How To Sponsor A Puppy

If you've ever had a puppy, you'll know only too well how adorable and fun they are. Even if you've never had a dog, it's impossible not to feel that every young animal should have a loving home. This isn't always the case, but you can make a difference when you decide to sponsor a puppy.

WHY SPONSOR A PUPPY?

It's estimated that there are around nine million pet dogs in the UK. Approximately a quarter of adults across Britain have a canine family member, but not every dog is so lucky. You could help to give a puppy a better start in life by sponsoring one.

From contributing to the care of an abandoned animal, to helping someone with hearing difficulties get the support of a loyal guide dog, sponsoring a puppy is sure to be greatly rewarding.

IDEAS FOR SPONSORING A PUPPY

SPONSOR AS A GIFT

Puppy sponsorship makes for a great gift. Most organisations will send you a pack containing things like pictures and a certificate. That means there is something tangible for the recipient, as well as knowing the gift's helping a good cause.

SPONSOR A POORLY PET

With so many dogs across the UK, it stands to reason that there are lots of sick ones too. Illnesses could mean pets are given up, or even worse, have to be put down. Charities like PDSA offer sponsorships for animals with a range of conditions. Whether they need daily insulin to treat diabetes, medication for epilepsy or help with a skin condition, your support can give a pet a healthier and happier life.

SPONSOR A GUIDE DOG PUPPY

There are a number of charities that train guide dogs, and rely on sponsorship to pay for the training. Whether the puppy you sponsor is going to help someone with hearing loss or learn another skill, you should get regular 'pupdates' on their progress as you follow their journey into adulthood.

ADOPT A PUPPY

The ultimate way to sponsor a puppy is to foster one and give them a loving home. It's a big commitment and not to be taken lightly, but charities such as Dogs Trust always have puppies available for rehoming. Alternatively, you could choose to give a home to a puppy who doesn't complete their guide dog training, or to an animal that reaches the end of their service.

SPONSOR A KENNEL

There's no way you can give a home to every puppy in need. However, you could help to give a host of animals somewhere safe and warm to stay while they wait for their forever home. Battersea is one of the charities that looks after lost and abandoned dogs. You can help by sponsoring a kennel to help pay for things like blankets, toys and treats.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SPONSOR A PUPPY

• Looking after or training puppies can cost a lot of money, so most charities run co-sponsorship schemes. This means that other people will be sponsoring the same animal as well as you, giving the puppy a sort of extended family to rely on.
• You might not be able to meet the animal you're sponsoring – especially if they're being trained to be a guide dog.

WHERE TO GET STARTED

There are lots of charities you can get involved with if you want to sponsor a puppy, including:

• Battersea
• Dogs Trust
• PDSA

People's Postcode Lottery players have raised over £19 Million for these three organisations alone. By playing, you can help to raise even more money for excellent causes around the UK.