The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) has announced two new funds to support vulnerable dogs and owners in desperate situations.
A dog is not just for Christmas and neither is the KCCT support, so the trust has opened a new fund for 2022 following on from its successful ‘Double the Pawprint’ Christmas campaign. Open from 11 February 2022, UK canine charities can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support dog wellbeing through the following:
- ‘Post-Christmas presents’ for rescue dogs – spending the funds on enrichment toys and treats for dogs in rescue and welfare organisations
- Post-lockdown training – any charities offering access to dog training classes can apply for a grant
- Core costs – to support the costs of necessities like veterinary bills and food for smaller rescue organisations
Revd. Bill King, Chairman of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust said: “Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of individuals donating to the ‘Double the Pawprint’ Christmas campaign in 2021, £66,000 was raised to support dog welfare in the UK. Seeing the positive impact of the work we were able to facilitate, we were keen to continue beyond Christmas.
“We encourage any charity who cares for dogs to apply by submitting no more than two sides of A4 detailing the purpose for which the grant is sought and approximately how may dogs will benefit. We look forward to helping more dogs through this fund during 2022.”
The deadline for grant applications is 11 March 2022, with grants to be awarded at the end of March and early April 2022.
On 14 February 2022, The Chelsea and Mr French Fund was also launched by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust. The fund aims to support dogs and owners in vulnerable situations and provide immediate aid to help those at risk of being separated to maintain a long-lasting relationship.
Canine companionship often helps owners through complex issues and trauma such as physical and mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence and many other harsh realities and challenges that life can entail. The Chelsea and Mr French fund, named after two important canine companions, is open to charities which support owners and their pets by providing urgent short-term foster care, allowing owners to focus on their own safety and wellbeing and until they can be reunited.
Ms Seymour, who is the Founder of the Chelsea and Mr French Welfare Fund, commented: “Through times of personal, physical and emotional crisis, my wonderful dogs would not leave my side. But when I needed care outside the home, I waited an inordinate amount of time to receive this because I had no one to look after my two dogs. It’s an awful position to be in.
“I want to ensure that we can give support to vulnerable people, who are in need of temporary care for their dogs. Whether this is due to critical illness, or an untenable domestic situation – support should be there for the dogs in a secure, loving and supportive environment, until such time they can be safely reunited.”
“We are delighted to be opening a fund in honour of two incredible dogs, Chelsea and Mr French, and continue their legacy,” added Bill. “Chelsea and Mr French provided unconditional love, companionship and support to their owner which enabled her to receive care for herself, and we want to help provide peace of mind to anyone else in a similar situation in knowing that their own much-loved dogs are being cared for.”
More information on both funds and how to apply can be found at kennelclubcharitabletrust.org.
The KCCT will also have a stand in Hall 3 at Crufts from 10 to 13 March 2022, where visitors can find out more about the Trust’s work and how to get involved.
