The charity warns of a “tipping point" as dogs require longer, more specialised support.
A major new dog welfare strategy focusing on rehoming, prevention and international work has been launched by Dogs Trust.
The charity says the shift comes in response to an increase in the length of time dogs are staying in its care, alongside a growing need for more specialist behavioural interventions.
So far this year, Dogs Trust has rehomed 3,423 dogs — a figure roughly the same as last year. However, the charity warned that canine welfare is reaching a "tipping point" as dogs remain in its care for longer.
According to Dogs Trust, there has been a noticeable shift in the reasons why so many dogs are coming into its care. An increasing number of dogs are arriving with behavioural issues, requiring longer and more specialised care.
At the same time, owners are facing growing pressures, including shifting post-pandemic working patterns and the rising cost of living.
Among the most common reasons for handover are owners no longer being able to cope, unwanted behaviours and changes in health, housing or working patterns.
Chief executive Owen Sharp stressed that many owners are struggling long before they reach out to rescue centres.
“We cannot simply rehome our way out of this,” he said. “Our focus now is on being there earlier, preventing dogs from reaching crisis point, and helping more dogs both here in the UK and around the world.”
Under the new strategy, the charity aims to provide more expert support for dogs in care, greater help for owners, and earlier intervention. By 2027, Dogs Trust aims to increase its re-homing rate by 27 per cent and provide support to some three million dogs globally every year.
The strategy is being officially launched at St James’s Palace, by kind permission of Dogs Trust’s Patron, His Majesty The King. The event will mark a major moment in the charity’s 135-year history.
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