Are you a dog owner? What would you do if you suddenly fell on hard times and lost your home? Would you part with your beloved dog, forever, just for what will hopefully be just a few days‘/weeks’ uncertainty and disruption? This is the situation many dog owners find themselves in.

With redundancies hitting a record high in October 2020 (ONS data) , it‘s highly likely that more and more people will find themselves at this heart-breaking junction. With a positive outlook and dedication to “man’s best friend”, countless numbers of devoted dog owners resort to sleeping rough on the street rather than part with their beloved companion - literally choosing to hold their beloved dog close rather than take accommodation for themselves. I‘m not sure it’s a situation and decision we all can realistically imagine.

Dogs on the Streets (UK charity no 1182323) is a multi-award-winning and UK’s main charity that supports rough sleepers and the homeless community with dogs.

Found in 2017 by Michelle Clark, DOTS offers 24/7 support for these dogs and their homeless owners.

DOTS operates mobile weekly street “stations’ across London, Oxford, Kent, Milton Keynes, Bournemouth and in a partnership with a housing project Birmingham with further stations opening during 2019.

As an RCVS registered vet practice DOTS offers all first triage care at these ‘street ran stations’ from its high tech ‘vet van’.

Run by volunteers, DOTS team comprises Vets, Vet Nurses, Dog Trainers, Groomers and Nutritionists.

Offering food and dietary advice as well as providing vital accessories like coats, bedding, collars and leads, DOTS also helps their owners.

DOTS creates pathways to their rehabilitation to overcome many mental health issues, which can often only be achieved with their dogs by their side.

Working tirelessly, DOTS aim is to find permanent accommodation for rough sleepers and regularly represents clients and their dogs with services/ borough councils. Many refuse housing when offered simply because it is not dog friendly.

In the event of an owners’ illness or hospitalization, DOTS is fortunate to have foster care kennels on 3 acres of land where the dogs spend the day outside socialising, exercising and enjoying playtime with a team of experienced high-end dog behaviourists and trainers. DOTS covers all costs when fostering their dog, giving peace of mind to the owner.

The bond between these owners and the dogs is inextricable- one is nothing without the other. Their dog is their lifeline.

Visit the Dogs On The Streets website here: www.dogsonthestreets.org Follow Dogs On The Streets on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.