Over the years, the Trust has funded and worked alongside hundreds of canine charities and different research institutions. Here are some of our more recent beneficiaries and partner organisations.
StreetVet – bringing hope to the homeless and the dogs they depend on
The bond between many homeless people and their dogs is profound. When life feels insurmountable, often a canine companion is the only source of comfort and their well-being becomes a major priority to owners.
But, life on the streets can make it difficult to access the fundamental veterinary care that these dogs need. StreetVet is a registered practice with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and was founded to bring this essential care to homeless people and their dogs. Together, the Charity’s team of professional vets and veterinary nurses take their experience out onto the streets, delivering care and support where it’s needed most. As well as its 3 sites in London, StreetVet now has 18 outreach locations across the UK with the busiest 4 centres situated in Cornwall.
A KCCT grant of £10,000 helps to tackle a 300% rise in cases
This year, the KCCT awarded a £10,000 grant to StreetVet, to help fund its core costs and veterinary fees. “We wanted to give a strong message of support to this fantastic dogs’ charity doing all that it can to cope with a 300% rise in cases,” says KCCT Chairman, Bill King. “As well as the wonderful work it does on the streets, we know that just as much effort is put into creating an accredited hostels scheme so that dogs are accepted wherever their owners are.”
In addition, the Charity has introduced special ‘Pet Packs’, so that any new pet in a hostel receives a bowl, food and toy, along with essential veterinary care, such as flea and worming treatments.
Building a network of StreetVet practices
The KCCT’s grant will also help to build partnerships with a network of veterinary practices, creating access to treatment and surgery even when a homeless person finds themselves miles away from one of StreetVet’s outreach locations. Whether they’re sleeping rough, on a sofa, in a car or on a canal boat, they will be able to access urgent care and qualify for 12 months of support once they’re living independently, making it easier for them to break the cycle of homelessness.
You can find out more about StreetVet and the incredible work they do, here.
Saving and Rehoming Strays in the ‘Wonky Zone’
Saving and Rehoming Strays is a small, independent Scottish charity providing a kennel free rescue service for dogs from the UK and Romania. The Charity’s rehoming centre in Ayr takes care of around 50 dogs who live together in the main house or are accommodated in social groups in one of the property’s large customised outbuildings. This means the SRS team can assess, rehabilitate and rehome each new arrival in an environment that closely resembles what will be their forever home with a new family.
Stepping in so that ‘wonky’ feels less of a worry
SRS is proud of its bespoke approach to helping dogs flourish. From its Giants Pawsway (for the big dogs), to Scaredy Pants Corner (for the nervous dogs) and Centre Barks (a brand-new activity and agility area), the Charity is dedicated to improving the quality of canine life across the board. So, when we received an application for a grant to help with its intriguingly named ‘Wonky Zone’ – a special area to support paralysed and less able-bodied dogs – we were keen to step in with the funding required.
“We reached out to the KCCT because we were desperate to install some made-to-measure veterinary housing for the paralysed dogs,” says Claire, SRS’s General Manager. “These dogs have little or no feeling in their back legs, so it’s not really safe to use normal dog crates which often cause painful injuries when legs get trapped in the bars. It’s also very difficult to keep standard dog crates clean as all the paralysed dogs are doubly incontinent and usually poop in their sleep when their bodies relax.”
Receiving a grant meant that the Charity was able to purchase three extra-large pods (a double stacked unit and a single one), all them with flexible dividers. Each of the freestanding units also has wheels to make it possible to easily change the Wonky Zone’s room configuration.
“Having these units has made such a difference to the dogs comfort levels, and has made my life, as servant to these beautiful souls much easier,” says Claire. “The dogs all love their new cosy hygienic spaces and a room that used to take me forever to clean is now done in literally minutes. I think the photographs show just how happy these dogs are and we cannot thank you enough for helping us make this happen.”
You can support charities like SRS by making a donation to the KCCT’s transformational dogs’ welfare fund here
Helping people with Autism to enjoy greater independence
'When Mark starts his sessions with support dog, Fleck, the change is immediate. After leaving, he’s a different person.'
This is how Sarah Tosh-Robb, our Support Co-ordinator at Dogs for Good, describes the transformational impact a four-legged friend can have on those living with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Sarah works closely with adults at the Autism at Kingwood charity, helping them to manage their symptoms and develop greater self-confidence with the assistance of a dedicated support dog. Her work, fully funded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT), is all about providing therapy that promotes greater independence and literally changes people’s lives.
The difference a Support Dog can make
It costs around £30,000 to train and take care of a Support Dog like Fleck. When Sarah first met Mark who has Autism, she introduced him to Fleck, an affectionate, Labrador retriever cross. Together, they developed a plan that included a range of activities designed to improve Mark’s ability to live more independently. Over time, he learned to walk Fleck on a dual lead in the local parks and shopping centres which improved his sense of personal responsibility. Mark also became less dependent on support staff, realising that he was capable of looking after his own needs as well as Fleck’s and could confidently venture out alone.
Be part of something special
With your help, we can support even more people like Mark; people who find the outside world unpredictable and often overwhelming. Your gift has the power to do something really special, enabling vulnerable individuals living with Autism to overcome their fears and experience new levels of confidence. For many, this means being able to transcend their everyday challenges and connect with opportunities that allow them to flourish. In Mark’s case, this has led him to complete an ASDAN qualification in animal care and encouraged him to think seriously about securing a volunteer role in the future.
We’re proud to be supporting this partnership with Dogs for Good and Autism at Kingwood and we would love you to be part of its continuing story. In helping us to bring experts together and provide the funding they need to do what they do best, we can all make a positive difference to adults living with the challenges of Autism.