The DogCast Radio blog

PM also urged to adopt a rescue dog in need of a forever home
As the Prime Minister announces he wants a dog at No.10, the RSPCA has some advice on how to successfully introduce a new pet to Downing Street’s current resident, Larry the cat.

Cats and dogs can form close relationships, but it’s important to make sure that they are introduced properly to ensure that fur doesn’t fly.

The RSPCA has some advice for the new Prime Minister to help any new pooch form a fur-m friendship with resident Downing Street moggy Larry.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the nation’s leading animal welfare charities and former home of some of politics’ brightest stars Larry, Palmerston and Gladstone, has revealed that they are standing by ready to help our new Prime Minister in his search for a canine companion. The charity is also prepared to act as negotiator between any new four-legged resident at Number 10 and the current Chief Mouser, Larry.

Top tips from RSPCA to keep animals safe and happy during the summer weather

The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in calls about animals in need as a heatwave sweeps across England & Wales this week.

Temperatures are expected to hit the mid 30s this week so animal welfare experts and vets are urging pet owners to keep their animals safe and asking the public to take care of wildlife.

Three-year-old Aska is very shy and is finding it hard to win over potential adopters

Aska has spent more than eight months in kennels and RSPCA staff have unearthed her sweet, playful nature.

But this pooch is finding it difficult to win over potential adopters as she’s so shy.

Three-year-old Aska is being looked after by staff at York Animal Home. She was handed in when her previous owner could no longer take care of her.

When a young couple first met Hugo earlier this year, it was love at first sight.

• They bonded immediately, and Zoe and Aaron knew straight away they wanted to welcome the four-year-old Beagle in to their lives.
• Luckily, they had recently moved into a pet-friendly property, and so it seemed the stars were aligned.
• However, despite the verbal assurances from their estate agent that Zoe and Aaron would be able to care for a dog in their new home, their formal request to adopt Hugo was refused by their new landlord.

Do you dream of getting out of the rat race? Living a simpler life? Being happier?

We have an interview coming up soon with Jayme and John, who took the brave step of taking to the road with their dogs. They were fascinating to talk to.

If you're interested in"vanlife", or if you live in a van, an event they're hosting in May this year may well be of interest to you.

Here's what Jayme said:

‘Young at heart’ Sam the Staffie has watched 134 dogs be rehomed before him
This month marks Sam’s one year anniversary in RSPCA care - that’s 365 days of waiting to find his forever home.

Sam, the 13-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, came into the care of RSPCA South Godstone in Surrey after his owners circumstances changed and they could no longer care for him.

On National Puppy Day (23 March), Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are urging dog lovers thinking of getting a new puppy to carefully consider where they get their new pet from.

The leading animal charity is drawing attention to the health and welfare of breeding dogs, after taking in a neglected and shy breeding bitch who had been discovered tied to some railings in South West London.

-A quarter of dog owners weren’t prepared for what owning a dog would cost
-43% of owners admitted to not researching any costs before buying their dog
-Using a doggy day care service just twice a week can add up to over £2,000 a year
-7-nights at a dog kennel can add an extra £119 to the cost of your week-long holiday
-1 in 3 dog owners admit to spending more than £25 a month on treats for their dog – adding up to £300 a year
-Admiral has created a handy tool to help new dog owners calculate finances

Saving one dog won’t change the world - but the world will change forever for that dog and new owner

Dogs help man in many ways; from acting as the ears and eyes for those impaired of sight and sound, to sniffing out lost people or harmful substances, to protecting our family and property. But dogs can also perform an incredible, life-saving role - with no training.