- Experts share top tips for responsible dog ownership as shelters see a spike following festive period
- Animal abandonment jumps 51% over winter period in last three years*
The festive season often sees an influx of impulsive pet purchases, which is why pet experts are urging Brits to start their new year off in the most meaningful way possible by adopting, not shopping, for their four legged friend this year.
Recent research shows an increase of 51% in animal abandonment in the winter months – last year, 4,630 pets were abandoned from November 2023 to January 2024 alone*, highlighting just how many new pets are returned to animal shelters in the New Year.
Leading pet-sitting platform, TrustedHousesitters, has partnered with expert Miriam Dowding, Operations Manager at Raystede Animal Rescue Centre, to advise Brits who are considering adopting a four-legged friend in 2025 how to ensure responsible ownership and highlight the benefits of adoption.
Winter adoption rates:
“The situation at Raystede remains challenging”, commented Miriam. “Last year, we had 4,278 requests to take animals into our care throughout the year.
“But, in the last week alone, Google searches for ‘dog adoption’ have increased by 12%. While abandonment rates tend to spike after the festive season, it’s clear that many are still choosing to adopt, offering hope to animals in need.”
Experts share advice for responsible ownership:
“It’s key to consider how your lifestyle matches the animal you’re looking to adopt,” says Miriam. “Often, people think about the here and now, but potential owners must consider the whole lifetime of the animal and whether they can take on that commitment.
“Most welfare organisations advise that dogs shouldn’t be left for more than four hours – one of the reasons cited by those who give up their animal to shelters is often that they can’t dedicate the time to looking after that animal anymore, so it’s so important to consider the time and commitment required to be a responsible animal owner. We want to educate potential pet owners to avoid more pets falling into the care of shelters.”
“For those considering adoption, it’s vital to ensure you’re ready for the commitment,” Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, adds. “Responsible ownership involves understanding the long-term commitment, from financial costs, companionship and daily care.
“If you’re not ready to adopt, there are still many ways to support shelters, including fostering, donating, and volunteering. At TrustedHousesitters, we’ve supported Raystede through various projects by volunteering team days, which our employees are always more than happy to help and give their time.”
The benefits of adoption
Miriam adds that there are plenty of benefits to adoption over purchase:
- Get to know the pet: Adopting means potential owners can learn about the animal’s characteristics, temperament, their likes and dislikes, from the experts at the rescue centre beforehand.
- No need for vaccinations: Rescued pets are typically vaccinated and neutered before adoption. Most rescue centres also offer lifetime support for any questions or concerns.
- Help other animals in need: Adopting frees up space so the centre can take in more animals in need of their care.
Case study interview available upon request: Meet Mabel, the 10-year-old Staffie who made it home in time for Christmas. Learn more about her story here.
Platforms like TrustedHousesitters can support caring for an adopted pet, from offering expert vet advice to providing a cost effective solution when pet care is needed in your own home for a period of time. To learn more about responsible pet ownership and how TrustedHousesitters can support your journey as a pet parent, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/.
