SSPCA sees 'worrying' rise in owners looking to give up pets amid cost of living crisis

The Scottish SCPA has said it has seen a “worrying” rise in the number of people looking to give up their pets.

The charity recorded a 24% increase in 2024, with the challenging economic environment leaving people worried about being able to afford pet food and care.

Last year, 4,779 people – an average of 92 every week – contacted the charity seeking advice on giving up their pets.

In response, they will be ramping up early support for people who may be struggling to prevent situations from spiralling.

To do so, staff will work in the community to establish support so that issues can be addressed before animals suffer.

In 2024 alone, the charity helped 16,478 owners and their pets stay together with advice from inspectors and help with essentials through Pet Aid food services which provides pet food and supplies to food banks across the country.

Elsewhere, community veterinary service Pet Aid Veterinary has provided much-needed treatment for 489 animals since its launch just six months ago.

The project, which is being piloted in the Glasgow area, sees a community veterinary nurse team visit owners and their pets at home to carry out basic healthcare assessments.

Animals in need of more complex veterinary treatment can then be referred to their Glasgow centre.

The SSPCA also recently relaunched a ‘matching’ service for animals, which helps prospective adopters match with animals, helping animals find their forever homes more quickly.

Figures show that in 2024, there was a 13% increase in adoption, a 30% increase in fostering, and animals spending 30% less time in their care.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “It’s never been more clear that across Scotland there’s a desperate need to tackle the root causes of animal welfare issues and get help into communities before issues start to spiral.

“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers do an incredible job on the frontline but too often they are seeing complex and sad situations where earlier help could have prevented an animal needing to come into our care.

“That’s why in 2025 we’re boosting our efforts to help people in communities across Scotland, changing the way we work and making sure our services are being directed to where they’re most needed so that we can help as many animals and people as possible to stay together.”