Getting a dog for the first time can be a real learning curve, with all sorts of things to think about – even if you’ve had plenty of other pets before, or you grew up with dogs as a child, having a dog of your own is different.
For this reason, politicians in Scotland are drawing up a code of practice for getting a dog with the Welfare of Dogs Bill. The bill, which has been passed, aims to ensure that people understand the level of commitment required before getting a pet – the Scottish government will produce a code, comprising a checklist of questions, asking potential dog parents if they’ve considered whether they have the time, space, and money to get a dog. After all, it’s important for a dog to have frequent exercise, access to the best dog food, and lots of love and affection.
