RSPCA urging those in Cambs to remember pet 'time and money' commitment this Christmas
The charity says abandonments have soared in recent times
Last updated 29th Dec 2023
The RSPCA is warning people in Cambridgeshire to remember the 'time and money' commitment when getting a pet this Christmas.
Last month the charity warned animal abandonments numbers were spiralling amid the cost of living crisis, with a 32.9% rise in abandonment calls.
In Cambridgeshire, the charity is on course to receive 262 reports of animal abandonment this year - marking a 24.2% rise on the number of reports received in the local community in 2020.
Tiffany Saunders, from the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre says people need to consider the full on time and cost commitment of an animal before adopting.
"It's a ten, fifteen year commitment," she said.
"You've got to consider your routine treatments, veterinary care, pet insurance. it's costly.
"Even just having the time to give to an animal, being able to care for it, exercising, any behaviour support.
"If you've going on holiday, and if you work you have to make sure someone can provide support when you're out of the house.
Tiffany says new pets can be great gifts, if done responsibility, with the RPSCA urging people to join their 'Christmas Rescue.
She added: "They become a little family member, it's always nice to think you've rescued an animal and given them a second chance.
"Always go to a rescue centre because they are in desperate need of re-homing.
"We can give you the best support after as well, we're here to support long term.
"If the owner needs a bit of support, we can point them in the right direction."