The animal welfare charity – which operates 14 national rehoming centres across England and Wales, while supporting a network of branches with an additional 45 animal shelters – has released new figures that show rehoming has dropped 8 per cent while animal intake is up 8.4 per cent year-on-year.
The RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive runs throughout October, promoting adoption and highlighting the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.
Impact of the cost of living crisis on pets
The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet.
Releasing new figures this month, the RSPCA has highlighted a potential animal rescue crisis as more animals come into care, stay in rescue centres for longer, with less people coming forward to adopt.
Drop in number of pets being rehomed
In 2021, the RSPCA’s network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals; an 8 per cent drop compared to the previous year when 29,358 animals were rehomed, and a huge 31 per cent drop from 2019 (39,178) despite the Covid pandemic affecting the way in which charities across the nation could rehome.
The number of dogs rehomed by the charity also fell 6 per cent from 4,877 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2021; while cats dropped 12 per cent from 17,868 in 2020 to 15,579 in 2021.
Isle of Wight figures
On the Isle of Wight, the total number of animals rehomed in 2021 slipped nine per cent from 245 (2020) to 223.
The number of dogs rehomed fell 49 per cent from 48 to 26; while rabbits fell 48 per cent from 52 to 27; and other pets – including birds and small furries – fell 21 per cent from 76 to 60. Bucking the trend was cats, with 29 per cent more rehomed in 2021 compared to 2020 (108 compared to 84).
Longer stays for most animals
Across England and Wales, the average stay for an animal (the number of days they spend in RSPCA care from being ready to rehome to leaving for their new home) also increased for dogs by 9.4 per cent – from 85 days in 2020 to 93 days in 2021 – and for rabbits – from 104 in 2020 to 117 in 2021, an increase of 12.5 per cent.
Cats length of stay remained the same at 67 days.
Gaines: Seeing devastating impact of Covid and cost of living crisis
Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said,
“It’s really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we’re really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“Many of the animals – particularly dogs – who are coming into our care have behavioural challenges which could be linked to how they were bred as well as lockdown limiting the amount of training, socialising and outside world experience they had.
“We’re also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.
“Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.
“For those who are able to bring a pet into their home, we are urging them to really consider adopting rather than buying. Many of our animals will already be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms – making it much more cost-effective – and we will work them to make sure they find their perfect match.”
More dogs, rabbits and other pets
In 2021, the RSPCA saw more dogs, rabbits and other pets (including small furries, pet birds, farm animals and exotics) coming into its care than in 2020. Intake for cats and horses fell by 1.7 per cent and 18.1 per cent, respectively.
Last year, the charity rescued:
- 7,412 dogs – 11.9 per cent more than the 6,624 in 2020;
- 7.1 per cent more rabbits (2,731 compared to 2,549);
- 6 per cent more other pets (5,900 compared to 5,566).
Rising costs for pet owners
The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index – released earlier this year – highlighted the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pet owners. The survey found that 68 per cent of pet owners were concerned about the increasing cost of pet care while 19 per cent were worried about being able to afford to feed their pets.
Figures released by the charity in August revealed that its cruelty line was receiving more than 100 reports a day of animals being abandoned throughout 2021; and the concern is that the cost of living crisis could lead to this riding even higher.
Long-stays looking for love
The RSPCA’s Godshill Animal Centre – run by the Isle of Wight branch – is looking for homes for:
- Three-year-old lurcher Todd is very friendly and loves to stop and greet everyone he meets! He is, however, nervous around other dogs and is currently undergoing training to help build his confidence. He adores cuddly toys (the squeakier the better!) and likes to carry them around before taking his afternoon nap. He’s a bright boy who is looking for a home where he’ll be the only pet.
- Cute Netherland dwarf bunnies Steve and Danno (named after Hawaii Five-O!) (pictured top) were found abandoned in a box by a walker with dirty coats and bad teeth. Now they’re feeling better they’re looking for a home together but, due to their poor start, can be nervous being handled so will need experienced and understanding owners. They like to sunbathe, dig and munch on their favourite foods.
- Stray puss Maguire (pictured) was taken in by the centre for medical treatment and is now ready to find a home of his own. He’s a happy chap with so much love to give. He’s gentle and friendly, and loves a tummy rub and a treat! He’ll be a wonderful best friend for a home where he’ll be the only pet.
- Snuggles, 12, has struggled in the cattery and hasn’t received a single application since arriving at the branch almost six months ago. She has slowly learned to trust her carer and she now enjoys taking treats from her. We’re sure, with time, she’ll flourish in the right home and she’d love a garden to potter in as she loves to watch the birds out of the window here.
Can you help?
Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match.
If you can’t offer a rescue pet a new home perhaps you could help in a different way?
- Become a fosterer for a sick pet recovering from surgery or a youngster who needs to learn how to behave in a home;
- Help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling our donation line on 0300 123 8181;
- Sponsor a cat pod or a dog kennel and help take care of the animals during their stay with us;
- Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of RSPCA Isle of Wight. Ed
