A lifetime of care with a Canine Care Card
It’s hard to imagine that anyone could love and care for your dog as much as you do. But we promise we will.
We know that the bond between you and your four-legged best friend is entirely unique. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could love and care for your dog as much as you do. But we promise we will.
If you become seriously ill or pass away, we will look after your canine companion, help them get back on their paws, and find them a home.
A lifetime of care
Want to know more or ask any questions?
Give us a call on 1800 25 29 28, or email us.
How to become a Canine Care Card holder
Follow these simple steps to become a Canine Care Card holder and ensure your faithful friend is cared for in the future, should the worst happen.
Fill out an application
You can fill out the application online or request an application by post. Once we have processed your form, we'll send you your card, free of charge.
Complete your card
Once you receive your card, you'll need to complete it straight away. It's wallet size, so you can carry it on you always.
Choose a guardian
Choose someone to be your dog’s guardian so that if you pass away, become seriously ill or have to move into a nursing home, they can sign over ownership of your dog to Dogs Trust on your behalf.
Leave instructions in your Will
Leave clear instructions in your will stating that you would like Dogs Trust to care for your dog(s). This is vital to ensuring your final wishes are honoured. Here's some suggested wording you can use: "It is also my wish that Dogs Trust care for and rehome any dogs I may …
Some helpful tips to make sure your application goes smoothly
- Please be sure to update your Will to include the Canine Care Card information and notify family and friends of your wishes
- Please let us know if you change your address
- Please let us know should your Dog Guardian details change
- Please keep your microchip information up to date
- Please keep your dog up to date with any vaccinations
- Please update us with any medical or behavioural conditions
- Please let us know if you get another dog or if your dog sadly passes away
- Remember to carry your card with you, as you would an organ donor card
We treat all dogs as though they are a beloved family pet
If your dog has an ongoing medical condition, then we will give them the love and treatment they need. To make sure we’re able to do this to the very best of our ability, please supply us with as much information about their treatment as you can, including their vet info, their medication and dosage so we can administer the medicine correctly.
If you have more than one dog, we will bring them into the comfort of our kennels and house them together for as long as they are happy and for as long as is beneficial for both. We sometimes find that even the best of friends can enjoy having their very own space to relax, and see each other for walks and play times.
As we want to give every dog the best chance of that loving new home, should a prospective owner seek to rehome just one dog we would not want to deny any of your dogs a loving home.
Please note, unfortunately, we don’t have the facilities to look after other species of pets. We advise that you contact the other animal welfare charities in your area to see if they can help or can offer a similar service to the Canine Care Card.
Bruno's Story - How a Canine Care Card Saved my Life
"I was heartbroken when my owner passed away. The person who I loved the most in the world was gone. But Dogs Trust were there to show me I wasn't alone. You see, my owner had a plan to make sure I was looked after when he was gone. He had a Dogs Trust Canine Care Card, and I'm so grateful to him for that. Dogs Trust gave me a place to call home. It took time but the care, love and hugs I got from the Canine Carers helped my little heart begin to mend. I'm an older fella and I struggle with a few health and joint issues. But it's thanks to generous supporters like you that Dogs Trust can give dogs like me all the veterinary care they need to be happy and healthy. Dogs Trust never give up on old dogs like me who can still live a healthy life."
Secure a future for thousands of dogs
Many people who join the Canine Care Card service also decide to leave a gift to Dogs Trust in their Will, as a way of saying thank you for securing the future of their canine companion. Gifts in Wills are crucial in helping to save the lives of countless dogs in Ireland for generations to come.
Will you leave a gift in your Will today?
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