Non-dog owners can benefit from BorrowMyDoggy’s free premium subscription this winter

ŠKODA is offering 1,000 free premium BorrowMyDoggy subscriptions to help people combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

BorrowMyDoggy is a national organisation that connects dog owners with trusted local people to help take care of their pets.

Following the clocks going back and days getting shorter, ŠKODA UK wants to help Brits enjoy the benefits that dog companionship can offer. It comes after research that reveals the majority of non-dog owners believe their mental and physical health would improve with a dog in their life.

ŠKODA UK research of current dog owners found that a significant 95 per cent believe their dog improves their mental health, while 77 per cent believe they would be lonelier without them. In addition, 77 per cent of owners say they would be less physically active without their beloved canine companion.

While those with dogs were already reaping the benefits of ownership, the study showed that more than half (51 per cent) of Brits wish they owned a dog.

In fact, ŠKODA found that more than 70 per cent of those who don’t own a dog feel that having one would improve their mental health. A further 43 per cent of respondents also think that having a dog would help address loneliness, while 67 per cent think that they would also be more physically active.

ŠKODA is also helping to educate drivers on how to travel safely with dogs in the car.

Anyone looking to benefit from dog companionship without the responsibility of ownership, can visit this website to apply for one of 1,000 free premium borrower subscriptions to BorrowMyDoggy.