Cost-of-living crisis sees pet foodbanks open as owners struggle

17 February 2024 , 23:10

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Cofounders of the Pet Foodbank, Leigh Smith and Shelagh Savage (Image: Daily Mirror)

Foodbanks for pets are opening across the country as owners hit by the cost-of-living crisis struggle to afford their animals. More than eight in 10 people find it hard to pay for their pets, according to the RSPCA, and in the last two years, the price of pet food has rocketed by as much as 58%.

The Blue Cross has already set up six dedicated pet foodbanks and scores more are run independently. One, in Waltham Forest, East London, has helped almost 400 animals and their owners in just a year. It was set up by a group of friends including Shelagh Savage, 70, who told us: “We all run missing pet groups so were aware of the need for people to get help to keep their animals. So many pets were being surrendered because people can’t afford them.”

The volunteers at Waltham Forest Pet Food Bank (The Daily Mirror)

The volunteers, who operate out of Tesco in Highams Park, also provide accessories such as leads, beds and toys. Shelagh hopes more pet foodbanks will follow. She said: “There is nothing more heartbreaking than having to turn people who aren’t local away.” Alex Sarney, 38, is among the regulars. She has struggled to feed her dog Aiya since she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May.

Alex said: “I haven’t had to think about giving up Aiya and has this just alleviated so much stress, particularly with the cost of living. “They’re absolutely brilliant… so many people are benefiting from it. It’s done so sensitively so there is no shame in coming.” Louis Bastock, 28, has also become a familiar face since he first dropped in with his German Shepherd and Bichon Frise two months ago.

He said: “We don’t earn a lot so they have really helped me feed my dogs properly, maintaining them. It’s really good, we need more people like this.” People can be referred to the service by the council, charity or foodbanks. Tesco’s Cathy Scanlon, 59, who hopes to set up more banks at other branches, said: “I noticed people struggling not only with buying food for themselves but for pets.”

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Alex Sarney uses the Waltham Forest Pet Food Bank to care for her dog, Aiya (The Daily Mirror)

The RSPCA gives pet supplies to 160 regular food banks. Its pet foodbank coordinator Alison Fletcher said: “As animal lovers ourselves, we know how important it is to keep owners with their pets wherever possible. “Keeping them together during difficult times benefits both the owners and the animals’ wellbeing and also helps to tackle some of the strain on animal rescue centres.”

Cecilia Adamou