI dog owners don’t have an emergency plan in place for pets
Last updated 5th Aug 2021
Dogs Trust Ballymena are urging owners to think ahead and make provisions for the care of their dog should they become seriously ill or pass away.
According to data from Dogs Trust’s latest research, owners could be putting their dogs in a vulnerable position by not making provisions for their care. Almost a third (32%) of the dog owners surveyed in Northern Ireland by the charity admitted that they have not even thought about what would happen in that scenario.
Worryingly, 46% of respondents in Northern Ireland also said that whilst 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 a further 7% said they do not have anyone who would be able to help.
Dogs Trust are encouraging the public to sign up to their free Canine Care Card Service, to ensure their dog can be cared for by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity at one of their state-of-the-art rehoming centres.
Updating your Will to include your Canine Care Card information and notifying friends and family of your wishes will ensure the process is dealt with as smoothly as possible when the time comes.
Conor O’Kane, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said:
“Recent world events have shown that 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 that 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.”
For more information or to sign up for a Canine Care Card visit dogstrust.org.uk/ccc
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