Our new research* has revealed “DINKWADs” - dual income, no kids, with a dog - make up nearly a sixth (15%) of dog owners in the UK - with almost half (42%) admitting to delaying parenthood in favour of their furry companions.
Half (51%) of dog owners confess to choosing a holiday or staycation somewhere they can take their dog with them, while 44% of respondents even admitted to preferring quality time spent with their dog to going out with their friends.
However, despite this unwavering affection, over one in three (36%) are hesitant to commit to owning another dog due to financial constraints (35%), limited space (40%) and future family plans (21%).
Yet amidst these reservations, over three in four (77%) regard the experience of caring for a dog as one of life’s most fulfilling experiences, compared to becoming an aunt or uncle (29%) and getting promoted (25%).
Following our research, we want to encourage DINKs and DINKWADs to consider volunteering with Guide Dogs to help play a part in changing the lives of people with sight loss. From fostering guide dogs in training, where volunteers provide them with a relaxing environment during evenings and weekends, to puppy raising and ensuring guide dog puppies are given the best start to go on to become future life changers.
There are various volunteer roles to suit everyone, from those with or without children to those with a full-time job, and volunteers will also receive expert guidance throughout their journey and lots of support along the way.
Becoming a fosterer is ideal for people who are at work during the day as they ‘do the school run’ for dogs in training by dropping them off and collecting them from their local Guide Dogs training centre, as well as helping dogs keep up with their training at home. Guide Dogs covers all the dog’s expenses, including training, food and vet costs.
Eugene Lynch from London has been a fosterer with their partner Tim for five years and says: “We always wanted a dog, but our work and lifestyle was never compatible with full time ownership. Fostering is great for so many reasons, it enables us to have dogs at home without the worry of financial costs or hassle of day care. It gives us a sense of purpose and achievement to volunteer with a charity that provides such vital support. We have learnt so many skills, we are not really considering having children, but fostering dogs has made us more confident that we could take care of children."
Tracey Berridge, Head of Volunteering at Guide Dogs, says: “We are so grateful to all our generous volunteers who donate approximately 13 million hours of their time each year. To be able to enjoy all the benefits of having a dog whilst knowing you are going to help change someone's life in the future is extremely fulfilling. With their dedication and support we can continue to provide life-changing services to those who need us.”
*OnePoll carried out the surveys, between 20th-28th May 2024, of 2,000 UK adult dog owners
