The RSPCA urgently needs more foster carers to help free up spaces in its animal centres – as shocking new statistics reveal 700 rescued animals are waiting for a space.
The charity estimates it is spending an eye-watering £26,000 a week to private boarders for the temporary care of hundreds of rescued animals – including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furry animals, exotic pets, birds and farm animals – as its 59 rehoming centres are full to bursting.
Animals are based in private boarding establishments all across England and Wales. In response, the RSPCA has launched an urgent new drive to recruit more fosterers – who care for animals temporarily in their own home, while supported by the RSPCA – to help ease the pressure.
The shocking new statistics come as the RSPCA’s annual rehoming campaign – Adoptober – continues to shine a light on the work of the charity’s animal centres, and the rescue pets looking for a second chance of happiness.
The RSPCA’s Isle of Wight Branch is searching for more fosterers to help provide temporary homes for some of the animals in its care.
Suzanne Pugh, branch manager, said:
“We rely on fosterers to provide temporary homes for some of the animals who come to us. Fostering can help in so many ways and we need more amazing people who are willing to open their homes – and their hearts – to give these animals a fresh start in life.
“If you think you could help us, please get in touch with [email protected].”
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Capacity problems at RSPCA centres are being exacerbated by an increase in calls to the RSPCA post-pandemic, a slowdown in rehoming, and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity’s care – as cost of living pressures continue to bite.
If people stopped buying from breeders on facebook etc there wouldnt be such an issue.
I have always had rescues, and would rather spend my money on the animals welfare, rather than lining the pockets of some one only in it for profit.
Puppy’s/kittens should not be traded for thousands of pounds just to satisfy a ‘trend’ get over yourselves, and give a loving home to a deserving animal.
So sad. I’m a firm believer that people should not take on pets unless they are prepared to care for them long term. However, with no vets available on the island and pet food more expensive than human food, what other choice do they have?
people should have hamsters they dont cost much to feed or take up much space. you dont have to walk them or you will look silly but they are loving and always up for coming out for a cuddle. hamsters instead of dogs problem solved.
Probably fall out from Covid, and then Putin cutting of gas etc and now a world financial depression. A dog, cat or any pet in todays society is a luxury only for the wealthy. Those that can afford to buy from breeders probably do so because they have some sort of assurance the dog is safe and will not turn nasty towards them and their children. Others do it for status, or because they can. I know if I had an animal now, I would, perhaps stupidly, put the animal before myself. There is no way I would pay thousands for a pet, and I think you will find that those that charge will possibly be bringing down their prices. An animal is for life, but Vets are very very very expensive, ridiculously so.
And vets aren’t taking animals at the moment, unless it’s an emergency, so expect more kittens and puppies that nobody wants, or won’t when they grow.