Online searches for 'buy a puppy' have increased by 120 per cent.
Dogs Trust has temporarily changed its famous strapline to ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’ following a significant rise in online searches to get a puppy during COVID-19.
Figures released by the charity show that online searches for 'buy a puppy' increased 120 per cent in the month following lockdown, while 'adopt a puppy' saw an even bigger rise of 133 per cent.
Whether people are getting a dog for companionship, or because they are around more to train them, Dogs Trust fears there could be a spike in people giving up their dog when life returns to normal.
“Dog ownership can be so rewarding, but it’s also a huge responsibility which is why we are reminding people today that ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’”, said Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust chief executive.
“Like Christmas, when people are at home more, they might think now is the perfect time to get a dog. For some people, this will be the case, but we’re asking people to consider when the lockdown lifts how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend.”
Dogs Trust has compiled an online quiz for potential new dog owners to help them decide if they are 'dog ready'. Besides questions such as 'Are you ready to forego lie-ins'? It also asks more serious questions about veterinary care and preparing for emergencies.
The campaign is being supported by television presenter and Dogs Trust supporter Graham Norton, who said: “Please remember that life will go back to ‘normal’ at some point with people returning to work and school, and when this happens you need to think about whether you can still fit a dog into your life.
"Taking a look at Dogs Trust’s ‘are you dog ready’ test is a great place to start if you’re thinking about getting a dog.”
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
