The RSPCA is facing a rehoming crisis as new figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted – leaving hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.
Last year, while the charity’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.
It means intake with the RSPCA is 42% higher than the number of animals being rehomed, with many animals having to stay in temporary emergency boarding until a space opens up for them at a rehoming centre.
The problem is now worse than the previous year – when pet intake (37,910) was 39% greater than the numbers rehomed (27,277). The spiralling problem is placing even more pressure on the charity, as it urgently searches for loving new homes for pets.
In response, the charity – which is marking its 200th year – is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the spiralling rehoming crisis.
The RSPCA hopes its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign, which launches today (1 October), will increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.
German Shepherd crossbreed Athena is patiently awaiting her forever home at the RSPCA’s Blackberry Farm Animal Centre in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Just two years old, she came into the RSPCA’s care after she was found being kept outside in poor living conditions, with a severely infected untreated wound on her front leg.Sadly despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save her leg and a decision was made to amputate it. But despite now only having three-legs, Athena has not let this hold her back. She is resilient and clever, and still finds a way to enjoy all the things other dogs do – such as digging, playing in water – playing fetch and sniffing games. She has really bonded with her handlers and when someone offers her a forever home, the RSPCA expects she will thrive and quickly love being with her new owner.
Karen added: “There’s nothing more heartwarming than a successful adoption, and the wonderful staff at our branches and centres celebrate every time an animal finds their forever home.
“So if you’re looking for a pet – whether it’s a cat or dog, a donkey or a bearded dragon – please visit our user-friendly ‘Find A Pet’ webpage and ‘adopt don’t shop’ this Adoptober.”
The RSPCA has a clear policy that it will not put healthy, rehomeable animals to sleep and euthanasia is only carried out, on advice of a vet, to prevent further physical or mental suffering to an animal. The charity goes to great lengths to find the animals in its care loving homes, whether that takes weeks or months – but that means that animals are staying for longer and spaces are opening up less frequently.
Happy-Go-Lucky Scooby, RSPCA Lancashire East’s Branch
Poor Scooby has been waiting for more than a year for his forever home as despite spreading the word and extensive RSPCA rehoming appeals, he is still awaiting his perfect match.
He is only 21 months old – so has been waiting for a new home for more than half his life.
Scooby damaged his tail from being so bouncy. The injury caused an arterial bleed and he had to have it amputated – but it hasn’t stopped him from making the most of life.
Amy Robinson, Animal Care Assistant, said: “Scooby is very loving and extremely intelligent. He is a happy-go-lucky dog who is a huge character. Everyone at the branch thinks he is an amazing boy and we want nothing more than for him to go to a loving new home.”
Scooby would be suitable to be rehomed with another confident, playful dog. He is looking for an adult-only home.
Beautiful Royal pythons at Brighton Reptile Centre, East Sussex
Billy Ray, Ralph, Sunflower, Tex and Olive are all Royal pythons seeking nurturing homes with experienced owners who can give them the love they deserve.
Although royal pythons in the UK are bred in captivity, their biology and needs are still the same as in the wild. Before acquiring a royal python, prospective owners should ensure they can provide the correct care, equipment and associated costs for its whole life – as they can live longer than 20 years in captivity.
Keeping snakes or other exotics can be very rewarding, but reptiles are completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, including heating and lighting, and an appropriate diet.
Prospective owners should thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources, and only consider keeping an animal if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs. The RSPCA would recommend that owners ask for help and advice from experienced keepers and take their reptile to an exotics vet at the first signs of illness.
Inquisitive Pigs Isla & Ada, Stubbington Ark, Fareham, Hants
Ada and Isla are two very clever sisters who enjoy enriching their brains and bonding with the staff during their training sessions. Ada is a sweet girl who loves being around people, while Isla is full of personality and likes everyone to know she’s the boss.
They are sweet and inquisitive and have now settled really well.
They will need to be adopted together, and will need a large secure field with stock and post and rail fencing, a large pig shelter and a wallow.
Playful Rabbits Annie and Hallie, RSPCA Bryn Y Maen, Colwyn Bay, Wales
Rabbit duo Annie and Hallie have been in RSPCA care for more than 350 days without a single application form! They are the longest stay animals in their small animal unit.
Animal Care Assistant Nicole Rowson said: “Annie and Hallie are an inseparable pair who have come on leaps and bounds since being with us. They are both very curious, playful and 100 per cent partners in crime!
“They could live indoors or outdoors provided they are given adequate space, hides and lots of toys and enrichment and could also live with children of primary school age.
“We can’t believe that they’ve been with us so long and without much interest! But we hope Adoptober will change that!”
Lonely Cats Gunther and Joey, RSPCA Cat Rehoming Hub in North Tees
Cat duo Gunther and Joey could be rehomed individually or as a pair!
They came from a house of 18 cats that had been left to interbreed, with very little human interaction. Due to this poor start in life, Gunther was very wary of humans in the beginning.
He is still a little reserved and will come forward for a stroke if the other foster cats do. Confident Joey, however, chases his foster carer for a stroke and loves to play with her own cat.
The RSPCA is looking for adult-only households for them to continue their progress, and they will need to be rehomed with another cat-friendly cat already present (or each other).
Sweet & Kind Patch, RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch
Four-year-old Patch, who has been left completely bald due to a severe skin allergy, is struggling to find a new home. But staff say he is a wonderful dog; sweet and kind, with so much love to give.
Patch was taken in by the RSPCA due to concerns about his condition when his previous owners couldn’t afford the cost of treatment to manage his allergies. He arrived at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch sore, itchy and uncomfortable.
Poor Patch has a severe allergy to dust mites and birch pollen, and his skin gets incredibly itchy and sore. Thankfully he has been responding well to his medication and his fur is even starting to grow back.
Patch loves the company of people so he’d like someone who is based at home and has lots of time to spend with him. He’s very playful and loves his toys; he often takes them out and carries them around on walks with him like a comforter.
He loves to snorkel for treats in the paddling pool and staff say he is one of the sweetest dogs they’ve ever had; he’s always getting up to playful antics and making them giggle.
Patch is quite the model and has his own wardrobe of special jumpers which he wears during the colder weather to keep him warm!
Patch’s new owners will need to be aware of the added costs of managing his allergies. His care plan can change from season to season and will depend on how his condition improves with time – but the team will help any potential adopters with this.
Potential adopters can visit the RSPCA’s Find A Pet webpage to see all of the animals currently in the charity’s care who are looking for their perfect match. Supporters can also help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling their donation line on 0300 123 8181.
