A NATIONAL dogs charity has issued a warning to the public about it's famous slogan.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 15,000 dogs each year through a network of 20 rehoming centres in the UK.

Its rehoming centres are often one of the first places aspiring new dog owners visit, meaning the charity receives a high demand all-year-round. 

But it is especially at Christmas time when the charity says it receives a lot of interest as families look to cheer up their festive periods by welcoming a new pet into their home. 

The charity's popular slogan ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ has been used in its marketing material for years and continues to apply today. 

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Explaining whether the Dogs Trust rehomes its pets at Christmas, Adam Clowes, Dogs Trust operations director said: “Every dog deserves to find their special someone, and this doesn’t change because it’s Christmas. 

"Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but our slogan ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ is about reminding people that it’s a lifelong commitment which must be carefully considered, not just at Christmas but all year round.  

The Northern Echo:  

“Not everyone celebrates the festive season, and for some families having additional time off from work and other commitments could make it a good time to settle in a new dog. 

"We will only ever rehome a dog after careful discussion with their new family, and if they’re having a particularly busy Christmas, the dog will stay and celebrate Christmas with us, ready to head off to their new home in the New Year.”  

It comes as RSPCA rescuers fear animal neglect will rise this Christmas, with 84 per cent of rescuers at the charity concerned more people are taking on pets without understanding how to care for them.

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