The Pet Rehoming Crisis: UK Pet Rescues Facing Alarming Rise in Pets with Behavioural Issues
April 2023 – A shock report has revealed that UK pet rescues are facing significant challenges in rehoming pets that are experiencing behavioural issues as a result of the pandemic. 72% of pet rescues have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cats and dogs with behavioural disturbances being brought to them over the past three years.
The survey conducted by Agria Pet Insurance presents an alarming picture for rescue centres and a concerning outlook for pet welfare.
The top behavioural problems that have been identified by rescue centres are:
1. Aggression towards people
2. Aggression towards other animals
3. Destructive behaviour
4. Separation-related issues
5. Soiling
The alarming statistics also reveal the financial burden on organisations that are already overstretched, with 28% of rescues having spent over £500 extra on pets exhibiting disordered behaviours.
The cost implications continue to increase with animals experiencing behavioural issues spending far longer in rescues than other animals. 96% of rescues stated that it takes longer to rehome these pets, and a delay of over a year, in finding a forever home, has been reported in 10% of cases.
Chris Laurence, Treasurer of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, says: “The pandemic and lockdown have had as much effect on the mental health of dogs as it has on their owners. Poor socialisation during lockdown, coupled with inexperienced owners, has and is having the long-term effect on animals’ behaviour that many in the behaviour and training sector feared.
“Many of those animals are now being relinquished and increasing the pressure on rehoming organisations already under strain from the inflation crisis. Behaviourists, too, are snowed under with requests for help from owners whose pets are becoming aggressive, or fear being left on their own. This all creates a perfect storm that is causing an animal welfare crisis.”
Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, says: “We have been very aware of this situation developing as the behaviourists and rescues we work with have predicted a behavioural crisis looming since 2020. While our rescue partners are absolutely committed to providing the necessary resources to help pets overcome their behavioural issues and find loving homes, we are keen to highlight that by working with an accredited behaviourist, many problems can be addressed to enable many of these pets to stay with their families.
“Through our focus on animal welfare, we are advocating greater awareness of the importance of responsible pet ownership. This includes regular training and socialisation to prevent behavioural issues from developing, which is an easier task outside of lockdown.”
Should your pet be exhibiting behavioural issues, it is recommended to seek professional help as early as possible. Early intervention can prevent problems from escalating and becoming harder to manage. You can find a list of accredited animal behaviourists on the Animal Behaviour and Training Council website, abtc.org.uk.
Visit for https://www.agriapet.co.uk/ more information.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
The Lucre Group
Agria@lucre.co.uk
About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal, equine, and agricultural insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.
In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Agria Pet Insurance Lifetime and Lifetime Plus policies for both dog and cat have been named a Which? Best Buy. Agria Pet Insurance is the UK’s Most Trusted Pet Insurance Provider, Fairer Finance, Spring 2021, one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2020, ranked by Great Places to Work®. Agria was also the winner of Pet Insurance Provider of the Year and Best Claims Service in the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards, two years in a row.
For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / www.kcinsurance.co.uk / www.gccfinsurance.co.uk.
