Dogs Trust launches new support for owners considering giving up their dog 

Dogs Trust Manchester is highlighting its new rehoming service, Homestay, for those who need immediate support to rehome their dog but can still care for them until the charity finds them a new home.    

Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, has received over 28,000 enquiries from owners so far this year, needing help to rehome their dog. Homestay was created as kennels and foster homes are consistently full, and to help owners before they reach a crisis point in giving up their dog, such as selling their dog online, or giving them away.  

Homestay allows dogs to remain in their current home until Dogs Trust matches them with a new one. Moving directly from one home to another means they don't have to spend any time in kennels, which is significantly better for their welfare.  And, because dogs stay with their owners throughout the process, Dogs Trust can gain valuable insight into their personalities, routines, and individual needs helping to find their new homes much quicker.  As a result, trial periods have found that dogs find a new home on average within 14 days, compared with the current average stay of 58.5 days in Dogs Trust rehoming centres.     

Nationally, Dogs Trust has supported more than 700 dogs via Homestay already this year, and to ensure they can help as many dogs and owners as possible, Dogs Trust is urging any dog owners facing struggles with their dog to make the charity their first call. The earlier people get in touch, the more they can do to understand each individual situation, and recommend the most suitable support. If behaviour challenges are contributing to the decision, the charity has a range of behaviour services to help dogs and their owners stay together, or, if the owner needs to rehome their dog but can keep caring for them until a new home is found, the charity may recommend Homestay, following a pre-intake assessment.   

One dog who found her new home through Homestay is Nala, a Bernese Mountain Dog-Collie cross, who was reserved within just three days.    

Nala came into Dogs Trust’s care after struggling to cope when left alone in her previous home. While she passed her pre-intake assessment, she showed signs of stress in the kennel environment, meaning kennels would likely be a worrying place for her. Combined with her separation-related behaviours, this led the team to suggest Homestay - giving her the chance to remain at home while waiting for the right adopter.  

Following a couple of successful meets, Nala went home with her new family. Three months on, she has settled beautifully and is very content. Her family says her confidence grows day by day, and they feel incredibly lucky to have her. She has even celebrated her second birthday with a party and a special doggy cake.   

Nala’s story is a wonderful example of how Homestay can make a real difference for dogs, especially dogs who may find the kennel environment particularly challenging.  Moving directly from one home to another helps reduce stress levels for the dog, whilst also freeing up valuable kennel space for other dogs who need Dogs Trust’s care.   

Jake Flatman, Dogs Trust’s Head of Rehoming at Dogs Trust Manchester said: “We know that giving up a dog is an incredibly difficult decision, but we want people to call us the minute they need help, rather than when they reach the point of crisis.’’  

“The earlier people get in touch, the more we can do to understand their situation and help find the most suitable support. If behaviour challenges are contributing to the decision our behaviour services – like our Behaviour Support Line - may be able to help dogs and their owners stay together. But, if giving up a dog is the right choice, we’ll support them every step of the way and find them the best option to rehome their dog.”  

Dogs Trust is encouraging anyone who thinks they may no longer be able to care for their dog to get in touch as early as possible. If Homestay isn’t right for you and your pet, Dogs Trust can discuss the options available, which may include behavioural support or coming into the rehoming centre.  Asking for help early isn’t giving up; it can give a dog the best chance of finding a positive outcome.   

If you are struggling and feel you may have to give up your dog, contact the charity as soon as possible. Call 0303 003 0000 to speak to a member of the Dogs Trust team or to read more about Homestay, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/homestay