Dogs Trust has introduced a scheme that ensures dogs are looked after once their owner has died.
The free scheme allows dog owners to carry a ‘Canine Care Card’ which means Dogs Trust staff will take in the dog for medical examinations and then rehoming.
The charity says the scheme aims to give dog owners “peace of mind” and asks owners to include provision in their will ensuring there will be no legal issues.
The card works in a similar way to an organ donor card in that it should be kept upon the owner’s person, detailing the wish to have the dogs looked after by Dogs Trust.
Dogs Trust says that the scheme will “treat every one of our canine residents like a beloved family pet and ensure they get all the loving care they need in our state-of-the-art facilities”.