Dogs Trust rehoming centres are making temporary changes to their activities following government advice to limit non-essential contact.
The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, which has 20 rehoming centres across the UK, has outlines plans to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff and visitors, whilst continuing to carry out the essential work of caring for and rehoming dogs.
Dogs Trust Basildon for example, have moved to an appointment-only system for potential adopters from as of 12pm yesterday (19 March) and all centres will be closed to walk-in members of the general public until further notice.
The charity will also run appointments for people who wish to give up their dog for any reason. People who have a current reservation or are due to collect their new family member will not be affected and can contact their local centre by phone if they have any questions.
The charity is also postponing all non-essential community events and has suspended Dog School training classes, including those based at the rehoming centre, for the time being.
Those wishing to donate any pre-loved items to the charity are asked not to bring donations to the centre or nearest charity shops in person, until further notice.
The charity’s staff will be limiting all necessary social interaction, practising frequent hand washing with soap sanitiser, and visitors will be asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before and during their visit.
Adam Levy, Regional Manager at Dogs Trust said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff and our local communities is of paramount importance to us. We will continue to monitor and follow advice from the government and are doing what we can to limit non-essential travel and contact.
“We need to continue out essential work of caring for and rehoming as many dogs as we can in a way that aims to protect everyone involved in the process. That’s why we will be closing our centres to walk-in members of the public from Saturday but continuing to offer people opportunities to adapt a dog by appointment only.
“If you feel unwell or are experiencing any symptoms, of if you or a family member are self-isolating, we ask that you please don’t attend your appointment but call us so we can work out the next steps for you.
“Everyone can keep up to date with all of our latest news via our website and social media platforms, which we will keep updated regularly.”
