The RSPCA has launched its annual Adoptober campaign encouraging prospective pet owners to consider giving a rescued animal a new home as new figures raise concerns that more animals are being relinquished to charities at a time when rehoming has slowed.

The animal welfare charity - which operates 14 national rehoming centres across England and Wales, while supporting a network of branches with an additional 45 animal shelters - has released new figures that show nationally (across England and Wales) rehoming has dropped 8% while animal intake is up 8.4% year-on-year.

The RSPCA's annual Adoptober rehoming drive has kicked off today and will run throughout October, promoting adoption and highlighting the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.

The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet.

Releasing new figures this week, the RSPCA has highlighted a potential animal rescue crisis as more animals come into care, stay in rescue centres for longer, with less people coming forward to adopt.

In 2021, the RSPCA's network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals; an 8% drop compared to the previous year when 29,358 animals were rehomed, despite the Covid pandemic affecting the way in which charities across the nation could rehome.

The number of dogs rehomed by the charity also fell 6% from 4,877 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2021; while cats dropped 12% from 17,868 in 2020 to 15,579 in 2021.

In Somerset*, the total number of animals rehomed slipped 27% from 1,305 in 2020 to 952 in 2021. The number of dogs rehomed dropped 12% from 290 in 2020 to 256 in 2021; while cats fell 26% from 769 to 568; rabbits dropped 70% from 53 to 16; and other pets - including small furries and birds - fell 42% from 193 to 112.

Across England and Wales, the average stay for an animal (the number of days they spend in RSPCA care from being ready to rehome to leaving for their new home) also increased for dogs by 9.4% - from 85 days in 2020 to 93 days in 2021 - and for rabbits - from 104 in 2020 to 117 in 2021, an increase of 12.5%. Cats length of stay remained the same at 67 days.

Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: "It's really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we're really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

"Many of the animals - particularly dogs - who are coming into our care have behavioural challenges which could be linked to how they were bred as well as lockdown limiting the amount of training, socialising and outside world experience they had.

"We're also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn't afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.

"Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.

"For those who are able to bring a pet into their home, we are urging them to really consider adopting rather than buying. Many of our animals will already be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms - making it much more cost-effective - and we will work them to make sure they find their perfect match."

In 2021, the RSPCA saw more dogs, rabbits and other pets (including small furries, pet birds, farm animals and exotics) coming into its care than in 2020. Intake for cats and horses fell by 1.7% and 18.1%, respectively.

Last year, the charity rescued:

     7,412 dogs - 11.9% more than the 6,624 in 2020;

     7.1% more rabbits (2,731 compared to 2,549);

     6% more other pets (5,900 compared to 5,566).

The RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index - released earlier this year - highlighted the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pet owners. The survey found that 68% of pet owners were concerned about the increasing cost of pet care while 19% were worried about being able to afford to feed their pets.

Figures released by the charity in August revealed that its cruelty line was receiving more than 100 reports a day of animals being abandoned throughout 2021; and the concern is that the cost of living crisis could lead to this riding even higher.

Long-stays looking for love

 At RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre, in Somerset, there are lots of pets looking for new homes, including:

     Seven-year-old terrier Holly is a sweet and active girl who absolutely loves being with people, going for fun walks, and snuggling on the sofa. She's very playful and loves a squeaky toy! She isn't comfortable around other dogs so is looking for a rural home where she can enjoy exercising away from busy areas. Her training has been going well but her new owners will need to continue this in her new home. Holly will make a wonderful companion and is a fun, loving little lady who is looking for her paw-fect match!

     Bantam cockerel Acorn was found straying with his friend, Sycamore. They're now both looking for their forever homes. The sweet boys have been happily sharing a pen and are looking for flocks of hens to live with, as well as a safe and secure coop and run.

The team at Brent Knoll Animal Centre - run by the RSPCA North Somerset Branch - is looking for homes for:

     Two-year-old Annie was pregnant when she was found abandoned in a box. She raised four kittens who have all been rehomed and she's now desperate to find her happy ending. She doesn't like other cats so would like a rural home away from feline friends. She friendly and affectionate with people - on her own terms - and hopes to find an owner who will understand her ways!

     Eight-year-old Charlie is a shy but sweet crossbreed who canbe worried by strangers. He loves to spend time with his friends and craves their company but can be anxious in certain situations, such as visits to the vets. He needs an experienced owner who can help with his anxieties and give him a chance to build his confidence.

     Two-year-old Dutch rabbits Radish & Asparagus were found together as strays. They're very sweet and like to hop over to check you out but prefer not being picked up. They're inquisitive and would like a large enclosure with lots of enrichment to keep them busy.

Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match.

If you can't offer a rescue pet a new home perhaps you could help in a different way?

     Become a fosterer for a sick pet recovering from surgery or a youngster who needs to learn how to behave in a home;

     Help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling our donation line on 0300 123 8181;

     Sponsor a cat pod or a dog kennel and help take care of the animals during their stay with us;

     Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.