Christmas plea to help homeless pets as case numbers soar

THE scale of pet homelessness has risen to worrying new heights in the last five years, according to new figures released by Blue Cross.

The data highlights a growing number of pets being surrendered, as the cost-of-living crisis pushes more UK families to make painful choices.

More than 25,000 pets have come through Blue Cross’s fostering and rehoming services and have accessed the charity’s support in the last five years.

Now, to help tackle the growing issue, Blue Cross has launched its ‘Critical First Night Christmas Appeal’.

Dennis, who is deaf and partially blind, had been dumped in a bin.

Tarryn Twitchett, Blue Cross rehoming operations manager, said: “We’re seeing more pets than ever in need of new homes.

“As everyday costs rise, many families are feeling the pressure and struggling to afford pet care. The first night an animal comes into our care is the most important, they can be hungry, ill or just in need of a warm comfortable environment.

“The charity urgently needs donations to help us support pets in our care, from hamsters up to horses.”

The first night of care for a pet is critical, as some pets arrive starving, others injured and many in need of emergency veterinary treatment.

With expert care, compassion and intervention, Blue Cross teams work tirelessly to care for these pets, helping them to begin their journey to recovery and a loving new home.

Last year alone, Blue Cross saw an 18% rise in the number of pets coming through its rehoming and fostering services.

They include Dennis, a tiny Terrier, who is deaf, partially blind, and suffering from painful injuries.

At just six-weeks-old, the little pup was left in a bin. Filthy, petrified, wobbly on his feet and suffering from a painful wound, he was given the emergency care that he needed to survive.

Anouska Ashmead-Bartlett, admissions co-ordinator at Blue Cross in Burford, said: “I didn’t expect him to be so small. He fitted in a cat carrier – he was absolutely tiny. I’ve never seen a dog of his age quite so little and thin, and with so many injuries as well.”

Dennis was placed with a Blue Cross foster volunteer. With daily care, his wounds gradually healed, and through patient training, Dennis began to feel safe and his confidence grew.

Before long, he was ready to find a permanent home. Thanks to the person who found him clinging to life in a bin, the critical care he received at Blue Cross, and the love of his adopters, Dennis will be spending this Christmas in a loving home.

Blue Cross has released a short film highlighting the 25,000 pets it has helped to support in the last five years. It features the team at the Burford Rehoming Centre, Oxfordshire, creating a striking visual of the number, with each digit measuring approximately 11 feet by 7 feet.

Each number was constructed from a variety of items, including donated bedding, blankets, and toys, along with pet food and new toys purchased as Christmas gifts for pets in Blue Cross’s care.

These toys and supplies represent just a fraction of what is needed to care for the increasing number of homeless pets supported by the charity.

By donating, people can help provide a Critical Care Kit, which contains emergency items tailored to each pet’s needs on their first night with the charity, such as pain relief, antibiotics, warm blankets and nutritious food.

The charity says people can support its work by donating £10, £20 or £30, helping rehoming and veterinary teams provide urgent support to pets in need during their most vulnerable hours.

For more information, visit: bluecross.org.uk/christmasappeal