Dogs Trust > Information > Poppy's Opinions > Age restrictions >
Whilst lazily dozing in my bed at the Dogs Trust office (us lurchers love to relax you know) I have heard important talk on the subject of buying pets. Let me explain…
I was born in a Dogs Trust rehoming centre. I am lucky - I was given a great new home as a puppy, but there are many dogs - puppies and adults alike that are in rehoming centres for longer periods. It is clear that puppies are bought for a child due to pester power, or have been bought by a young person who has not realised the commitment involved in looking after a dog. Then when the novelty has worn off or the ‘cute’ puppy has turned into a boisterous teenager, the dog ends up in a rehoming centre looking for a new home…that is of course, the lucky ones who have not just been abandoned!
As part of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 – which comes into effect as of April 2007 – it will be an offence to sell live vertebrates, including dogs to someone under the age of 16 years (an increase on the previous age restriction of 12 years). The same applies to giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under 16 years of age.
This new law is intended to prevent purchase on a whim, without parental consent and to ensure that proper thought is given to the care and welfare of a new pet. Hopefully this will mean that less people get a dog on impulse, and therefore fewer dogs are ‘given up’. That said ‘owning’ a dog if you are under the age of 16 years will not be against the law; for instance an older family member can still buy a dog for a younger member of the family.
Dogs Trust supports this change in law. Consideration of the long-term commitment and responsibility that dog ownership involves, including the time, effort and money spent over the dog’s lifetime is very important. A dog should only be given a new home after long hard consideration of what will be needed. Owning a dog is a huge change to your lifestyle. There are lots of practicalities to think of, with the whole family being involved. The average lifespan of a dog is 13 years, and costs of around £8,000 over its lifetime can be expected, so there is a lot to think about!
However, Dogs Trust does recognise the benefits of dog ownership for both young persons and their pet and it would be a shame if young people were not given the chance to enjoy time with animals as well as learn how to care for them. My human colleagues’ experience is that teaching compassion, care and respect towards canine companions can enrich children's lives in many ways. Learning about another animal and their companionship can help develop a child’s self-esteem and confidence; responsibility can be learnt by feeding and grooming their pet and taking them to the vets; communication and teamwork skills can be built when a youngster trains and takes time out for play with their fluffy friend. There are health benefits also, especially if both child and dog love good walks, or if they just love running around together like I do with my owner’s niece and nephew.
Dogs Trust Education Officers give talks in schools to encourage responsible ownership, with the aim of encouraging children to understand the work, time and money that goes into being a good dog owner - and to discourage pester power!
When we rehome dogs from our centres, we take every care to ensure the new owner is fully committed to the dog. Along with other steps the whole family generally need to visit their prospective new pet. This is to ensure that every member of the family wants a new addition to their home and to make sure that everyone understands how to care for their new companion. This in turn helps to avoid dogs being returned to our centres – an unfair and potentially stressful experience for a dog that is in need of a ‘forever’ home. We do not let any dogs leave our centres at certain times around Christmas (as the festive season is not the best time to introduce a new dog to the home), and our Adopters have to be 18 years or over. This highlights our position that a dog is for life; that real consideration needs to be made before committing to a life long friendship.
My question to you is: What are your comments on age restrictions for buying a pet? As of April 2007 the Animal Welfare Act 2006 means that a person who purchases a pet will need to be at least 16 years of age. Do you think this is fair?
Email me at Poppy@dogstrust.org.uk or write to me with your comments!
Poppy also says:
For more information on the Animal Welfare Act 2006 contact Dogs Trust Information Officer on 0207 833 7657 or the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 08459 335577.
Dogs Trust is opposed to the sale of puppies through pet shop and other retail outlets as they can encourage impulse buying. Of course, if you are thinking of having a four legged addition to the family we encourage you to visit one of our re-homing centres where there may be a dog waiting for a loving home like yours.
Alternatives to dog ownership, as a young person:
Volunteer at your local dog rescue centre – this will help a good cause and help the volunteer gain experience of how to care for dogs - visit the relevant centre for more details. Each centre will vary regarding age restrictions. At Dogs Trust the minimum age for volunteers is 18 but we are always in need of fundraising which is not generally age restricted.
Sponsor a Dog at Dogs Trust - visit www.dogstrust.org.uk, Sponsor A Dog section. Maybe your family or a friend can sponsor one of our longer term residents.
Explore ways of becoming involved in working with dogs: use CLIPS leaflets at your local careers centre or call Dogs Trust Information Officer on 0207 833 7657.
Volunteer to help those who are not capable of taking out their dogs as much as they would like. Enquire at your local volunteer bureau, Age Concern or the Cinnamon Trust.
Here are your comments so far...
Hi, i'm Cliodhna and i'm twelve. I live in Ireland. I think that you should be able to buy dogs at any age over 12. I love my dog and i would have hated it if i didnt get her! I'm a very responsible dog owener, i work really hard to train my dog e.g. shes only 12 weeks and shes half way through paper training, she also knows how to come sit stay heel etc. I think that if your responsible enough you should be aloud a dog at any age!
Cliodhna xoxox
p.s keep up the good work!I still think 16 is too young, 18 at least, then only if the person is screened for being fit to care properly for the said Animal.
G Duffy.
Hi our names are Curly and Pips and we are elderly old dogs but even though our bodys may be creaking a bit our minds are still sharp and we remember when our family got us from the Rescue Centre. My whole family including our boys came and saw us, walked us, and spent time with us so it was mutually decided by us all that we would live together. Our boys were at the time 11yrs and 7yrs and although their views were taken into account the final grown up decisions were made by Mum, myself and Pips. Age is important and anyone who is thinking of getting someone like me and Pips needs to be in a position to look after us both financially as well as emotionally.
Unfortunately, some young children want us, and then get bored as they get older and can spend more time with their friends and that is when we often just get accidentally lost, or left to roam and we sadly become one of many straying dogs wandering the streets of housing estates. I hope and Pips hopes that with the introduction of the higher age restriction less dogs will be bought to please a child on its birthday/xmas and if a young child really wants someone like me we will still find each other when they are older.
Mum, Pips and I found each other when I was old, soulmates always will find each other no matter how long you have to wait.
Thanks and Woofs Curly and Pips
Dear Poppy, I think that its great that you brought up the topic about age restrictions. You hear all thease stories of dogs been left on park benches and so on. Well Done Poppy! Yours Sincerly. Miss Shauna Gannon
Should be over 21 and maybe have to pass a test
Anon
