Huge demand for lockdown dogs sees RSPCA rehome 4,877 canines in 2020

The charity saw ‘unprecedented levels of interest’ in dog rehoming during lockdown

Dog rehoming soared during lockdown as families spending more time at home due to the pandemic and home-working sought the companionship of a four-legged friend.

New figures, released today (11 October) by the RSPCA, reveal that 4,877 dogs were rehomed in 2020, despite the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. In Wales, the RSPCA rehomed 239 dogs in 2020.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “At the beginning of lockdown we were concerned about how difficult it might be to rehome animals, especially as we had to pause all rehoming for several weeks until we were able to come up with a new rehoming model that adhered to the Welsh Government’s guidelines.

“Once we had approval from the Welsh Government to re-launch rehoming, we were staggered by the levels of interest we had in our animals; particularly our dogs. We saw an unprecedented level of interest in rehoming dogs from families who were spending more time at home and wanted the company of a furry friend.

“We had 68% more visits to the Find A Pet section of our website between March 23 – the first day of lockdown – and December 31 compared to the previous year; and views of our ‘rehoming a dog’ information spiked by 87%. Many of our centres received hundreds of applications for individual dogs and some canines were being snapped up before they’d even been advertised online.”

The charity launched virtual rehoming in order to continue rehoming animals while still sticking to the Welsh Government’s restrictions on social distancing and non-essential travel. People were encouraged to apply for pets online and staff arranged video call interviews and meet and greets to match the right homes with the right people.

Dr Gaines added: “While most of our animals were snapped up quickly, there are some who have sadly been overlooked time and time again because of their colour, breed, age or background. This Adoptober, we want to try to find homes for all of the wonderful dogs who remain with us.”

Scooby

Say hello to Scooby, who has been at the RSPCA’s Llys Nini Animal Centre near Swansea for over eight months after his owner’s circumstances changed. The eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier is described by staff as a very loving dog who adores attention, food and playing with his toys.

Scooby would benefit from owners who can provide him with some direction through training and help teach him to be calm, as he can be easily startled. Having access to quiet walks would also be an advantage for him as he learns to adjust to his new life.

Because he is a more mature dog, Scooby has quite stiff and arthritic hind legs and will require long-term anti-inflammatory pain relief. He needs an adult only home with no other pets; experience or knowledge of the breed would be preferred but is not essential.

🐶 Find out more about Scooby and how to fill in an application online. You can also watch a video of him.

Paul

Paul is a beautiful four-year-old Labrador Retriever who came into RSPCA’s Llys Nini Centre near Swansea after a difficult start in life because his owner could not meet his needs. Like Scooby, Paul is another long-stay dog, who staff would dearly love to find a loving new home for.

He loves quiet walks in fields and woodland, sniffing for food in the grass, a game of tug and rolling on his back with a soft toy. He enjoys his training and knows ‘sit’, ‘down’, and ‘drop’.

Once he gets to know you, Paul is an incredibly good-natured dog, but he is also a sensitive soul and would prefer a calm, quiet adult-only household, with a maximum of two people. He may be able to live with a well mannered female dog, but would prefer not to live with cats.

Paul has suffered from fits whilst in the care of the centre. He has started on treatment to control them – which he will need to stay on for life – which is why a quiet and stress free new home is essential for him.

🐶 Find out more about Paul and how to fill in an application online. You can also watch a video of him.

The RSPCA rescues animals from the worst abuse and neglect and, by giving them a home, you are giving them a second chance at life. As part of our rehoming drive this October – called Adoptober – we want to shine a light on all of the dogs in our care and encourage people to adopt instead of shop.

Dr Gaines added: “Our advice to anyone thinking of getting a dog is to do lots of research first to ensure that you can meet the needs of a dog. They are a huge commitment and responsibility, but they’re also a wonderful addition to the family and are sure to bring you lots of joy and happiness.

“Sadly we are expecting to see more dogs coming into our care over the following months as people who are beginning to return to work find their dogs may struggle to cope at home alone, or because families cannot cope with behavioural problems or the costs of getting ‘lockdown puppies’ who are now struggling to adapt to adolescent and adult life. Anyone who needs help with their pet should speak to their vet, a clinical animal behaviourist or head to our website for advice.”

For more information about Adoptober, visit www.rspca.org.uk/Adoptober and to see all the animals we have available for rehoming visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.