Dogs Trust Kenilworth Reports 1,284 Rehoming Inquiries

Dogs Trust Kenilworth has received 1,284 inquiries this year from people considering giving up their dogs, the charity told the BBC in a report published September 20. The Warwickshire centre is drawing attention to Homestay, which lets dogs stay with their current owners while a new home is found.

The figure measures requests for help, not completed surrenders or dogs admitted to kennels. Dogs Trust said pressure on both kennel and foster space prompted the service.

What owners agree to under Homestay

Dogs Trust’s published terms say owners need to be able to keep caring for their dog for at least two weeks, arrange necessary veterinary care and bring the animal to the centre to meet potential adopters. The dog is assessed before the charity and owner agree to use the service.

Owners remain legally and financially responsible during Homestay. The charity says participating dogs generally find a home within two weeks, but that is not a guaranteed deadline. If a match is not found, staff discuss other options.

A home found without a prolonged kennel stay

The BBC report describes Nala, a Bernese Mountain Dog and Collie cross who found kennels stressful. Dogs Trust said she was reserved through Homestay in three days and subsequently moved to her new family. That reservation time should not be read as the date she moved.

People needing help can start through Dogs Trust’s Homestay page, where the charity explains eligibility and the assessment process.

How we reported this: Buddylio checked the BBC’s September 20 account against Dogs Trust’s current Homestay terms. The inquiry total and Nala’s history are attributed to the charity through the BBC; this is not an announcement that Homestay launched today.