Cost of living crisis impact on dogs and owners

Dog food banks and rescue charities have all expressed concerns as the cost of living crisis is causing record breaking amounts of owners asking for support. 

A leading dog welfare charity, The Dogs Trust, have recently annouced that they received 4,370 handover requests in July, their highest level since records began and the trend is increasing.

Clare, the founder of Misty's Pet Food Bank, part of Every Paw Matters has spoken owners coming to them "suicidal" at the thought of having to give up their beloved pets. 

The pet food bank has been helping to feed more than 600 dogs and cats across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Clare said: "I have never known a time like this. We have never had such a demand. We are either helping them with our food bank or our crisis foster care, which is for people who are going through domestic violence or homelessness.

"Weve had several people that have been suicidal at the thought of having to give up their pet, we've had to involve the services. If your pet is all you have, you don't want to be parted and it's heartbreaking to see.

Photo by Misty's Pet Food Bank

"We are inundated with referrals. We have had to step up to prevent some dogs from being to sleep. 

"It's an impendening crisis, we are under such great pressure."

In a poll by the Dog’s Trust, 37 per cent of dog owners across the south west of England thought it would be more difficult to give their dogs all they needed due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Sophie Vye, manager at Staffie and Stray rescue, said: "We too are receiving a very high volume of emails and phone calls from people looking to surrender their dogs.

"I think the current financial climate means that when people are struggling financially, the animals are sadly the first thing people are parting with."

Harriet Uren from Margaret Green Animal Rescue said: "We are certainly concerned about the rising costs of caring for all of our animals.

"We too will have to try to find the funds to cover these and will need to turn to our wonderful supporters and animal lovers in the community.

"These are undoubtedly very worrying times."