The United Kingdom has a long history of being a pet-friendly nation. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, it is predicted that over 3.2 million households in the United Kingdom have adopted a pet. Even during the closure, the market for puppies soared to new heights, with some dogs fetching up to £10,000, more than five times their normal price. The cost of a cat has also jumped by far more than 40%.
Several new pet lovers have had trouble adapting to their new surroundings. As per pet rescue groups, the number of homeless pets has climbed by 20%, while requests for “animal discipline psychologists” have quadrupled.
Rabbits have been identified as the most prevalent source of “quarantine pet sorrow,” with 2/5 (42%) of owners questioning their decision during the pandemic.
“Adopting a pet is a huge commitment at any time, and individuals should consider and if they have the amount of time and money to properly care for that animal for the rest of their life,” says RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr. Samantha Gaines.
“Across the business, we’re seeing an increase in the number of animals abandoned and surrendered.” We are afraid that this situation will intensify as people return to work or face rising living costs.
“We believe that a lack of research before to adopting a pet, as well as a misunderstanding about the cost of pet ownership, are two of the most prevalent reasons people fail to properly care for their pets or abandon them.”
The most prevalent cause of pet neglect, according to a survey by RSPCA frontline rescuers, is pet care expenses, which include medical and grooming costs.
In things such as food, medical care, insurance, toys, and specialized equipment, pets might need some attitude advice and teaching.
We spoke to people who bought a pet throughout the pandemic to discover how the costs and advantages of owning a pet.
We interviewed the pet owners, and the results are presented below.
Nicole, 46, works for Hatfield’s aged care services as an assistant manager. In July 2020, Garry, her husband, was taken ill with a potential heart attack. “Because of Covid, I wasn’t allowed to join him in the ambulance or visit him in the hospital.” “Our kids were in bed, and in the morning, I told them that daddy was unwell, but that he’d be OK soon,” she continues.
“This was not the case, and two days later I got the dreaded phone call notifying me that he had died and that nothing could be done.”
While sitting On the sofa, watching TV alone at night, she was filled with grief and melancholy. Nicole had to tell their three children, ages nine, ten, and sixteen, about the situation. She continues, “Our whole universe came crumbling down.”
Nicole pays a groomer £25 every six to seven weeks to prevent her Maltipoo from getting matted and smelly since Maltipoos have little to no hair. “You have to with a breed like her.”