The Dogs Trust charity has reported a significant increase in the number of dogs being surrendered for rehoming, with numbers hitting “record highs” across their Greater Manchester and Merseyside centres. Since the pandemic, the charity has seen an influx of 200 dogs, with their Denton base particularly overwhelmed. The charity received 52,000 inquiries from struggling owners shortly after the pandemic, followed by an additional 43,000 inquiries last year alone.
Emma Wakefield, head of operations at Dogs Trust North, attributed the surge in surrendered dogs to a “perfect storm” created by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. She explained that many people made quick decisions to adopt dogs during the lockdown, only to later find themselves unable to care for them as expected.
Research on choosing the right dog breed before adoption is crucial, Wakefield emphasized, as some people have been breeding for profit rather than focusing on the behavior traits needed for a good family pet.
Currently, the UK is home to an estimated 13.5 million dogs, with the average age of dogs born during the pandemic being around four-and-a-half years old. Many of these dogs are facing behavioral challenges, especially those who missed out on socializing and training due to pandemic restrictions.
Charlotte Moyes, assistant behavior manager at the Dogs Trust in Manchester, stressed the importance of addressing unwanted behaviors early on to prevent long-term struggles. Common issues among pandemic-era dogs include separation anxiety, barking, and pulling on the lead.
To address these concerns, the Dogs Trust is offering training classes, an advice line, and community support to help pet owners manage their dogs’ behavior and prevent more from being surrendered.
The charity currently cares for 11,000 dogs across 23 UK sites, and while the rise in abandoned dogs is concerning, their efforts to provide training and advice are crucial in helping keep more pets in their homes.