Support dogs charity to create new welfare unit

A charity which trains support dogs has received funding to build a welfare area including an area for health checks and a mock vet consultation room.

Support Dogs trains assistance animals to help autistic children and people with epilepsy or physical disabilities and plans to build the unit at its new headquarters in Sheffield.

The charity has received £40,000 from the Pets Foundation to help with the work.

Josie Brooks, service impact co-ordinator at Support Dogs, said: "This funding will have a monumental impact. It enables us to invest in quality equipment that will last for decades and give our dogs the best possible care."

The new facility at the charity's base in Hillsborough would include a mock consultation room to help dogs get used to the experience of going to the vets, a spokesperson said.

Work has already begun to create the new welfare unit, with a new roof recently installed.

Animals are trained by the charity to help people spot signs of an epilepsy seizure, as well as offering support for those affected by a wide range of conditions including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia.

The Support Dogs base recently moved from Brightside to Hillsborough to meet a growing demand for its services.

A spokesperson said it cost about £36,000 to train and care for a single dog, and support it through its working life.

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