People give up their beloved pets because they cannot afford to feed them

Amid the UK’s cost of living crisis, dog and cat owners are being forced to give away their beloved pets because they can no longer afford to keep them

Dog and cat owners are having to give up their beloved pets because of the cost-of-living crisis, a rescue agency has claimed.

Claire Sparkes, chief executive of the Gables Dogs and Cats Home in Plymouth, has claimed the charity is receiving more calls to adopt pets as owners can no longer afford the rising cost of pet essentials.

Pet food and veterinary costs have risen sharply in recent years and owners are struggling to pay the bills as the cost of living increases in the UK. Plymouth Live reports.

Claire explained that it’s not just Gables that’s dealing with the increasing calls, but other rescue centers around town as well. She admitted that she worries about what will happen to all the unwanted pets when they can no longer take them due to the limited space they have.

“We keep a waiting list of cats and dogs that need to be rehomed because people are unable to stay longer for various reasons. The calls we’re getting are increasing now from people who really can’t afford to keep their pets anymore,” Claire said.

“It’s a real shame because they are truly beloved pets but the increase in their own cost to themselves and their families has increased.

“With the increase in dog food, veterinary expenses such as flea and worm treatments and basic pet care products are also increasing. It seems like everything is increasing and there is no slacking off for anyone and people are really struggling to keep their pets.

“It’s been increasing significantly over the last three months and I think it’s only going to get worse to the point where we can only take in so many animals at a time.

“It worries me what might happen to these animals if we can’t take them anymore because we only have so many kennels and cat houses available.”

She added: “Even washing powder, pet food and even kitty litter prices have increased dramatically. This affects us now.

“Even things like our cleaning equipment and we’ve had to increase staff wages to be able to afford the rising cost of living. All of our costs go up and up.

“The donations we normally receive are getting smaller and smaller because people just don’t have the extra money to donate to us.

“Since the war in Ukraine we’ve definitely noticed a difference, which is understandable and we’re doing our part to help, but there has been a drop in overall donations.”

The news comes as UK inflation climbed to 9.1% in the 12 months to May, the highest since March 1982. The ONS said food and drink prices were the biggest contributor to creeping inflation, while households also energy costs were hit by a sky high.

Energy analysts Cornwall Insights warned this week that the October price cap could hit nearly £3,000 – which would mean a further £1,000 increase for families on top of the current April price cap of £1,971.

According to Claire, the cost of living crisis is also affecting the amount of donations Gables receives from cat litter to washing powder.

Speaking about how people can help Gables and other rescue centers, Claire said: “We’re short on cat and dog food, kitty litter and washing powder – they don’t have to be expensive brands or anything, if they have extra supplies they aren’t use more like groceries, blankets, sheets and towels – we will always use them.

“But the greatest need is in pet food and cat litter. Also fun things for dogs and cats like toys and treats – we’ve found that we don’t get those donated anymore.”

To keep up to date with the local rescue center visit Gables Dogs and Cats website. Or visit the Facebook site.