Dog A-Z > A > Alternatives to dog ownership

Alternatives to dog ownership

If your lifestyle or circumstances just aren’t right to give a dog a home at the moment, then how can you still get some of the benefits of doggy ownership? There are several ways:-

• Volunteer dog walking at your local Rehoming Centre.  You need to be 16 or over to help out with walking dogs and must be available to do this on a regular basis. If you want close contact with dogs, but can’t have one then this may be the best option for you. Please contact your nearest Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre for more information.
 
• Sponsoring a dog. If you like the idea of having a doggy friend without all of the responsibilities that come with it, consider joining the Sponsor a Dog Scheme. Certain dogs are very unlikely to be rehomed because of behavioural, medical or age related problems. Because we never destroy a healthy dog, these dogs will spend the rest of their days in the care of our Rehoming Centres. Sponsoring your chosen dog gives you the opportunity of having regular updates, visiting and perhaps taking them for walks. By paying a nominal amount each week, you know that a special dog in our care has the home comforts provided by your kindness. Your donation will also help other dogs in our care.

• You could become a professional dog walker or pet sitter – as long as you already have enough experience and expertise.

• You could volunteer to help those who aren’t capable of taking out their dogs as much as they’d like. Enquire at your local volunteer bureau, Age Concern or the Cinnamon Trust.