Underdog International builds a network of dog-carers to support the vulnerable amidst COVID-19.
UK-registered charity Underdog International have set up an initiative which redeploys their volunteers and resources to support dog-owners in need due to the impacts of the coronavirus.
The initiative called ‘Underdog Unity’ facilitates a network of volunteers across the UK who can be matched with people who need help caring for their dog – whether that be walking their dog, shopping for food and supplies, taking dogs to the vets and even caring for the dogs for extended periods in their own homes. Many of the volunteers already signed up are dog behaviourists or dog walkers by trade, and all others have experience with looking after their own dogs.
The charity is calling on additional volunteers from across the UK to help support dog owners in their local area who may not be able to leave their house due to their current circumstances.
Nadine Kayser, founder and CEO says: “With altruism at our core, we felt we should divert our resources and volunteers from our normal tasks, to the more immediate and essential support of our communities”.
If you have experience with dogs, whether that be professionally or personally, and would like to volunteer, you can register here www.theunderdog.org/become-a-unity-volunteer.
If you are in need of help with your dog, you can call 020 8050 4292, email [email protected] or register here www.theunderdog.org/sign-up-for-help
All Underdog Unity volunteers are vetted and have received guidance and training to ensure they understand the responsibility of their role in looking after someone else’s dog.