Keeping your dog
Temporary dog care support
If you are temporarily unable to care for your dog because of illness, housing difficulties, work, family circumstances or another crisis, short-term support may help you stay together while your situation improves.
Temporary care should support reunification wherever it is safe, practical and in your dog’s best interests.
Temporary support
Start with the least disruptive option
Whenever possible, keeping your dog in familiar surroundings with people they already know is usually the least stressful option. More structured support may be appropriate if that isn’t possible.
🏡 Friends and family
Often the simplest option where somebody your dog already knows can provide temporary care or help with daily routines.
🚶 Professional pet care
Dog walkers, pet sitters and home visits may allow your dog to remain safely in their own home.
🐾 Temporary accommodation
Home boarding, kennels or foster care may be appropriate where home support isn’t possible.
Choosing carefully
Finding the right temporary support
Temporary care should always prioritise your dog’s welfare, safety and emotional wellbeing. Before agreeing to any arrangement, understand exactly who will care for your dog and what support they can realistically provide.
Start with people you trust
Family, friends and neighbours often know your dog best.
Check experience
Ask about previous experience, insurance, references and emergency procedures.
Write everything down
Feeding, medication, routines, behaviour, veterinary contacts and emergency information should all be recorded.
Review regularly
Keep in touch and review the arrangement as your situation changes.
Before saying yes
Questions to ask any temporary carer
Practical questions
- Who will actually care for my dog?
- Will my dog be left alone?
- How often are walks provided?
- Can medication be given?
- How will emergencies be managed?
Important arrangements
- Who pays for vet treatment?
- How long is the arrangement?
- Can I receive updates?
- Will ownership remain with me?
- How will my dog return home?
Be cautious of offers from strangers
During stressful situations it can be tempting to accept help from someone you have only met online. Verify identities, ask questions and never sign ownership paperwork unless you genuinely intend to permanently rehome your dog.
Further support
Organisations that may be able to help
The Cinnamon Trust
Support with dog walking and, in some circumstances, temporary fostering.
Local charities
Some charities provide emergency pet fostering or practical support.
Financial support
Help with veterinary costs and other financial pressures.
View guide →Temporary support first
You may only need help for a short time
Before making a permanent decision about your dog, explore whether temporary support could help you stay together.
💜 The HomeWagger Promise
Support first. Welfare always.
HomeWagger exists to help people explore realistic support before making a permanent decision about their dog’s future.
Sometimes that means finding practical assistance. Sometimes it means adjusting routines or accessing professional guidance. And sometimes it means recognising that responsible rehoming is the safest way forward.
Whatever your circumstances, the goal is always the same: better outcomes for dogs and the people who care about them.