Dog Rescues in Dorset notice rise in puppy sales, despite cost-of-living crisis
They've said buying a dog as a present is "not a good idea"
Dog rescues in Dorset are seeing a rise in puppy sales in the lead-up to Christmas, despite rescuers urging people not to buy a pet as a present.
Ginny Roberts from Waggy Tails Rescue in Wimborne said:
“I’m not sure that giving a dog as a present is something that should be considered.”
She told us, parents should not buy a dog just to please their children because they will not be responsible for it. She said:
“Children have a habit of wanting something and then losing interest so getting a dog for them is not a good idea.”
She echoes the sentiment provided by the Dogs Trust over 40 years ago, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’.
She adds: “When you take on a dog, you are essentially taking on another member of your family, it is a big decision that needs to be agreed upon by everyone in the family.”
Owning a dog comes with huge financial responsibilities, although the initial purchase is often one lump sum that is only the beginning.
Ginny urges people to consider the costs that come with owning a dog such as regular expenses on food, insurance, vaccinations, veterinary bills, dental care and grooming costs with little added extras such as toys, coats and leads.
The RSPCA has already reported that existing dog owners are struggling with the financial burden that comes with pet ownership saying, animal shelters are ‘drowning in animals’ amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
Dogs Trust has also seen a big rise in the number of people trying to rehome their pets this year. Between January 1st and October 31st, Dogs Trust received 42,000 inquiries from dog owners about rehoming, a rise of almost 50% from the previous year.
Before impulsively buying a dog on Christmas Eve, the Dogs Trust is urging people to think about the lifelong commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a dog.