People who have had the give up beloved pets have told of how difficult it is, with one family saying it was “one of the hardest things” they have ever had to do.
It comes as the number of people who are unable to keep their furry friends soars across the country – and Sussex is no exception.
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, an animal rescue centre in Ringmer, near Lewes, has seen the number of surrender requests soar in recent years.
In the year to April 2024, the charity had 4,278 requests. The same time the previous year, it had 4,036, compared to the number of animals Raystede could take in the year to April 2020, which was 2,867.
The charity said a range of factors have impacted this, including the Covid pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Raystede has a wait list of hundreds of animals waiting to be taken in so they can be rehomed.
In light of World Animal Day on October 4, Miriam Dowding, operations manager at Raystede said: "Raystede has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals for over 70 years. The values and commitment to animal welfare that was shown by our founder back in 1952 still stand true today. However, the continuing effects of the animal welfare and cost of living crises mean that we have continued to see an increase in the number of animals we have been asked to take in.
“Our rescue centre services are stretched like never before as sadly, people are having to give up their much-loved animals in increasing numbers due to changes in their personal circumstances. In 2023/2024, we had over 4,200 requests to take in animals, a number not previously experienced.
“Coupled with the increasing numbers of animal surrender requests, we’ve also seen a slowdown in the number of adoptions too. This could be linked to the cost of living as we know that people are worried about the cost of pet ownership, plus we’ve seen more animals coming in with health and/or behavioural issues, also older animals and pairs – all of which tend to be harder to rehome.”
A family who had to give up a dog said: “It was one of hardest things we've ever done having to take our mum's dog to Raystede and they were our only choice. We would thoroughly recommend Raystede to anyone having to give up an animal or looking to re-home one.”
Surrenderers also told of their positive experiences with the charity.
“I just thank you and I know you will find them someone who can care for them better than I at the moment,” one person said.
“I would have no concerns about recommending you and when the time is right, and things are more settled I would adopt from Raystede. I think it was lovely too that I was told I could ring to see how they are - that really helps. Giving up an animal is the last thing anyone wants to do but I didn't feel judged.”
Another said: “What a wonderful place Raystede is. I can even call and find out how my dear cat is getting on. I know that he is getting all the veterinary treatment and good care, and I am so grateful. Thank you. It’s a relief but it doesn’t stop me missing him everyday.”
Raystede recommends that those who are considering finding a new home for their pets speak to an expert first.
There are many reasons why an animal’s behaviour may change and the charity recommends people get advice and guidance from an approved behaviourist or vet.
An adjustment in their care, routine or training can have positive results and may mean that you do not need to rehome your animal after all.
- To see pets up for adoption at Raystede, visit: https://www.raystede.org/adopt/
Once a pet has been handed over to Raystede, the team gets to know the animal to build a thorough assessment, including their individual likes, dislikes, habits, and requirements for their future home. This will include, for example, whether they could live with children or other animals, ability to be home alone and how long for, exercise requirements and accommodation.
Any potential adopter must meet the animal’s individual requirements. Raystede’s matching process uses questionnaires, interviews, photos, and home visits if necessary, to ensure an ideal match for both the animal and the adopter.
Amelia Thomas, rehoming manager at Raystede said: “Before you start the adoption process, we suggest researching the type of animal you want to adopt, you can find care guides for each animal type on our website, these will help you prepare for the commitment of owning an animal.
“Once you are ready, complete our online application form, telling us as much as possible about your lifestyle, experience and the type of animal you want to adopt. We’re always updating our website with new animals, photos and videos so it’s a good idea to check it regularly. While we know that while adopting from a rescue centre can take a little extra time and a bit of patience, the rewards are definitely worth it.”
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