Dogs Trust Is Suspending All Adoptions Over Christmas

Animal charity Dogs Trust has confirmed it will be suspending all adoptions from their Rehoming Centre over the festive period.

They said that they noticed a heartbreaking 30% increase in people looking to give up their dog in January 2018, compared with the same time the year before.

For that reason, they’ll be halting adoptions from December 16 and restarting them again on January 5, 2019.

However, their Finglas centre will stay open over Christmas so people can visit the dogs and decide if they would like to adopt in the New Year.

Executive Director at Dogs Trust, Suzie Carley, said, "Each year we are saddened and worried by the number of people looking to relinquish their dog, especially in the first few months after Christmas.

“Owning a dog is a long-term commitment so we are urging those thinking of getting a dog to please wait and take due consideration at any time of the year but especially when thinking of getting a dog for Christmas.”

Dogs Trust revealed that they received 2,840 surrender requests from the public this year, with 897 of them coming in during the first three months of 2018.

A statement from the charity explained, ‘Christmas is not a good time to take on a new dog, especially a puppy.

‘It is critical that dogs are provided with basic training and positive socialisation experiences in those first few months to set them up for the best start in life. Many people, often with the very best intentions, are simply unable to provide this at a busy time like Christmas.’

They added that instead of getting a dog this Christmas, you could help a dog in need by sponsoring them or a Puppy PlayGroup via their website here.