RSPCA offers advice to new pet owners due to fear of spike in animal dumping
A boom in pet ownership during the pandemic means many are experiencing their first Christmas together
The RSPCA is offering advice to new puppy owners this Christmas to ensure they both enjoy the festive season.
A boom in pet ownership during the pandemic means many are experiencing their first Christmas together.
Last winter there were hundred of calls about pets being abandoned or neglected, across our region, according to local RSPCA branches:
-283 calls in Norfolk
-180 calls in Suffolk
-417 calls in Essex
Amy Ockelford from the charity says new owners need to plan ahead: "It's just about thinking about the simple things. So, are you going to be home or are you going away? Who's going to be looking after your pet?
"Will they be coming with you and will they be happy travelling with you and going to a new environment. Or do you need to look for somebody who's going to be happy looking after your pet while they are away.
"If you're having a big, busy Christmas because you missed it last year, then just think about your pet and whether they are going to find that overwhelming.
"Try to create a nice little safe space for them, a little den that they can use to escape the hustle and bustle from if they need a quiet time."
She went on to say that its owners responsibility to fully understand what caring for a pet involves: "Please do your research before taking on a pet. Make sure you understand what's involved with taking care of a pet, day in day out.
"How long that pet lives, what that pet will cost in their lifetime and also that pet needs on a daily basis. Some pets like dogs need a lot of time from us and it's really important that we understand that going into owning a pet."
She also fears more animals will need a new home this winter, than in years gone by: "We're particularly worried this year because of the increase in people who got pets during the pandemic and perhaps the knock on effects that the pandemic is having on them.
"Perhaps they are going back to work, perhaps they are struggling financially or perhaps they just didn't consider how much of a commitment a pet was before taking one on."