Rescue homes expect ‘record’ numbers of pets given up
Rescue centres are bracing themselves for another 77% of ‘pandemic pups’ to be given up this year, added to 160,000 that have already been given up.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet, according to research by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.
However, according to a YouGov research for Co-op Insurance, 12% of consumers regret their pets and would consider leaving an unwanted pet at a rescue centre.
Meanwhile, despite nine out of ten Brits saying they would rehome from a charity, expensive vet costs are cited as a major barrier.
What’s more, 91% of Brits looking for a pet would consider adopting from a rescue centre, however, 29% are deterred as they believe they would be expensive to insure and care for.
Of the 51% of the British public who would like to get a pet, the research revealed that 39% would be put off unless the animal was known to have a clean bill of health. In addition, 41% believe they are too high-maintenance, and 32% say they do not have time to look after a pet.
Co-op Insurance has launched new pet insurance for dogs and cats over eight weeks old.
In addition, to help make adoption more affordable, it includes an introductory discount on policies for those insuring a pet from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre – 7.5% for Co-op members and 2.5% for non-Co-op members.
Ryan O’Meara, Founder of dog rescue organisation Dogs Blog, said: “One of the biggest myths about adopting from a shelter is that rescue dogs are somehow problem dogs. This could not be further from the truth. There are multiple advantages to adopting, not least the fact that you are changing an animal’s life.
“Rescue shelters work extra hard to make sure owners are matched to suitable pets. If someone is worried about adopting, it’s worth remembering that dogs end up in rescue for many reasons – owners die, relationships break up, people’s living arrangements change – and this means there is a rescue dog for everyone somewhere in Britain’s shelters.”
How is your business being affected by dog owners giving up their rescue dogs? Get in touch to let us know at editorial@thecaninetimes.co.uk.
