Rather than buying a dog from a pet shop or breeder, many people choose to adopt a dog from a sanctuary.

Sanctuaries are often at stretching point: full of dogs, critically short of money, staff and resources.

By adopting, you are homing a poor doggy – which means one less mouth for the sanctuary to feed, and the donation it is customary to make will help them carry on doing their wonderful work.

What to consider before of adopting a dog

Just like the purchase of any animal, when adopting a dog you need to bear lots of things in mind. Getting a pet is a BIG commitment on par with having a child!

• Can you properly look after the dog?

You will have to feed, walk and provide living space for the dog’s whole life – not just a few years.

European dogs live on average for 12.8 years (that’s human years not doggy years!).

Dog food is expensive. It is a significant expense on a monthly basis, especially for bigger dogs.

• Do you rent your property?

Some landlords don’t allow pets, and unless you are prepared to break the rules it can take a lot of planning to find somewhere.

Can you guarantee that you will be able to find a pet friendly house for the next 12 years?

Useful article: You can read can read more information about what to consider before buying/adopting a pet here.

Where to adopt a dog

Here is a list of places we know of where you can adopt a dog in Ireland.

Unfortunately it’s not as big as we would like, so if you know of somewhere else do let us know via our contact form.

• Dogsaid
• DSPCA
• Last Hope Animal Charity
• Dogs in Distress
• Lost Dogs
• Blue Cross
• Irish Animals
• Madra
• Pets Ireland Forum
• Rainbow Rehoming
• Collon Animal Sanctuary
• ISPCA
• Wicklow SPCA
• Limerick Animal Welfare
• Friends of Animals Mullingar
• Roscommon Animals

Sponsor a dog

Don’t be put off if you are worried about being able to look after a dog. The alternative to adopting a dog is sponsoring one.

This way you can still really help out dog sanctuaries as  sponsorships and donations are usually their only source of income.

In sponsoring a dog you are helping sanctuaries to rehome more dogs, so it is hugely appreciated.

Contact one of the sites above, or pick from the list below.

Where to sponsor a dog

• Paws.ie
• DSPCA
• Dogs Trust
• Irish Guide dogs for the Blind
• Cork Dog Action Welfare Group
• East Galway Animal Rescue
• ASPCA

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According to Vicki McGonigal in the Burlington County Times an oral examination should be carried out at least once a year, and teeth should be brushed at least three times a week. Dental chew are also reportedly helpful.

“If teeth become filled with plaque, pets can get periodontal disease. That can lead to kidney, heart, liver and other health problems.”

Read more.

Compare and review pet insurance in Ireland.

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Switzerland is holding a referendum on whether domesticated animals should have a right to be represented by a lawyer, seeing the country potentially becoming a leading exponent of animal welfare rights.

“Humans accused of animal cruelty can hire a lawyer or get one assigned but animals can’t,” said Antoine Goetschel, a lawyer quoted in the Times “Which is where I come in.”

Antoine Goetschel was appointed an “animal advocate” in 2007 by the canton of Zurich, a scheme which has been a success according to many. Over 100,000 signatures have been raised to expand the expirment futher.

However the government and farmers unions are against the idea, fearing it will lead to increased legislation.

A pet insurance expert from PetInsuranceIreland.com comments “Looking after animals is extremely important. We should do everything we can to improve the welfare of both pets and farm animals – who are all too often the forgotten victims of cruelty.”

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Some of you might be sick of the snow (and ice!), but who can resist a snow puppy

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Awww now weren’t they lovely?

We are going to break the promise about talking about serious stuff.

Here are some tips on looking after your pets in the snow / cold weather:

• Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time. Never leave a dog outside for any longer than 10 minutes in very low temperatures. As little as half an hour can cause damage to your dog.
• Don’t let your dog off the leash in snow. More pets are lost in winter than any other time. Dogs are more likely to lose a scent and become disorientated in snowy conditions.
• Properly clean the snow off your dog. Dogs can lick foreign bodies like grit, antifreeze, or other poisons. Make sure you thoroughly clean the dog, from the stomach to paws.
• Keep your dog warm when outside if short coated. Some dogs have shorter coats than others, and get colder more easilly.
• Trim hair around paws. This will make it easier to remove ice and snow.
• Feed your dog more. If your dog is outside or colder because it is winter, you will need to feed your dog more.

Here are some useful links for snow/winter care of dogs (or puppies!):

• ASPCA – Cold Weather Tips
• Winter Health and Safety Tips for Dogs

PetInsuranceIreland.com – Compare and review pet insurance in Ireland.

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Every year people buy dogs as Christmas presents, and just months later animal shelters are filled with the same dogs. Above 10,000 dogs were destroyed in Ireland in 2008. That’s the equivalent of 27 dogs every day.

The ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ slogan is just as relevant today as it was when it was created by the charity 31 years ago. Some of the reasons that we hear of dogs being abandoned are truly outrageous and saddening, and we are bracing ourselves for the inevitable over the Christmas period.

“Having a dog is a long-term commitment and Christmas gives us the opportunity to remind people that dogs are not fashion accessories or disposable items that can be upgraded or discarded after just a few months.

Dogs Trust executive director Mark Beazley

Read more:

• Independant.ie
• Dogs Trust

Compare and review pet insurance on PetInsuranceIreland.com

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