Do you match older people with animals?
No, we don’t match people with pets as standard. 90% of people would normally be able to find an animal by going to their local rescue, looking online or by asking a family member to help them!
However, if an older adult has no family support, no transport, and no access to internet, then we will always try to point them in the right direction.
Do you provide financial support to the over 60s to adopt a rescue pet?
Yes, we do! The person must be 60+ and money must be a genuine barrier to adopting, i.e. they could not do so without our intervention. The application process is a telephone call and a form to establish eligibility.
PLEASE NOTE we only support the adoption of rescue pets – never privately purchased animals.
What animals are eligible for financial support?
Any rescue animal is covered by our financial process – cat, dog, rabbit, hen, as deemed reasonable by the Trustees.
What does the financial support cover? Is this purely food costs or do you cover pet insurance, vet fees and other treatments?
We can provide the rehoming fee for any rescue animal (as above) and, if necessary, continue to support, on a monthly basis, with the cost of pet food and/or insurance costs.
We do not pay vet bills. This is not our charitable proposition and therefore we do not offer this support.
The RSPCA have created a guide for potential sources of financial assistance with vet bills. You can view this information by clicking the link below:
RSPCA – Veterinary Financial Assistance Guide
Some of these sources will be available across the UK but some may be specific to individual countries within the UK.
Would you support an individual who already owned a pet but whose circumstances had changed and was unable to continue to afford the cost?
Yes, we can, and do already, support people who already have an animal (rescue or not) but whose financial circumstances have changed.
Are you a rescue operation?
No, we are not a rescue operation as we do not have rescue facilities and do not offer animals for adoption. We are an independent charity providing financial support to the over 60s to adopt a rescue pet companion.
What takes place at my local Community Space?
We currently have three Community Spaces located in Shawlands (Glasgow), Troon, and Alloa. Each one different in size and offerings, however, one thing guaranteed at each Community Space is our Tea and Chat service. Everyone is welcome to join us for a free cuppa and biscuit, chat with our staff and volunteers and to meet our companionship dog(s).
In all our Community Spaces there are free activities for those aged over 60, such as Group Dog Walks and Chair Yoga. We also offer Pet Food Banks for anyone who needs a helping hand feeding their pet. Pop into your local Give a Dog a Bone Community Space to find out more.
Click here for our Community Space addresses and opening hours.
If I sign up as a Charity Friend, what does it mean for me?
Anyone aged 60 or over can join Give a Dog a Bone as a Charity Friend.
This means is that, as well as being able to pop in to your local Give a Dog a Bone Community Space for a free cuppa, biscuit, chat, and to spend time with our Companionship Dogs, you’ll have access to the various free activities we offer in our Community Spaces and online. We also send out an annual birthday card!
Find out more and sign up to be a Charity Friend here.
If you are under 60 and would like to hear from us about our latest news and events, please click here to sign up so that we can keep in touch with you.
How can I volunteer for Give a Dog a Bone?
We regularly recruit for new volunteers and positions fill up fast! Find out if we are recruiting in your area, and how to apply, here.
