Cuddles with canine companions lift cost of living spirits, new research reveals

The new poll comes as the Kennel Club Charitable Trust launch their 2022 Christmas Appeal

DOGS are providing a lifeline to millions of Brits as they battle the cost of living crisis into winter.

On average, British dog owners say their dog makes them smile or laugh 37 times per week, whilst others state a reliance on their four-legged friends for companionship, emotional support and even exercise, with 81% moving more since having owned one.

According to a new survey commissioned by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) which spoke to 2000 UK adults, who own at least 1 dog, 58% have made personal sacrifices for their dog in the past and over a third (38%) say that the cost of living crisis has led them to make specific sacrifices so as not to have an impact on their dog.

These caring pawrents have admitted they would go without food items so they could afford dog food (37%), incur higher heating bills so their dog could stay warm (31%). Depressingly, 1 in 10 say they have already had to give up their dog, as they felt this awful situation just wasn't fair on the animal.

Chair of Trustees for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Reverend Bill King adds: “For those really struggling at the moment, there are pet food banks across the UK – one of which we have funded – where owners can go for support in their time of need”.

Rev. King continues: “We are thrilled to be taking part in the Big Give this year for the first week in December, and thanks to two very generous donors every £1 you give will be doubled, meaning you can ‘Double the Pawprint’ for dogs in need. After the Big Give, we’ll be running our campaign through to the end of December, to raise as much as we can for our canine friends this Christmas. Just £5 will make a huge difference for a dog in rescue this festive season”.

Positively, 69% agree that having a family dog has helped their kids cope mentally during the cost of living crisis. Of these individuals, 43% shared that their dog can sense when they're upset and almost half (49%) love that their dog stays by their side for companionship. Another 52% said that simply playing with their dog helps to relieve stress.

Supporting the campaign, which aims to raise a minimum of £40,000 during the month of December is comedian, actor and musician Bill Bailey. Bailey, owner of many animals shares: “I think being around animals is good for the soul, and that caring for a dog can actually make you a better person”.

And Bill isn’t alone – a huge 87% of British dog owners agree that having a dog makes them a better version of themselves, learning traits like patience (52%), care (53%) and empathy (33%) from their canine companions.

Launching their Christmas Campaign, KCCT will look to raise much needed funds to continue their work supporting dogs in need. This year, that has included a huge £255,000 raised for dogs caught up in the Ukraine conflict and almost £100,000 through the Chelsea & Mr French Fund, which supports dogs and their owners in vulnerable situations… The latter led to the funding of a sensory garden for homeless dogs, many of whom have never felt grass under their paws before.

Speaking about further support, Mary Wakeman, CEO at Refuge4Pets comments: “The funding we have received from the KCCT over the last year has meant so much to our organisation - and it's amazing how generous people can be at Christmastime! We are delighted to have been able to pay vital veterinary fees for dogs escaping challenging and often dangerous situations, thanks to the Trust’s support”.

To support the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s Christmas Appeal, head to www.kennelclubcharitabletrust.org/christmas