Dogs Trust has announced that they will suspend the rehoming of dogs from their centre over the festive period to prevent people rushing out to get a dog for Christmas.
The dog welfare charity say the holiday season is not a good time to take on a new dog, especially a puppy.
It is critical that dogs are provided with basic training and positive socialisation experiences in those first few months to set them up for the best start in life but many people do not have the time to do this over Christmas.
Today will be the last rehoming day and the charity will restart adoptions again on 4 January 2020.
Executive Director at Dogs Trust, Becky Bristow, said: “Dogs Trust coined the phrase ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas over 40 years ago and sadly it is still as relevant today as it was then.
"Each year we are saddened and worried by the number of people looking to relinquish their dog, especially in the first few months after Christmas.
"It’s no surprise that January continues to have the highest number of surrender requests and reinforces our need to go out with our message every year that ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
"We hope that by spreading this message that it will remind people that a dog is a long-term commitment and will encourage people to wait and consider adding a dog to their family in the New Year instead, when the festivities have died down.
"We would encourage those who have made the decision to get a dog in the New Year to consider adopting from your local rescue centre, local pound or Dogs Trust and give a rescue dog the best second chance in life.”
The charity's centre in Finglas will remain open to the public over Christmas so that people can visit all the dogs looking for homes and start the rehoming process with a view to adopting in the New Year.
