Leading animal charity Dogs Trust is bringing its 'dog fostering' scheme to Dundee.
The Home from Home initiative sees doggy foster carers look after a pup for a short period of time while they wait to find their forever home.
Working with Parkside Vets, Dogs Trust will link temporary parents with prospective pooches.
The charity will cover food, bedding, virtual training and any vet treatment costs until the dog finds a permanent home to call their own.
Megan Wilkinson, local Home from Home co-ordinator, says the scheme is a great way of both helping dogs and providing companionship to those who aren't ready to commit to a pet of their own.
She said: “Expanding our Home from Home program into the northeast is a fantastic way to provide more support to dog lovers across the country, as well as their four-legged friends."
Dogs Trust has been rolling out its fostering scheme amid a rise in calls from people who have adopted dogs during the pandemic - only to realise they can't keep them as life returns to normal.
The charity reports a 35% increase in calls from pet owners about giving up dogs during summer last year, and a 50% rise in requests for dog ambulances to rescue stray and abandoned pups.
Home from Home won't see Dogs Trust opening a dedicated centre in Dundee - but having a network of doggy foster carers in the area will mean it'll be easier for locals to adopt from a trusted source.
Megan added: "Travelling to our Rehoming Centre in West Calder could add stress to an already difficult process for people in the north of Scotland, but our new base in Dundee means we can provide more support to those in the northeast who have made the decision to part with their dogs.
"It also means we’ll be able to get more dogs into foster homes, which is an excellent experience for the fosterers and the dogs.
"Our fosterers get the company of a loving companion without the commitment of rehoming a dog, and it really helps the dogs to prepare for their new life beyond their time with Dogs Trust.
"Plus, previous owners can have peace of mind that their dog will spend time in a loving home rather than a kennel environment.
"I’m looking forward to working with the community, and finding happy homes for lots of dogs locally."
Dogs Trust is looking for carers in Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer should call 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk for more information.
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