DEMAND for pets has surged since the start of the coronavirus pandemic with Dogs Trust reporting 66-per-cent more calls in 2020 than 2019. 

As we all bunker down for the foreseeable, many of us have noticed a gaping hole in our lives that can only be filled with a four-legged friend. 

With many of us spending a lot more time inside as we now work from home or only going outside for part of our daily exercise - which is more frequently a gentle walk around the block than a 5k run like we all promised ourselves. 

The prospect of adopting a needy animal into our hearts and homes has become more realistic than ever. 

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said:  “It's no surprise that during the pandemic there has been a huge demand for dogs, as more people have been at home with time to care for a new family member, of the canine kind. 

“We saw a 66% increase in calls from members of the public looking to rehome from us in 2020 compared to 2019.

“Owning a dog is an absolutely wonderful thing, but it's also a big responsibility. Before embarking on the exciting journey of welcoming a four-legged friend into your life, it's really important to think about what life is like now and what it will be like in the future.”

Here are some Bournemouth-based animals in need of their forever home: 

Soxs

Bournemouth Echo:

(Image - Dogs Trust)

Soxs is an adorable nine-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, who's looking for a special forever home he can share with his good friend, Lexi.

Because he gets worried by fireworks, thunderstorms and similar, unpredictable noises; Soxs will need a calm, quiet home where he can relax with Lexi.

Both Soxs and Lexi love being outside and will need access to a good-size, secure garden where they can explore and play safely off-lead.

To find out more about Sox and Lexi visit Dogs Trust.

Toby

Bournemouth Echo:

(Image - Dogs Trust)

This gorgeous boy is a five-year-old Labrador cross who needs to be able to meet his owners a few times before moving in for good. 

Described as a lovely-natured fella who enjoys nothing more than being in the company of his humans he will make a brilliant companion. 

Due to his size and excitable nature, Dogs Trust recommend that any children in the home are aged 16 and above.

Unsure of being left on his own for any period of time, it is advised that Toby's new owners gradually build him up to being left alone - closely monitoring how Toby responds to it.  

This lovely lad enjoys being outside and playing with his toys. He'll need a good-size, secure garden with six-foot fencing as a minimum requirement.

Find out more about Toby on the Dogs Trust website.

Dolly and Honey 

Bournemouth Echo:

(Image - Dogs Trust)

Dolly and Honey are eight-year-old long haired chihuahua crosses who are looking to be rehomed together. 

Both of the sweeties would like their new owner to be at home most of the time so that they can get the cuddles and attention they deserve. 

They would like a home with a garden where they can potter around - new adopters must be happy to take on a dog who has a lifelong medical condition. 

Find out more about these sweet girls on Dogs Trust.

Holly

Bournemouth Echo:

(Image - Cats Protection)

At 11-years-young Holly is a girl with her own mind and needs a loving home that will allow her to live peacefully without forcing interaction. 

She is a loving girl who enjoy social interaction in the afternoon and evening. She will crawl onto your lap for a stroke but will let you know when she's had enough and wants her own space.

She was recently diagnosed with insulin controlled diabetes and her fosterer has been able to inject the insulin twice a day whilst Holly is eating with very little reaction.

She cannot go to a home with children and needs a home with a garden as she likes to be outdoors. 

Find out more on the Cats Protection website.

*Article edited after publication.