The Dogs Trust Contact Centre in Denton has had one of its busiest ever years, handling more than 1,000 calls a day over the last 12 months for its national rehoming operation. 

The charity says the volume of calls demonstrates that its services are needed more than ever - with the pressures of the cost of living especially making it increasingly difficult for people to afford to look after and keep their dogs.

The charity has received vital funding from the Postcode Lottery to continue to help dog owners in need. 

Paul Roelake, Operations Customer Experience Manager at Dogs Trust, said: "It is heart-breaking to know that so many people are struggling to afford to look after their pets, but we are doing all that we can to help and be there for the people who need us, whether it is for advice or to if they have made the decision to give up their dog. 

"Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, last year their support was able to help us fund the ever-growing need for the Dogs Trust Contact Centre, by funding it for six months. Their support has made such a huge difference in helping us be there for dog owners in need." 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "The sheer scale of the work carried out last year by the Dogs Trust Contact Centre is a stark reminder of financial implications of looking after a dog. Funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Dogs Trust can maintain support to struggling owners, giving them a lifeline by offering training, advice, and food. It is an amazing service that helps to keep pets with their owners bringing wellbeing benefits to both.” 

Dogs Trust, the UK’s biggest canine charity, received a record number of enquiries last year – more than 50,000 – from dog owners being forced to make tough decisions. There is a danger that this year could be even worse: by 26 January, the charity had already received 5,076 handover requests – a 55 per cent increase from the same period in 2022. 

The Contact Centre will continue to work with the rest of the Dogs Trust team to help as many dogs and their owners as possible throughout 2023 and beyond.

Dogs Trust’s Contact Centre can be contacted Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, on 020 7837 0006 or at info@dogstrust.org.uk 

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