Dogs Trust sees ‘record’ number of calls amid cost-of-living crisis

Dogs Trust revealed it has received a record number of calls over recent months from people asking the charity to take in their dogs, with enquiries jumping to the highest level since its records began, with 4,370 inquiries received in July 2022.

Dogs Trust said there has been a notable increase in the number of people calling in for financial reasons in the face of the new cost-of-living crisis, citing problems such as increases in regular monthly bills, including energy and mortgage payments. 

This has meant that dog owners can no longer afford basics for their pets, such as food, which has also increased in price.

Vet bills also continued to cause the most worry with over half (51%) of dog owners citing vet bills as their biggest financial canine concern for the coming year. One in five (20%) were most worried about the cost of dog food, while 15% named insurance as their lead worry. 

Dogs Trust said that with adoption numbers dropping as people can’t afford to take on a new dog, this has the potential to lead to a housing crisis for the nation’s dogs.

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust CEO, said: “The UK is fast heading towards a situation in which, due to the cost of living crisis, we’ll have a surplus of dogs whose owners need to give them up, but a deficit of people who can afford to take on a new dog.

“Dogs Trust is issuing an urgent call for emergency foster carers, especially people with experience of caring for big dogs, who can provide a port in a storm to a dog who, for the moment, has nowhere else to go. If you can help, we urge you to get in touch with us and help look after the nation’s dogs through this crisis.”

He added: “Likewise, if you’re struggling to afford looking after your own dog, Dogs Trust will do all it can to help. I’m afraid we can’t promise miracles, but we’re always here to listen without judgement, talk through the options and give dog owners the benefit of our expert knowledge.”