Third of dog owners ‘fear living costs will hit ability to care for their pet’

Nearly one in three (31%) of dog owners are worried that the rising cost of living will impact their ability to give their pet all the care it needs this year, new research reveals.

The research commissioned by charity Dog Trust reveals 3% of dog owners said the impact of the cost-of-living crisis will mean they will have to give up their dog before the end of the year.

The charity said it received a record 50,000 inquiries last year from dog owners about giving up their dogs and it fears this year could be even worse. By 10 January, the charity had received more than 1,900 handover requests, a 46% year-on-year increase.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “It’s only the start of 2023 but we’ve already seen a record high in the number of inquiries from people who need to give up their dogs.

“At Dogs Trust, we know the joy dogs can bring to everyday life, especially when times are hard, and we believe the best place for a dog is with the family who loves them.

“If you’re a dog owner who is struggling, we can offer support, training and advice to help keep you and your dog together.”