Dogs Trust has warned that too many people are rushing into dog ownership without fully understanding the level of commitment involved, as the charity reports a sharp rise in the number of people seeking to give up their pets.
In January alone, the dog welfare charity received more than 300 requests from owners looking to relinquish a dog into its care, with some believed to be pets bought during the Christmas period.
That figure represents a 26 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.
The rise forms part of a wider trend seen throughout 2025. Of the 2,800 surrender requests received by Dogs Trust last year, one fifth came from families who said they no longer had enough time to care for their dog.
A further 27 per cent said they could no longer keep their pet due to unwanted behaviours, which the charity says can stem from a lack of training and preparation.
One of the dogs taken in by the charity last year was Ruby (pictured above), a one-year-old Labrador cross.
Her owner was no longer able to keep her following a change in work commitments that meant they did not have enough time to properly care for her.
After reaching out to Dogs Trust for help, Ruby was placed in a foster home and later adopted permanently by her foster family.
Dogs Trust is now urging people to think carefully before taking on the responsibility of owning a dog, reminding potential owners of its long-standing message that “A Dog is For Life”.
To help people better understand what is involved, the charity has launched an interactive online quiz called “Are You Dog Ready?” which explores the time commitment, costs and training needs associated with dog ownership.
Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager with Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “Sadly, we are still being contacted by too many people who have welcomed a dog into their life but unfortunately can no longer care for them.
“Of course, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances in these cases, but for many, they simply may not have considered how much their life was going to change when they brought their dog home.
“Dogs are social creatures and want to spend time with their families, they also need continuous training for mental stimulation and to help them become well rounded dogs, plus a whole lot of love and care.
“Our online ‘Are You Dog Ready?’ quiz outlines all the ways in which dogs can bring joy into our lives, as well as setting realistic expectations for future dog owners.”
The charity is encouraging anyone thinking about welcoming a dog into their family to take the quiz, which is available on its website, to help them make an informed decision before making a lifelong commitment.