Making every dog count
Teddy, an abandoned puppy who was found ill and alone in a Dublin industrial estate at just 10 weeks old, found his forever home through Dogs Trust Ireland and is now a proud ambassador for the Dog Census project. Image courtesy of Dogs Trust Ireland.
In partnership with Dogs Trust Ireland
The first Dogs Trust Ireland national dog census will gather information on dog ownership and the challenges faced by owners. It also seeks to understand how issues like the cost of living and scarcity in the housing market are affecting dogs and their owners.
Dogs Trust Ireland has launched Ireland's first Dog Census to gather information about the country's dog population and their needs. The census aims to address the ongoing dog crisis in Ireland, which has seen a rise in surrender and abandonment rates. It also seeks to understand how issues like the cost of living and scarcity in the housing market are affecting dogs and their owners. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 people have considered giving up their dog as a result of issues such as expenses related to dog ownership, including food, veterinary care, and other supplies, which may be a financial strain for some owners in the current economic climate.
By collecting data on dog ownership and the challenges faced by owners, Dogs Trust Ireland hopes to better understand the needs of dogs and provide improved support and services. The information gathered will also be used to shape future campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving dog welfare in Ireland. Members of the public, including both dog owners and dog lovers, are encouraged to participate in the census by completing a short questionnaire.
Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland, says: “Ireland’s Dog Census is a first of its kind initiative that can help us shape the campaigns, services and support we offer. Sadly, Ireland is still in the midst of a dog crisis and we’re seeing hundreds of surrender and abandonment cases every month. Dog welfare is an ever-changing landscape and having the most up-to-date and accurate information about the lives of our canine companions can go a long way in helping us to help them. We’re asking dog owners and dog lovers alike to tell us about the furry friends in their lives so that we can help every dog live life to the fullest.”
If you would like to shape the future of dog welfare in Ireland and help Dogs Trust Ireland to ‘Count every dog, so every dog counts’, visit DogCensus.ie to take part in the census.