Scottish SPCA sees Pet Aid demand increase amid cost-of-living crisis

The Scottish SPCA has seen demand for its Pet Aid service “skyrocket”, due to the continuing cost-of-living crisis.

The Pet Aid initiative provides essential food supplies for animals through a network of food banks across most of Scotland. The charity has also seen calls to their helpline from those struggling with the cost of caring for an animal treble compared to 2021.

According to the Scottish SPCA, there has been an 18% increase in people citing financial issues, such as paying for food, insurance or vet bills, when they call the animal helpline compared to 2021.

Scottish SPCA CEO Kirsteen Campbell said: “On top of this we have seen a 77% increase in people calling to rehome an animal, an 84% increase in the number of people our animal helpline is giving advice to over the phone and a 24% increase in people assisted directly by a visit from the SSPCA.”