“Dog owners have told us they’re going to struggle this Christmas, and many more are really worried about what 2023 is going to bring" - Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust.

The charity has taken its 50,000th request to rehome a dog. 

Dogs Trust has warned the animal welfare sector is facing a crisis, with more animals being abandoned than it has the room to care for.

The caution comes after the charity passed the bleak milestone of 50,000 requests this year from desperate owners asking the organisation to take in their dog. The figure is the highest number of handover requests in its history.

Dogs Trust claims it is the most stretched it has been in 131 years, managing an influx of dogs whose owners can no longer afford them. It fears that some 350,000 could need to find new homes as the cost of living starts to bite.

A YouGov poll carried out on behalf of Dogs Trust has also revealed that a third of UK dog owners are concerned that, as bills continue to skyrocket, the crisis will impact on how well they can take care of their dog next year.

Almost half of respondents (46%) said veterinary bills had been their greatest financial worry in 2022, followed by the cost of dog food (18%) and pet insurance (16%).

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said: “Although it was inevitable that we would reach 50,000 calls from owners no longer able to care for their dogs, it’s still a shock and a stark signifier of the animal welfare crisis the UK now finds itself in.

“Through our December poll, dog owners have told us they’re going to struggle this Christmas, and many more are really worried about what 2023 is going to bring.

“We’re doing as much as we can at Dogs Trust to reach out and help dog owners who have been worst hit by the crisis. We’re expanding our help and support all the time so, if you’re having a hard time looking after your dog, please reach out to us before it’s too late - there are lots of ways that we can help.

“Our utmost priority is to keep as many dogs with their families as we can – and stop people having to make that heart-breaking decision to give up their dog.

To help struggling pet owners, Dogs Trust has established temporary dog food banks at six of its 21 centres. The charity invites anyone struggling to feed their animal to drop in and collect supplies.

Image (C) Martin Phelps/Dogs Trust.