POTENTIAL dog owners are being asked to ‘paws for thought’ before getting a pooch in a campaign launched by a county service.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services is raising awareness of the commitment involved in looking after a dog.

The team will be covering issues such as vet bills, time management and research to make sure owning a dog is the right decision.

WRS Senior Dog Warden Officer Pip Singleton said: “While having a puppy seems like a fabulous idea, and it is, people need to realise that it is a lifetime’s commitment both financially and time consuming.

“While the WRS team are here to offer non-judgemental help, support and advice for people who find themselves struggling with a pet, we want to help before it gets to this stage.

“By asking people to ‘paws for thought’ we are encouraging them to make the right choice for them and their new dog.”